Bayelsa Govt vows to eject oil multinationals with no headquarters in Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State government on Sunday asked multinational oil companies with operations in the area to relocate their operational offices from Lagos, Port Harcourt and Warri to Yenagoa, the state capital, or quit the state.

The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kemasuode Wodu, said in Abuja the government took the decision in response to the discrimination suffered by its citizens at the hands of the oil companies.

According to the Commissioner, despite Bayelsa State’s contribution of oil and gas to the development of the country, the companies do not have their offices in the state capital.“It is worthy of note that crude oil was first produced in commercial quantities in Nigeria at Oloibiri in the present day Bayelsa State almost 60 years ago,” Mr. Wodu said.

He listed Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC), Chevron/Texaco Nigeria Limited and Conoil Nigeria Limited as some of the major oil companies operating in the state.He said while the companies have their operational facilities all over Bayelsa State from where they drill crude oil and gas, the offices are either in Lagos, Warri in Delta State, or Port Harcourt in Rivers State.

He said apart from coordinating and managing their operations, key management decisions, employments and contracts are made from these operational offices outside the state.“In these locations, they have very large state of the art modern office and residential complexes. Some of these estates are comparable to those available in the developed world, if not better.

Some of these structures are skyscrapers and some of these estates are built on tens of hectares of land,” he claimed.Besides, he said several other indigenous and multinational service companies have had to stay outside Bayelsa to enable them relate with these companies and their managers and Executives to secure businesses.

Apart from several other businesses that also follow these companies, the Commissioner said the hospitality industry and financial services sector, amongst others, are other major beneficiaries of the presence of the operational offices of these oil companies.He noted the benefits associated with the location of the oil companies, including the expansion of the economy of the area, revenue from employee income taxes to the state as well as taxes for the land and other company properties.

Besides, he said employees of those companies would also impact the economy of the area by either renting houses, buying land and building houses and estates as well as patronizing the local markets and supermarkets.“It is my view, with the greatest respect, that the foregoing situation legally amounts to discrimination against the people of Bayelsa State, contrary to the provisions of Section 42(1) of the Constitution,” Mr. Wodu said.

He said the African Charter on Human and Peoples Right prohibits discrimination against a people.The plight of the people of Bayelsa, Mr. Wodu said, has been aggravated by the fact that it is the state and its people that bear the brunt of the oil and gas operations in the country due to the environmental degradation by crude oil spills.“Our environment is in a grave state of devastation and despoliation. The companies do not carry out appropriate remediation of the degraded environment and neither is adequate compensation paid for the damage occasioned by the frequent spillages,” Mr. Wodu said.

Urging the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to invoke her powers and act to aid the economic and infrastructural development of the State, the Commissioner said the state has already set up a special committee of legal experts to take steps to compel the oil firms to relocate to the state.He said that when this was done, the internally generated revenue of the State would receive a boost for the State to be able to meet its responsibility of providing basic infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, motorable roads for the people of the State.

In the meantime, he said the state government would also interact with the companies to explore the possibility of achieving that objective without resorting to the legal process.He said the state government was ready to provide incentives, including land and Certificates of Occupancy, to encourage the companies agree to open their offices in the area.

Source...
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/170209-bayelsa-govt-vows-to-eject-oil-multinationals-with-no-headquarters-in-yenagoa.html

RE: BAYELSA GOVERNOR’S OFFICE TO GULP N33BN

The Bayelsa State Government has condemned in its entirety and described as mischievous, a news story; published in the Friday, 10 th of October, 2014 edition of Thisday entitled “Bayelsa New Governor’s office to gulpN33b”

A Government House statement has debunked the report as the figment of the imagination of the author and a clear misrepresentation of facts, as the project in question only costs the Bayelsa State Government N3. 8b as against the N33. 8b reported by the Thisday newspaper.

Describing the publication as a misrepresentation of facts and an attempt to tarnish the good image and the support enjoyed by the present administration in the State, the Government hereby advises journalists to always cross check their facts before going to the press.

Thisday is one of the highly respected newspapers in the country and it is sad to observe that, its correspondent that ought to know better, is feeding the unsuspecting public with tissues of lies.

The present administration in the State as regard for the media and that is why it always made public its activities, including the award of contracts.

It remains one the leading States in the country that has on monthly basis published its accounts, since the inception of the present administration under Governor Seriake Dickson.

The statement also wishes to debunk the claim by the newspaper that, the Governor’s collapsed, as there was no incident of such and again, is a calculated attempt to cover up the truth and give a bad image to the State Government.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State

EXECUTIVE RECKLESSNESS-Two NSCDC Officers Over Murder Of Boat Owner In Bayelsa

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, is once again in the eye of the storm after two of its officers were arrested for causing the death of a boat owner, Akunama Agunza.

For their alleged complicity in the murder of one Akunama Agunza, a 25-year-old boat owner, the Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested of two officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.

The two NSCDC officials are alleged to have conspired with some other unidentified persons in the incident that led to the drowning of the boat owner.

News reports have it that the deceased was allegedly arrested after he attempted to secure the release of his wooden boat impounded by the illegal bunkering task force set up by the Southern the Ijaw Local Government Area.

Agunza was also said to have hired out his boat to some youths, but the boat was used for illegal bunkering and got impounded and in his bid to secure the release of the boat led to his untimely death in controversial circumstances.

Spokesman for the deceased family, Silas Okiri, said the case was reported to Oporoma Police Station after the family discovered the decomposing body of Agunza along the Ofonigbene River in Southern Ijaw.

