DICKSON DESCRIBES ISRAEL AS A DEPENDABLE FORCE IN GLOBAL AFFAIRS

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has described the State of Israel as a dependable force in global affairs, calling on it to rally round nations plagued by terror and evil.

Describing Israel as a nation loved by God, Governor Dickson while receiving the Israeli Ambassador to the Country, Mr. Uriel Palti on a courtesy visit in Yenagoa, said it is imperative for the Country to lead by example to demonstrate to the world that it is indeed a Godly nation.

According to him, “Israel as a nation loved by God should also know their God. Israel should lead by example to demonstrate to the world that it is indeed a Godly nation and it must rally other nations of the world to show forth God’s abiding love and faithfulness to a world plagued by terror and evil.

“You have a lot of experience.  Your history teaches you how to confront terrorism. Your history teaches you resilience; you are what you are today by the grace of God and the goodwill of humanity. These are virtues and experiences that Israel should deploy to assist other nations, who want to leverage on its vast experience and resilience in tackling issues of terrorism and related vices. That is why I said earlier that Israel is indeed a force for good in our world. “Our country Nigeria will continue to explore these virtues as we move on”

Governor Dickson, who said the state was currently partnering with some Israeli businessmen in the area of agriculture, described Bayelsa as a peaceful and preferred investment as well as tourism destination in the continent.

In his remarks, the Israeli ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Uriel Palti condemned the act of terrorism, especially the kidnap of over 200 schoolgirls in the North eastern part of the country.

He, thereby, called for their immediate release, assuring the government of the support of the state of Israel at putting to an end the acts of terrorism in the country.

Mr. Palti lauded Governor Dickson for his developmental strides in the state, expressing the willingness of his home country to collaborate with Bayelsa in the area of security and other sectors of the economy.     

He disclosed that the leadership of his country is looking forward to receiving Governor Dickson on a visit this year.

Later, at an event tagged, “Celebrating Israel in Bayelsa,” Governor Dickson and his wife, Rachel was presented with two different awards by the visiting Israeli ambassador and his team. The governor was awarded with the title, “Jerusalem Ambassador while the wife was presented with the Mother in Israel in Bayelsa Award.

Performing the investiture, Ambassador Palti explained that the awards were given in recognition of the love the first family of the state has for Israel. 

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State

Bayelsa: LG Workers Battle Dickson over Unpaid Salaries

Local government councils’ workers in Bayelsa state are now angling for a battle with the  state governor,Chief Seriake Dickson,  following the government’s refusal to pay their salaries since March, 2014.

The workers accused the government of using local government councils money to pay contractors working on various government projects in the state.

They  expressed  worry on  why the government will hold them to ransom when other civil servants in the state are being paid regularly and on time.

But the government in its reaction said  that the workers would not be paid until they all  go through  a verification exercise.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson insisted that the exercise is a must for all workers and that until it is completed there would be no salary.

Details to follow

SOURCE; NIGERIASPIRIT

http://www.nigeriaspirit.com/2014/05/bayelsa-lg-workers-battle-dickson-over-unpaid-salaries/

90-year-old Mother-inaw of Bayelsa Speaker Kidnapped by Gunmen

Madam Ogboro Dark, 90, the mother-in-law of the Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Kombowei Benson, has been kidnapped by armed gunmen.

Dark, fondly called Obololo, was reportedly abducted by unknown gunmen operating along the waterways of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

She was abducted in her hometown, Korokorosei Community of Southern Ijaw, at about 2.00 am on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the armed men entered the community through the waterside in three speed boats.

A community source, who witnessed the incident, said: “the gunmen came at about 2.00 am.

“They shot sporadically before making their way to the woman’s home; we were all afraid because of the gunshots.

“They seized her and took her away to an unknown place.

“They showed no pity at the age of the woman,” the source, who did not want his name mentioned, said.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Hilary Opara, confirmed the development and said the police had ”swung into action” to free the victim.