Okiri, who is the elder brother of the deceased, accused the two NSCDC personnel of complicity, stressing that they were unable to tell the family the whereabouts of the deceased while his mobile phones and boat were in their custody.

Source-http://pulse.ng/gist/executive-recklessness-two-nscdc-officers-over-murder-of-boat-owner-in-bayelsa-id3183063.html

Bayelsa Forum to Discuss Local Content

ORGANISERS of next month's Practical Nigerian Content (NPC) Forum, scheduled for Yenagoa in Bayelsa State have announced the lineup of speakers that will participate at the event.

The forum is scheduled for November 18-20.

Among speakers lined up for the fourth edition of the event include Seriake Dickson, the Bayelsa Executive Governor, and Diezani Alison-Madueke, the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

They will headline a list of speakers including Igo Weli (General Manager, Nigerian Content Development Companies), Antonio Pagano (Chairman Oil Producers' Trade Section) and Ernest Nwapa, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board.

Others include Ranti Omole (Chief Executive Officer/ Chairman OTC Committee, Radial Circle Group/ PETAN), Samuel Onyenwe (Community Relations Manager, Oando Energy Resources) and Taofik Adegbite, Chief Executive Officer of Marine Platforms.

Deborah Smith, spokesperson of the organisers, said at PNC, industry leaders would provide critical insights including how to ensure compliance with the Nigerian Content Act, whilst remaining competitive and driving their business forward in today's operating environment as well as how Nigerian stakeholders can capitalise on the opportunities that the Act provides.

They will hear from representatives across the value chain how they can maximise the potential of Nigerian Content.

The Bayelsa State Government is organising a Gala Dinner to offer a unique opportunity to rub shoulders with some of Nigerian Content's prominent thought leaders, trail blazers and regulators.

source-http://allafrica.com/stories/201410090459.html

Bayelsa Floats Firm to Provide 20,000 Jobs

Bayelsa State Government has incorporated a commercial security outfit, the Izon-Ibe Security Company Limited, to create 20,000 jobs for youths in the state.

This was announced in a statement on Thursday in Yenagoa by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Iworiso-Markson,

It named former President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Joshua Fumudoh, as Chairman of the company.

The company is expected to provide commercial security services and report all security-related matters on a daily basis in communities across the state.

"To be run as a well-structured and disciplined outfit, the company will generate about 20, 000 jobs for youths, who are expected to be deployed to various communities to carry out surveillance duties and monitor the critical infrastructure and assets of the government, the multinationals and other viable business concerns," it stated.

It added that the company's staff would also check cases of oil theft, pipeline vandalisation and other related crimes.

The statement noted that the operations of the new company would be useful and beneficial to both federal and state agencies, the multinational oil companies and other stakeholders.

It also listed other members of the company's Board as Geoffrey Yanga, a retired Rear Admiral, Governor Dickson's Special Adviser on Security Matters, Bernard Kenebai, Retired Major Lancelot Anyanya and IYC President, Eradiri Udengs, while Jephthah James would serve as the Managing Director.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201410031185.html

Tension in Bayelsa over alleged arrest of Dickson’s loyalists

The alleged ambition of a Senator representing Bayelsa State at the Sen­ate is creating tension in the state.

The senator said to be at the centre of the storm is allegedly interested in chal­lenging Dickson in 2016 governorship election. This is coming on the heels of a similar report linking anoth­er aide to the president who is also believed to be inter­ested in the 2016 governor­ship race to some unwholse­some activities.

While the senator was said to be leveraging on his closeness to Aso Rock, the presidential aide on his part reportedly claimed that the wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan had promised to deliver the seat to him. As part of his des­perate measures, the senator has been intimidating core loyalists of Dickson by using his connections at the Abuja headquarters of the Nigeria Police.

Already, a source said, four loyalists of the gov­ernor from Epie Kingdom have been arrested for ques­tioning by policemen from the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The source gave the names of the four persons arrested as Comrade Obadi­ah John, Mr. Oborku Oforji, Raymond Manifest and Aus­tin Eliot Sambo.

The senator was said to be uncomfortable that despite factionalising the pro-Dick­son group in Epie kingdom, key individuals with politi­cal influence had failed to join his camp.

The source said: “The senator is moving against people loyal to the governor using his influence at the federal level to get the police to hound these guys. What is interesting to know is that these boys are from Epie clan and he has succeeded in dividing their ranks to create two factions. He is hounding the leadership of critical groups in the clan. So, all these are part of his desperation to be governor as he continues to drop the name of the President. He is moving against the loyalists of the governor.”

The source said that the move was also aimed at coercing the arrested loyalists to abandon the governor and join the his camp.

“This is politics of in­timidation and it has started causing crisis in the king­dom. Though he is a senator, he is very far away from his people. His people don’t like him and that is why he is in­timidating them. The people he has induced their arrest are powerful in that kingdom. For instance, Com­rade Obadiah John is the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman. He is also the General Chairman, National CDC Forum, Epie Kingdom and the Protem Chairman, Epie Youth. He is reputed to be in control of 17 youth groups in Epie Kingdom. So, he is very influential.

SOURCE; http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=84725

Bayelsa Govt Orders Agip to Shut down Facility over Spill

Following an oil spillage in its facilities in Ayarabele and Kalaba communities in the Orkordia Clan of Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa, the state government has ordered the closure of an oil facility belonging to the Nigeria AGIP Oil Company, a subsidiary of the Italian oil giant, ENI Spa.

The state government in a statement by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Inuro Wills, stated that the decision to order the closure was based on the need to allow a special investigative team to tackle the spill from the facility.

Wills stressed that the closure and subsequent investigation was triggered by the intolerable frequency of oil and gas spillage in the state and “the grave consequences it portends for the people and communities has necessitated the setting up of the team.

“Following the recent gas spillages, which occurred on September 4 at a facility operated by the NAOC in the two communities, the ministry has asked the company to temporarily shut down operations in the facility.”

Meanwhile, the state government has announced that a meeting between the leadership of the impacted communities, the officials of the state government and the NAOC have been fixed to discuss the incidence of spillage, “to determine to use the recent Ayamabele and Kalaba gas spill to signal the start of the state government programme of rapid and sustained environmental protection and enforcement.”  

SOURCE; http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/bayelsa-govt-orders-agip-to-shut-down-facility-over-spill/189279/

Bayelsa urges NCCT to develop local content on ICT

Bayelsa State Government yesterday urged the National Council of Communication Technology (NCCT) to develop Information Communication Technology (ICT) local content to strengthening ICT infrastructure in the country.

Governor Seriake Dickson stated this in Yenagoa, while declaring open the 3rd regular meeting of the NCCT in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology and the state government with the theme, “Mainstreaming ICT in National Development: Moving from Talk to Action.”

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (retd), Governor Dickson attributed the under-development of local industries to the over-dependence on the importation of software and hardware, which he said had inhibited the growth of domestic economic opportunities as well as capacity building.

He urged members of the council to deliberate on broadband download performance, development of ICT in governance to promote accountability and efficiency as well as networking with major ICT companies.

While expressing optimism that the highlights in the agreement between the Bayelsa State and Federal Ministry of Communication Technology would be addressed in view of the economic benefits to both parties, the governor appealed to the council to discourage free access to what he referred to as, unholy websites by youths, saying it would affect their moral standards.

In her remarks, the Minister for Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, said each state should hold ICT workshops, with the objective of creating awareness about the opportunities for youths.

Johnson, who said with the support of the Rockefeller Foundation, the mnistry would commence an ICT programme in all the 36 states, noted that about 500 to 1,000 youths would be trained in each state, adding that on completion of the training, the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology would in collaboration with state governments establish a monitoring framework to assess revenue generated and jobs created from the programme.

Also speaking, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Science and Technology and Manpower Development, Deacon Ndutimi Komonibo, expressed the hope that Bayelsa would become a global ICT hub, when the MoU it signed with the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology and Broadband Council was concretized to make the state one of the smart states initiative.

SOURCE; http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=81944

Bayelsa PDP accuses politicians of undermining Dickson

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, Sam Inokoba, has accused Abuja-based politicians from the state of working against the government of Governor Seriake Dickson.

Apparently referring to the National Assembly members from the state, he equally blamed them for the seeming frosty relationship between Dickson and President Goodluck Jonathan.

Inokoba, a retired army colonel, made the accusation in a statement at the weekend in Yenagoa while reacting to a national newspaper’s (not Daily Independent) report captioned: ‘First Lady’s ploy to hijack Bayelsa, Rivers thickens’.

He described the Abuja-based politicians from the state as “disgruntled and misguided elements” who want “to turn the state into a theatre of war”.

The PDP chairman said they could not be stocking political fire from outside in a bid to score cheap political points.

He said the party and the Bayelsa public know their antecedents, stressing that the people were now wiser.

Inokoba said the PDP would resist any attempt by the Abuja-based politicians to destabilise the government of Dickson and create crisis in the state.

“The PDP in Bayelsa State will resist any attempt by disgruntled and misguided elements to turn the state to a theatre of war. They cannot be throwing stones from outside, all in the name of playing politics.

“We know their antecedents and so do everybody in the state. People are now wiser. The era of political thuggery is over in the state for good.

“We, therefore, call on all party faithful in the state and indeed all Bayelsans to disregard and ignore the move by mischief makers especially at this season of heightened political activities to disrupt the existing peace and harmony in the state”, he said.

Source; http://dailyindependentnig.com/2014/09/bayelsa-pdp-accuses-politicians-undermining-dickson/

My posting to Bayelsa not political – CP

New Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Valentine Uzo Ntomchukwu, has dispelled insinuation that he was posted to the state for political reason. Speculation was rife that Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of the President, influenced his appointment to allegedly execute 2015 election for the President. Ntomchukwu, who resumed duty on Monday as the new police helmsman in the state, however, insisted that he was not in the state for political reasons but to discharge his duties professionally.

 The new commissioner replaced Mr. Hilary Opara, who has since been appointed Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Finance and Administration. Ntomchukwu said, “I have not read it. I don’t think I have come for political reason. I have told you that I have not read the report you are referring to. “I heard somebody saying something like that. This is a figment of the imagination of the reporter.” 

The commissioner said Bayelsa is a strategic state in Nigeria, noting that it is a maritime state as well as the home state of Mr. President. He added, “I want to say that Bayelsa State is a strategic state. Specific in the sense that, everyone of you know the President hails from Bayelsa State and Bayelsa is also geographically located in such a way that three quarters of its landmass is occupied by water. “There is problem in terms of riverine policing. So we are going to concentrate on riverine policing particularly this time that we are going for elections”.