Opara, who vowed to make the state uncomfortable for criminals, said the anti-kidnap squad of the police had been directed to rescue the woman.

“The divisional police officer in charge of the area alerted me early in the morning about the development.

“It is wicked and we will ensure we rescue the woman,” he said. (NAN)

SOURCE; DAILY POST

http://dailypost.ng/2014/05/31/90-year-old-mother-law-bayelsa-speaker-kidnapped-gunmen/

MEND Demands Release Of Okah Brothers As Condition For Dialogue With FG

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), has demanded the immediate release of Henry and Charles Okah from detention as a condition for dialogue with the Nigerian government to ensure ceasefire in the troubled Niger Delta region.
Henry Okah, a leader of the militant group, is serving a 24-year term in South Africa, in connection with the 2010 Independence Day bombing in Abuja that killed more than a dozen people.
His brother, Charles, is also facing trial over alleged involvement in the attack. He is currently under detention.

In a letter addressed to President Goodluck Jonathan, Friday, MEND also demanded the suspension of court proceedings, dropping of all charges, and presidential pardon to all its awaiting trial and convicted members.
“Our attention was drawn to your olive branch where you said ‘Our doors remain open to them, (aggrieved armed groups) for dialogue and reconciliation if they renounce terrorism (armed struggle) and embrace peace.’ As Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States said ‘Wars are, of course, as a rule to be avoided; but they are far better than certain kinds of peace,’” Jomo Gbomo, MEND’s Spokesperson, said, referring to President Jonathan’s Democracy Day speech on Thursday.
“The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has been disappointed in the past with Governments insincerity. Instead of addressing our concerns and dialogue on the root issues that led us to take up arms, your government, based on bad advisers, arrogantly jettisoned dialogue with our negotiation delegates, the Aaron Team in 2009, arrested and incarcerated perceived critiques.
“Since that slight, your government has known no peace from our region in spite of billions poured into propaganda and security. This slight was also responsible for the Independence Day attack of October 01, 2010, carried out to counter the impression that MEND has ceased to exist just because a few greedy, short sighted and misguided elements within and outside our ranks chose to betray their people.
“Unfortunately, avoidable lives which we regret were lost on that day due to the Security Agencies refusal to act on our advanced warning ahead of the attack,” the group added.
While noting that it received the president’s Democracy Day nationwide address with “cautious optimism,” MEND stated that although it was a natural instinct to support one of their own, their agitation had never been about a Niger Delta President or 2015.
“We are looking at 2060, when our oil wells may have run dry and the future consequences to that generation yet unborn,” Mr. Gbomo said.
“We hold you to your words, as the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) declare a ceasefire effective 0700Hrs, Friday 30 May, 2014 by calling off our ‘Hurricane Exodus’ campaign and other acts of sabotage; especially our incessant attacks on gas and oil pipelines, erroneously or mischievously attributed to oil thieves,” he added.
MEND further demanded that initial discussions with the government be facilitated through Kingsley Kuku, Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, whom they will be comfortable to work with.
“Your response to us in the coming days and weeks may discourage or encourage other insurgent groups to follow suit, bringing about the real peace in our country that comes only after justice,” the group added.

SOURCE; DAILY TIMES

http://www.dailytimes.com.ng/article/mend-demands-release-okah-brothers-condition-dialogue-fg

Bayelsa Councilors Urged to Mobilise House-to-House Registration

Bayelsa Councilors urged to mobilise house-to-house registration - 

Chairmen and councilors of the eight Local Government Areas in the state have been directed to be at their respective councils and ensure house to house mobilisation of prospective voters to register in the on-going voters registration exercise in the state.

The Commissioner for Local Government Administration, Chief Mitema Obordor gave the directive while speaking with newsmen in his office in Yenagoa.