 He called on the members of the public and the press to support his administration for effective policing, adding that his lieutenants would police the state professionally without any form of favouritism. “We are going to concentrate on reducing crime and criminality. We are not going to give political thugs and rascals chance in the state. We are going to ensure that there is law and order to ensure the state is safe for the coming general elections”, Ntomchukwu stated.

Source - See more at: http://nigerianpilot.com/my-posting-to-bayelsa-not-political-cp/#sthash.8ePI2OUB.dpuf

YOUTHS INVADE CHEVRON OIL FACILITY OVER COMPENSATION

There was security breach in the sleepy  Koluama community of Southern Ijaw Local Government area of Bayelsa State following the invasion and shutting down of the Chevron Oil Platform by youths over the refusal of the company to pay adequate compensation for January 2012 KS Endeavour rig fire disaster in the area.

Niger Delta Herald  gathered that the armed soldiers guarding the Oil facility ,identified as the Chevron's North Apoi platform,were taken by surprise by the irate youths.
The youths,from the thirteen host communities, stormed the offshore facility on Sunday at about 11am and were yet to vacate the facility at the press time.

The elders and chiefs from the Chevron host communities had in a meeting held late last month had warned that failure by the company pay compensation and carry out mitigation measure to restore the devastated environment, would lead to shut shut down of the entire Funiwa oil field.

The host communities comprising Koluama I &II , Sangana, Fishtown, Ezetu I & II, Forupa, Ekeni, Bilabiri, Amatu, Bisangbene and old Ekeni are protesting among others the alleged refusal of Chevron to pay compensation for the January fire outbreak at the offshore rig which lasted about 46 days with its attendant environmental, health and economic damage.

The youths noted with regret the refusal of the company to pay adequate compensation for the alleged colossal environmental devastation that has kept their people in pain, sickness, poverty, hunger and death of some of the natives.

"The deliberate refusal of Chevron and relevant authorities to carry out environmental impact assessment and mitigation has brought misery to our people.

"The drill rig explosion is the cause of the ocean surge which had wiped away several of our communities, destroyed properties worth billions of naira and consistently hindered our lifestyle," a community source said.

The youths, who are demanding shoreline protection for the troubled communities, according to the Secretary of Koluama II Comrade Leghemo Ebrasin Stephen, resorted to taking over the facility due to failure of the company carry out mitigation measure to restore the devastated environment and pay adequate compensation to the impacted communities.

Source:http://www.nigerdeltaheraldonline.com/coverpage/157-youths-invade-chevron-oil-facility-over-compensation

Dickson ,Ex-Militant Leaders Clash Over Peace Day Celebration

Yenagoa — The refusal of Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, to mark the Peace Day festival of the state, is generating bad blood between him and ex-militant leaders, Daily Independent has gathered.

The Peace Day is usually celebrated on August 22 every year to commemorate the day ex-militants from the state gathered at the Peace Park, Yenagoa, to surrender their arms and ammunition.

The disarmament which led to the return of peace in the Niger Delta region was in compliance with the amnesty for the Niger Delta militants proclaimed by the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.

Militant leaders from the state were said to have submitted the largest cache of arms and ammunition in the region on August 22, 2009.

While the former governor of the state, Timipre Sylva, was said to have celebrated the day religiously before leaving office, the administration of Dickson has reportedly shown indisposition towards the Peace Day.

Investigation showed that the previous Peace Day was spectacular as colourful Peace Walk, Miss Peace Beauty Pageant were among the activities even as notable ex-militant leaders from the region were recognized.

It was gathered that efforts by the ex-militant leaders to get the present government to honour the Peace Day had hit a brick wall.

Sources said the ex-creek warlords were not happy that Dickson had not organised the annual celebration since he became the governor of the state in 2012.

Some notable ex-militant leaders from the state are Ebikabowei Victor Ben (Boyloaf), Eris Paul (Oguboss), Pastor Reuben and General Africa.

It was learnt that the ex-militant leaders were particularly not finding it funny as they had vowed that the development could jeorpadise the governor's second term bid.

An impeccable source close to the ex-creek warlords said they were wondering why the governor had been hosting all kinds of international events while refusing to mark the Peace Day.

The source said, "The Peace Day is significant in the history of the state, Niger Delta and Nigeria. The historic disarmament exercise on August 22, 2009 at the Peace Park was not a mere charade of fanfare.

"We are not happy that the governor has ignored this important day since he came into office.

"We observe that the state has wasted a lot of MONEY on international events while at the same time ignoring our home-grown celebrations.

"Dickson should demonstrate that he is a grassroot politician by identifying with our local celebration, otherwise, we may be forced to reconsider our support for him".

http://allafrica.com/stories/201409150079.html

PDP Describes Media Reports On Political Situation As Mischief

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Bayelsa state has described as the handiwork of mischief makers, the recent report captioned, ‘First Lady’s Ploy to Hijack Bayelsa, Rivers Thickens’ published by one of the leading national newspapers in the country.

Describing the PDP in Bayelsa State, as a formidable family, the party in a statement maintained that, the report is a calculated attempt at disrupting the existing peace and cordial relationship between the first family and the party in the State, including Governor Seriake Dickson, who has remained resolute in his commitment and pursuit in promoting an all-inclusive, peaceful and stable polity in the state.

“Governor Seriake Dickson remains the leader of the party and we are not aware of any plan of any person or group of persons to hijack the structure of the party from him.

According to the statement, “there is cordial relationship between the President and the Governor contrary to the report being orchestrated by some elements that, do not mean well for the state.”