Chief Mitema Obordor, who described effective mobilisation of citizenry to register in the voters’ exercise as the bedrock of democratic governance, said the only way to correct the impression that Bayelsa state has the least number of voters is to ensure that all eligible voters are captured in the exercise.

He called on community leaders, community development committees, youth groups and other stakeholders to ensure that everyone above eighteen in there localities participate fully.

The commissioner, who disclosed that by Independent Electoral Commissions, INEC, directives any voting unit with less than 50 voters run the risk of  been scrapped said it is the duty of all to ensure that the actual numbers of voters are registered to prevent such unhealthy development.

Source - See more at: http://nigerianpilot.com/bayelsa-councilors-urged-mobilise-house-house-registration/#sthash.DF6IR5Tj.dpuf

Navy offers drugs to HIV, diabetes patients

The Nigerian Navy Command in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has offered free medical assistance to residents of Otuoke, President Goodluck Jonathan’s town.

The recipients are those suffering from hypertension, malaria, typhoid, HIV, visual impairment, diabetes and sexually-transmitted diseases.

Officials from the state’s Ministry of Health, as well as some non-governmental organisations assisted the Navy health personnel during the exercise.

The Chairman, Organising Committee and representative of the Flag Officer Commanding, CNC, Navy Capt. Salihu Jibril, said the health initiative was part of the activities to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the Navy in the country.

Jibril said, “This health rhapsody is organised wherever we are. The idea is to go round and give the community or area we have chosen some health awareness, testing and drugs.

“As you can see, before we started administering tests and treatment, they received lectures on safe sex, STIs, STDs, family planning, hypertension and a whole lot of other ailments. From that point, they will be better educated on lifestyles and how to lead a healthy life.”

The state Coordinator, Family Planning, Dr. Mary Ogholi, who spoke on ‘Reproductive Health: Emphasis on Barrier Method’, on the occasion, counselled on the need to engage in safe sex.

She noted that the use of condoms was invaluable in the prevention of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

According to her, apart from preventing STDs, STIs and viral infections, condoms are useful in checking unwanted pregnancies as well as for family planning.

She also frowned on the idea that condom could go into the womb, saying it was a false claim.

Ogholi said, “Women’s vaginas have an end. The myth that condom can go into the womb is not correct. If you do not want an unwanted pregnancy or contract viral and bacterial infections, your sure bet is to use the condoms. Also, some people say it is not enjoyable to use the condom. I also dispute this assertion.”

A medical practitioner with the Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta, Ephraim Sobito, also advised Nigerians against substance abuse.

He noted that the abuse of substances such as gin, drugs, antibiotics, narcotics and others posed health risks could result in death.

SOURCE..PUNCH

http://www.punchng.com/health/navy-offers-drugs-to-hiv-diabetes-patients/

Online model for tertiary education can solve varsity seats shortage —Don

Online model for tertiary education can solve varsity seats shortage —Don

The President of University of the People (UoPeople), Shai Reshef, the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, accredited, online university, has said that a tuition-free, online model for tertiary education can solve the vast shortage of university seats, impacting millions of people in Africa and around the world.

Reshef, who has 20 years of experience in the international education market, said a private sector partnership, would, in no small way, solve the problem of unavailability of university seats in Africa.

Giving his online university experience, Reshef said the university had embarked on “a drive to rapidly increase its footprint and reach for African students,” through Microsoft- UoPeople partnership in offering of 1000 UoPeople scholarships for African youth.

“Scholarship recipients are also eligible for professional training from Microsoft, mentorship by Microsoft employees, internships, and job opportunities with Microsoft and their affiliates in Africa, upon graduation. UoPeople sees this collaboration as an extraordinary opportunity to both empower potential African students and encourage other international corporations to follow suit,” Reshef told the Nigerian Tribune, recently.

Reshef also said public sector agreements would go a long way in solving education challenges in the continent, intimating that the Bayelsa State government had entered a partnership with the university to “support students towards achieving Bachelor Degrees in Computer Science or Business Administration.