It further noted that, to demonstrate its support for the President and the Governor, the leadership of the party at the state level recently passed a vote of confidence on the two of them.

The party therefore, wondered why “some people somewhere are working in the opposite direction, when everybody, including Governor Dickson is working towards returning the President come 2015.

The statement adds that, the idea of using the media to fly unnecessary kites is not good for the image of the state, the First family and even the Governor, stressing that, whoever has anything to offer the state, should come forward, when the time comes and not to overheat the polity.

“The PDP in Bayelsa State will resist any attempt by disgruntled and misguided elements to turn the state to a theatre of war. They cannot be throwing stones from outside, all in the name of playing politics.
“We know their antecedents and so do everybody in the state. People are now wiser. The era of political thuggery is over in the state for good.We therefore, call on all party faithfuls in the state and indeed all Bayelsans to disregard and ignore the move by mischief makers, especially at this season of heightened political activities to disrupt the existing peace and harmony in the state.

“What should be of paramount concern to everybody in the state, is how to deliver President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 election and not this kindergarten politics being played by some people.

Signed:
Col. Sam Inokoba, Rtd
Chairman, PDP, Bayelsa State. 

SOURCE:http://www.spyghana.com/pdp-describes-media-reports-political-situation-mischief/

Nigeria Bar Association, Councillors' Forum Bestow Awards on Governor Dickson

The transparent and accountable leadership style of the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon Seriake Dickson has continued to earn him awards from reputable organisations and individuals both within and outside the country.

The latest came from the National body of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), which members unanimously conferred on the governor an award of excellence in recognition of his developmental strides in Bayelsa and services to humanity in general.

Presenting the award to Governor Dickson at the 44th Session of the state executive council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Kemasuode Wodu, who received it on behalf of the governor, said the conferment was made at the just-concluded NBA conference at Owerri in Imo State.

Barr Wodu, who handed over two awards to the governor, explained that the Association of lawyers of the old Eastern Region comprising nine states, including Bayelsa had earlier conferred a similar award on Hon. Dickson in one of their conferences about two months ago.

According to him, " At the just concluded conference in Owerri, Imo State, the NBA acknowledged and recognised the selfless service you have been rendering to the state, to humanity, your developmental strides and even your accountability to the people you govern. Your Excellency, the Association in that wise presented an Award of Excellence to you, which I had the opportunity of receiving on your behalf. I have the award here and with your permission, may I present that award to you, Sir.

"Similarly, the association of lawyers of the old Eastern Region including Bayelsa, which I had the privilege of serving as its chairman before handing over some three years ago. The NBA is now based on regions informally. So, that is one of the regions and in one of their conferences, two months ago an award was presented in recognition of your contributions to the development of Bayelsa State and humanity", he said.

In the same vein, the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria at its sixth national convention in Minna, the Niger State capital identified itself with the achievements of the Dickson-led administration, bestowing on him, the awarding of the Best Governor in Grassroots Development and Truthful Leadership.

Handing over the award to Governor Dickson in Government House, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State chapter of the Forum, Mr Tonkumo Igoniwari, described the governor as focused, prudent and purposeful in piloting the affairs of the state for the period he has been in the saddle of leadership.

Responding, Governor Dickson expressed gratitude to the organisations for honouring him, and dedicated the awards to the members of the Restoration team and the good people of the state.

Earlier, declaring open the expanded executive council meeting, which had permanent secretaries of the various ministries in attendance, Hon Dickson urged them to work in harmony with their respective commissioners in the formulation and implementation of government's policies and programmes.

His words: " This is an enlarged executive council meeting for a specific purpose. Most of you, who have not been part of Exco, do not know how we go about the business of managing public expenditures in this government. Last two months I made a statement that, I thought the time has come for us to have in audience our permanent secretaries, who are the heads of the bureaucracies.

" I wanted them to be with us and have a feel of what we go through month after month as we try to appropriate scarce resources, so that you do not misunderstand your commissioners and all of you also do not misunderstand the state leadership."

- See more at: http://bayelsa.gov.ng/portal/media-centre/news-events/950-nigeria-bar-association-councillors-forum-bestow-awards-on-governor-dickson#sthash.qtCvVfXs.dpuf- See more at: http://bayelsa.gov.ng/portal/media-centre/news-events/950-nigeria-bar-association-councillors-forum-bestow-awards-on-governor-dickson#sthash.qtCvVfXs.dpuf

NEW POLLING UNITS: Jega is biased, he should be sacked – Bayelsa Development Forum

Elders from Bayelsa State under the auspices of  Bayelsa Development Forum on Tuesday demanded the removal of  Prof. Attahiru Jega, chairman Independent National Electoral Commission over the controversial new polling units. They accused Jega of ethno-religious bias for allocating 21,615 to his northern region and 8, 412 to the entire South.

The angry elders in a statement signed by their Chairman, Chief Thompson Okorotie; Secretary, Mr. Talford Ongolo and deputy Chairman, Chief A. Aduba, said they were no longer comfortable with INEC, according to report from The Punch “It is the duty of the chairman and indeed INEC to provide a level-playing field for elections to be free, fair and credible.

“After critical examination of the facts involved, we have no alternative but to demand the removal of Prof. Attahiru Jega as INEC Chairman. “Allocating 21,615 polling units for the north and 8,412 polling units for the south is a clear indication of a northern agenda, the scripts of which Prof. Jega plans to implement.”

The elders said the development had further proved that the last permanent voters’ registration exercise, which they said was fraught with denials and deprivation of voters in the south, had northern agenda. They said in Bayelsa State, a large chunk of eligible voters were denied access to the permanent voters’ registration exercise.

They called on INEC to suspend any plan to create additional polling units in the interest of equity and justice. 

Read more at: http://www.today.ng/news/new-polling-units-jega-is-biased-he-should-be-sacked-bayelsa-development-forum/

Skill centre: FG threatens to revoke Bayelsa contract

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Steve Oru, has threatened to revoke the contracts for two of the nine skill acquisition centres in the Niger Delta over poor and delayed contract execution.

The two contracts are the Skill Acquisition Centre in Otuke, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and the one for Ibeno in Akwa Ibom State awarded for N3.4bn.

The companies involved in the execution of the contract for the two centres are Stegis International Agencies Nigeria Limited, Salem Cat Limited, Enorasol International Limited, Ogbosite International Limited,  El-Hanen Ventures Limited, Verity Concept Limited, Y.S. Associates Limited

The Otuoke Centre is expected to be a centre for the training of youths in oil and gas, maritime studies, Information and Communication Technology and how to assemble Ipad and mobile telephone on completion.

The Minister summoned the contracting firms to his office and lambasted them for shoddy execution of the contracts for the centres which according to him, lacked the appropriate supervision.

He told the two contractors that the level and quality of job done on the centres was too poor to be acceptable to the Federal Government.

The aggrieved minister issued a two-month ultimate to the contractor handling the Otuoke Centre and a six month period of grace to the firm handling the Ibeno Centre to complete the project or face the ire of the government.

Oru said that his observations during an inspection tour of the projects was rather disappointing and conflicted with the impression created that the projects were ready for commissioning.

He stressed the present state of the centre contradicted the impression created by the handover notes to him at the ministry that the Otuoke project would be commission soon.

“The impression we had before the visit were of Otuoke being ready for commissioning by the President at any given date and that this would be followed by the commissioning of Ibeno.

“But contrary to what we had on paper in the office here when I was being briefed, we were in state of shock by what we saw first at Otuoke which we thought was already fully completed.

“I think our findings show clearly poor execution of jobs by most contractors and untidiness of sites. We observed poor finishing of jobs and very poor supervision by consultants.

“So in totality it is a tail of poor job executions which resulted in disappointments and jobs being executed in substandard and unacceptable manner.”

The Minister who urged the contractors to take a second look at their approach to the execution of government jobs said that adequate attention would be given to ensure a thorough scrutiny of all previous certificates presented by the contractors as a corrective measure.

 Speaking also, the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Dairus Ishaku, who also blamed the contractors for poor execution of the contracts, noted that the jobs would have been completed if the contractors had done what was expected of them.

He said that it was not conceivable for the contractors to cite the terrain and wheather as the reason for doing shoddy jobs.

However, the Chairman of one of the firms, Salem Cat, Mr Austin Uloho, who defended the firms attributed the delay in the execution of the contract to poor funding.

Source; http://www.punchng.com/news/skill-centre-fg-threatens-to-revoke-bayelsa-contract/

Bayelsa takes Ebola campaign to corps members

The Seriake Dickson administration in Bayelsa State has taken its sensitisation and awareness campaign against Ebola Virus Disease to the National Youth Service Corps members in the state.

On Tuesday, the government team led by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ayibatonye Owei went to the Kaiama Orientation Camp in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.
Owei warned the corps members against making contacts with persons showing symptoms of the virus.

Owei also appealed to the corps members to be vigilant, saying they should look out for persons showing symptoms of the disease and to avoid contact with them.

Explaining the Ebola virus and its deadly nature, the commissioner asked the youths to join other Nigerians in “fighting the disease like a wounded lion.”

He told the corps members that all Nigerians that had shown symptoms of the disease were  persons who had direct contacts with the late Liberian-American, Patrick Sawyer.

He, however said the fear of Ebola should not affect interpersonal relationship among the corps members since the virus could only be transmitted by persons showing its symptoms.

“It can only be transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person. It is one of the conditions that can easily be prevented. When the person is not sick, he is not capable of transmitting it,” Owei said.

He said corps members must avoid secretions of sick persons and maintain high level of personal hygiene.
He said the task force had distributed sanitisers, washing soap and water across the camp and appealed to the youths to always wash their hands.

“We are not saying that you shouldn’t shake hands but don’t do it with sick people. Don’t eat bush meat because some of them are carriers. Ensure that any meat you eat is well-cooked,” he said.

He said the National Council of Health had cancelled the movement of dead bodies from one place to another.
Owei, who described the corps members as the foot soldiers, asked them to carry Ebola message to other parts of the state.

In his remarks, the State Coordinator, NYSC, Mr. Ekeocha Anthony, told the corps members that the Ebola virus was deadlier than the HIV/AIDS.

Source; http://www.punchng.com/news/bayelsa-takes-ebola-campaign-to-corps-members/

Bayelsa moves to immortalise Gen. Azazi

In order to immortalise the late General Owoye Azazi, Bayelsa State Government has instituted an endowment fund with the sum of N5 million in the National Defence College, Abuja for the purpose of establishing an Award for Outstanding Academic Performance in the College. 

Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah(rtd), at the weekend presented the draft on behalf of Governor Seriake Dickson during the graduation ceremony of course 22 at the National Defence College, Abuja.