“This $1M collaboration will be carried out through the establishment of a dedicated center for students to access computers and the internet in Bayelsa. 

“The programme will assist deserving youth who have completed high school in Bayelsa, are proficient in English and have been screened for suitable university education,” he said.

He added that “these collaborations and others like them could potentially make higher education accessible to millions of Africans across the continent.

 I hope that the future success of these monumental partnerships will encourage other companies and governments to join forces with UoPeople and eliminate the barriers to higher education,” says Reshef.

Reshef said the UoPeople’s goal “is simple – to democratise higher education, by opening the gates to all qualifies candidates, regardless of financial, geographic, societal or personal constraints. These two collaborations are perfect examples of how this goal can be achieved- through corporate and government collaborations.

“This is the path for bridging the gap between the existing seats in local universities and the demand for seats by qualified students. Partnering with local governments and international corporations is the way to achieve this goal, and UoPeople hopes that these exciting agreements with Microsoft and the Bayelsa State are only the beginning.”

Reshef said the institution, founded in 2009, offers Associate and Bachelor degree programs in Business Administration and Computer Science, in partnership with Yale ISP law School for research; New York University to accept students; Microsoft for scholarships, access to its certificate programs, mentoring, internships and employment opportunities; and Hewlett-Packard, for general support, scholarships for women and internships, among others.

SOURCE..TRIBUNE

http://www.tribune.com.ng/news/news-headlines/item/6599-online-model-for-tertiary-education-can-solve-varsity-seats-shortage-don

AMAA: Celebrating the best of Africa cinema

It was a gathering of stars on Saturday at the 10th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). The Gloryland Center in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State was filled with filmmakers, actors, actresses,  and other stakeholders in the Africa cinema from all over the world. For the ten years it has been in existence, AMAA has shown the strong effect Nigeria cinema nay African cinema has on the world.

Hence this year’s award was a special celebration of some of the finest films of Africa cinema and its positive contribution to world cinema.

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, AMAA’s CEO said the celebration of the 10th anniversary for AMAA is a milestone and a seed that has indeed blossom into a big oak tree. For her, this only shows that the long walk for Africa cinema is profitable and one that still has a lot to be tapped from.

With the array of performances and glamour the night offered, one could not help but say the AMAAs has grown to be the most prestigious and glamorous event of its kind in Africa. After very interesting performance, the awards night began in earnest with winners emerging from different categories.

Efere Ozaku Award for best short film went to ‘Dialemi’ from Gabon, award for Best Animation went to ‘Khumba from South Africa, while the award for Best Documentary went to ‘Potraits of Lone Farmer’ from Nigeria/Denmark.

The Sembere Ousmane Award for Best Film in African language went to ‘B for Boy’ from Nigeria, while the award for Best Diaspora Short film went to ‘Passage from Bahamas’.‘Through the Lens Darkly’ from USA won Best Diaspora Documentary while award for Best Diaspora Feature went to ‘Kingston Paradise’ from Jamaica.

The award for Achievement in Production Design went to ‘Northern Affair’ from Ghana, Achievement in Costume Design went to ‘Ni sisi’ from Kenya, and Achievement in Makeup went to ‘Once Upon a Road Trip’ from South Africa. Also, ‘Onye Ozi’ from Nigeria won in the Achievement in Soundtrack category while Achievement in Sound was won by ‘The Forgotten Kingdom from South Africa’. Achievement in Cinematography went to ‘The Forgotten Kingdom’ from South Africa and Achievement in Editing went to ‘Potomanto from Ghana’.