 According to Rear Admiral Jonah, the endowment fund was made in appreciation and remembrance of the immense contributions of the late General Azazi not only to Bayelsa State but also to the Nigerian nation when he was alive. He, therefore, urged the National Defence College to open a dedicated fixed deposit account with the money so that the accruing interest will continue to serve and sustain the purpose of instituting the endowment fund.

 In his response, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Patrick Agholor, thanked the State Government for taking concrete steps to immortalize one of its illustrious sons, stressing that the collaboration between the College and the State Government will continue to flourish in the years ahead. It would be recalled that the State Government pledged to immortalize the late General Azazi during his burial by instituting a prize for Outstanding Academic Performance at the National Defence College.

 - See more at: http://nigerianpilot.com/bayelsa-moves-to-immortalise-gen-azazi/#sthash.hKl4Vsvy.dpuf
SOURCE; http://nigerianpilot.com/bayelsa-moves-to-immortalise-gen-azazi/

Bayelsa: Group Seeks End to FMC Workers Strike

The Campaign for Democratic and Workers' Rights (CDWR) in Bayelsa State has called on the management of Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Yenagoa to meet the demands of its striking workers without any further delay.

The health workers under the banner of Joint Health Sector Unions at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), had embarked on strike after an initial three-day warning strike, demanding payment of outstanding promotion arrears. However, the refusal of the management of FMC Yenagoa to pay promotion arrears and other outstanding allowances, currently being enjoyed at other FMCs, made the strike inevitable.

The group in solidarity with the health workers on their ongoing indefinite strike action urged the Nigeria Labour Congres (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state to compel manangement of FMC to pay workers their allowances.

“We call on the management of FMC Yenagoa to meet the demands of the striking workers without any further delay. We commend the workers for organising mass actions and not reducing the strike a sit-at-home strike action. We call for the solidarity of the Nigeria Labour Congres (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Bayelsa and the entire trade union movement to throw their weight behind the struggle of the workers.

“We argue further that only a democratic socialist political and economic solution can sustainably guarantee the interests of workers. This is why CDWR supports the ongoing initiative to build the Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) and call on workers to join the SPN today,”  the group stated.

Source;http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/bayelsa-group-seeks-end-to-fmc-workers-strike/186737/

I was once ashamed of Bayelsa, says commissioner

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, has said he was hitherto ashamed of the state for glaringly lacking physical development.

Ewhrudjakpor said the state could hardly boast of development infrastructure especially among the comity states in the South-South region.

He bared his mind while addressing newsmen in Yenagoa after his weekly inspection of on-going projects embarked upon by the Governor Seriake Dickson-led administration.

The commissioner said it was at the first BRACED Commission meeting in Asaba that shame overwhelmed him, as the state could not showcase anything.

He said there were now sufficient reasons for him to beat his chest as the state government had invested massively in infrastructure development.

“I was ashamed when we had our first BRACED Commission meeting in Asaba. Now, we can boast that we have a flyover, but Delta State is only building now. Edo and Cross River states don’t have any. These states were all created long before ours’, Ewhrudjakpor said.

According to him, the massive investment in infrastructure was to open up the state for rapid development, adding that the state had lagged behind in development.

“The governor has sworn that he wants to make Bayelsa the Dubai of Africa. So, we are investing massively in infrastructure because we have a deficit in that area”, he said.

The commissioner, who had on his entourage some staff of the ministry, labour leaders, civil society activists, government officials and politicians as well as journalists, inspected several projects in the state capital.

The projects include the Onopa Villa and Resort, the state Museum and Archives Centre, New Governor’s Office complex, the Diagnostics Centre at the 500-bed Hospital, residential quarters for medical personnel, fly over, Outer Yenagoa Ring Road, the Tower Hotel, Isaac Boro Road, among other road projects.

Source: http://dailyindependentnig.com/2014/08/ashamed-bayelsa-says-commissioner/

Ebola: Adadevoh‎ saved Nigeria from disaster – FG

The Federal Government has ‎commended Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh‎, bravery, commitment and patriotism in restraining the Liberian American, Late Patrick Sawyer‎, from escaping from First Consultant Hospital, Lagos where he was being treated for Ebola.

This is even as it has disclosed that the sum of N200 million has been released to the Lagos State Government to support its efforts in tackling the ebola virus disease‎.

‎It has also disclosed that the United States government in support of Federal Government’s efforts has donated  30 body scanners that would soon be deployed to major entry and exist points across the country.

‎Adadevoh‎ died Tuesday evening from complications arising from contracting the Ebola virus disease‎ from Sawyer, while treating him.

Addressing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Health Onyeabuchi Chukwu alongside the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, said but for Adadevoh’s commitment and vigilance, Sawyer would have escaped and infected several primary contacts which would have been difficult to trace.

‎Chukwu who‎ briefed Council on the latest development as regards the Ebola virus ddisease and the country’s efforts to eliminate the disease, said comprehensive efforts have been deployed to eliminate the virus within the nation’s borders with the support of the President.

He said currently, ‎ Nigeria has had a total number of 12 case of Ebola including the index case,  Sawyer. According to him among the 12 are 11 Nigerians who were primary contacts with the one  index case.

He said:  “Of this 12, the total number of successful cases who have been discharged stands at five but the total number of deaths including the index case stands at five. Currently, the total number of cases in Nigeria are two, made up of one doctor, one nurse who had managed the index case and they are presently on treatment at the isolation centers.

Source;http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=77955

Dickson’s Antidote To Kidnapping, Sea Piracy In Bayelsa

When in the space of three weeks, five high profile cases of kidnapping were recorded in Bayelsa State, the Seriake Dickson administration had to develop an antidote and reached out to ex-militant leaders and the state security apparatus to assist and stop the ugly trend.

While the leadership of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) insisted that the antidote being proposed with the setting up of a Task Force on Waterway Security, headed by the former deputy leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, popularly known along the creeks as Boyloaf, may not be the solution to violent crimes along the waters of the state, others, including the special adviser to the governor on security, Col. Bernard Kenebai argued that the setting up of the Task Force, coupled with the strengthening of the Marine Component of the State Special Security outfit, Door Akpo, may be the solution needed at this time to end crimes along the creeks.

The 11-man special task force, made up of notable leaders among the coalition of ex-militant leaders, including Osei Clever as vice chairman, Tony Ekisa, Pastor Reuben Wilson, Ayibatari Odio, Alalebo West, Ibarakumo Otobo, Daubiri Samba, Chiefson O. Chiefson, Etai Daniel and Pius Andabai Wariyai, is expected to secure creeks and waterways in the state against violent crimes.

The task force, which came barely few days after the coalition of ex-militant leaders in the state assisted men of the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to secure the release of three high profile victims, including the 90-year-old mother of Senator Emmanuel Paulker and the younger brother of the speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Kombowei Benson, is expected to tackle the rising incidence of kidnapping, sea piracy, illegal bunkering and oil pipeline vandalism in recent times in the state.

Governor Dickson, who expressed deep concern over the rising cases of insecurity in the waterways, called on community leaders, youths and the general public to be vigilant and cooperate with the special task force as well as the various security agencies to flush out the perpetrators of criminal activities in the waters.

Meanwhile, Governor Dickson has also approved the setting up of a Special Marine Component of the State Security outfit known as Door Akpor. The marine component is expected to be headed by a serving naval officer from the state.

According to the governor, the date for the inauguration of the special task force and the leadership of Operation Door Akpor Marine will be announced later, with both bodies to function under the direct supervision and coordination of the special adviser to the governor on security matters, Colonel Bernard Kenebai (rtd).

The constitution of the new Task Force on Waterways Security was based on the effort of the ex-militant leaders who intervened in the rising cases of kidnapping in the state and assisted the men of the State Police Command to secure the release of three high profile victims including a British expatriate working for Conoil Nigeria Limited.

The intervention of the ex-militant leaders under the aegis of the South-South Regional Peace Advocacy Group, and the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative (LPCDI), led by General (Pastor) Reuben Wilson led to the release of the three victims within five days.

Aside from the British oil worker, the ex-militants in conjunction with the State Police Command and the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, rescued the 90-year-old mother of the senator representing Bayelsa Central senatorial district, Senator Paulker and the younger brother of the speaker of the State House of Assembly, Iniokpeomi Benson.

Confirming the role of the ex-militants in the successes recorded last week, the special adviser to the governor on security, Col. Kenebai, said though the role of the ex-militants was that of intelligence on location, the offer of assistance to the state and the police was commendable, adding, “they offered to help and it was a success. The swift response of the state security apparatus is commendable.”

The national coordinator of LPCDI, General Wilson, who threw more light on the role played by ex-militant leaders in the rescue of the three kidnapped victims, said it was part of their required service for peace and security in the region.

According to Wilson, the ex-freedom fighters liaised with the state security agencies including the police in the area of intelligence gathering which led to pressure on the abductors and the abandonment of the abducted woman at a fishing camp in Azuzuama community of Southern Ijaw local government area of the state.

He commended the state government and the security agencies in the state for giving them the opportunity to serve and assist in the rescue operation of the octogenarian.

The ex-freedom fighters also condemned the rising cases of sea piracy and other violent crimes along the waterways and creeks of Southern Ijaw local government area, calling on the indigenes of the coastal communities to assist security agencies in stemming the ugly tide.

According to the ex-freedom fighters, they are ready to work with security agencies in the state to check sea piracy and other crimes along the waterways and creeks of the state.

Indigenes of the coastal communities have, however, continued to commend the state government for the recent constitution of an 11-man special task force to ensure adequate security of lives and property on the waterways in the state.

Residents of some of the communities where cases of sea piracy, kidnapping and pipeline vandalism were on the increase, expressed relief that security would further be strengthened when the marine component of the state security outfit, Operation Door Akpor becomes operational.

According to Mr Ebiakpo James from Ekeremor local government area, incidents of sea piracy, bunkering, and other related vices would be reduced to the barest minimum with the policing of the creeks and waterways by the task force.

He particularly praised the government for the choice of membership of the task force, which is drawn from experienced persons, who have deep knowledge of the creeks and rivulets criss-crossing the state and have been working closely with security personnel in checking pipeline vandalism and other acts of criminality.

Also in her commendation, Mrs Ebiendu Philip expressed joy that commuters, particularly traders would feel safe to travel on the waterways with their wares, noting that sea piracy and hostage taking have had adverse effects on socio-economic activities in the area.

Mrs Biobelemoye Telimoye and Mr Meindiyo Baralate, who observed that the inaccessibility of the creeks in the hinterlands has remained a major factor contributing to the incessant cases of criminal activities, expressed optimism that with the ongoing construction of the Ogbia-Nembe road, life would be a lot easier for residents of Nembe, Brass and Akassa areas in the state.

They said, “In the absence of security, there will be no meaningful development either from the public or private sector and social and economic activities will come to a standstill.”