Award for Achievement in Screen play was won by ‘Of Good Report’ from South Africa, best Nigerian Film endowed by Bayelsa State went to ‘Accident’. Lebohang Ntsane is Best Child Actor for her role in ‘Forgotten Kingdom’ while Best Young and Promising Actor went to Petronella Tshuma for her role in ‘Of Good Report’. Best Actor in a supporting role was won by Thapelo Mofekeng for the part he played in ‘Felix’ while Best Actress in a Supporting Role went to Patience Ozokwo in ‘After the Proposal’. Best Actor in a Lead Role went to  Mothusi Magano in ‘Of Good Report’ and Best Actress in a Lead Role went to Clarion Chukwura in ‘Apaye’.

Award for Best Feature Film by a director went to Harrikrishna and Sharvan in  ‘Children of Troumaron’, Best Director went to Jamil X.T Quebeka in ‘Of Good Report’; Best Film went to ‘Of Good Report’, Award for film that promotes Nelson Mandela Ideals went to ‘Ni sisi’ from Kenya while Joy Banda Award for Film on Women Empowerment went to ‘New Horizon’ from Nigeria.

In all, South Africa won the highest awards with ‘Of Good Report’ winning five awards. Meanwhile the awards was also a night of speeches and accolades for the awards visioner and the host state, Bayelsa.

Ebizi Ndioma-Brown, Bayelsa State Tourism Board (DG) said AMAA has impacted so many youths in Bayelsa and has kept them away from obnoxious activities since the youths now imitates how to act their own films in their local languages.

Brown added that some Bayelsa youths are now actors, actresses and directors and there is a huge request to help many more produce their films.

“We have a lot of youths that wants to be useful and there has been a lot of training available to them as a result of AMAA’s presence in Bayelsa,” she said.

Speaking at the award night, Gboribiogha John Jonah, the deputy governor, Bayelsa State, who represented the governor said over the years the state has played host to quite a number of events, among of events, among which is the Africa Movie Academy Award, AMAA, a widely acclaimed ceremony in Africa.

“We are associated to AMAA because of its benefits to our economy and the movie industry. It celebrates excellence in film industry and serve as a springboard to show case the rich heritage and investment opportunities of the state,” Jonah said.

He disclosed that Bayelsa State aims for the growth of the youth and human, enlargement of its cultural heritage and human capacity building and Nollywood is one of the platforms to achieve this.

According to him: “We will continue to encourage Bayelsa youths to become role models and an accession like this will lead to job creation and life meaningful to the youths and the government will continue to be a part of this symbiotic collaboration.”

 Anyiam-Osigwe said in her speech that her vision ten years ago when AMAA was founded was to create a viable black film industry that is self-sustaining and a force to be reckoned with.

According to her: “The AMAAs has survived against all odds, and those who have been closely associated with AMAAs will bear testimonies to the struggles that we have been through to come this far. As at date, the main challenges of funding and financing subsists.”

She said AMAA has become a platform that projects the African film industry to Africa and the rest of the world and is a celebration of African heritage and culture, adding that reaching the 10th anniversary is without doubt a testimony to resilience of human spirit and determination.

“It has been a journey of sheer determination, perseverance, staying power and faith. These characteristics have been the driving force behind the organization of the AMAAs. In spite of the many challenges over the in preparation and spending, putting spanners in the works with respect to management of logistics and overall delivery of events, the AMAAs is still standing 10 years on,” she said.

Steve Ayorinde, president of the Jury, observed ten years of a brand that celebrates Africa and Africa in diaspora is a milestone and the criteria for selection has not changed but responsibilities has increased.

Ayorinde said more than 150 entries were received this year and some additional awards has been included which are: Madiba Award for films that promote Nelson Mandela’s ideals and Joy Banda Award for film on women empowerment.

He further disclosed that the ten man international jury has continued to stand on intergrity, transparency, accountability and quality.

At a media briefing which held earlier in the day before the awards night, Ayorinde explained this year there were about 500 films submitted from Africa and Africa in diaspora and the jury chose the nominees in each category. The process of nomination happens about six weeks before the event.

“We have taken the nominations from  all over Africa and for the 10th anniversary, we went to South Africa for the nominee’s night since most of the nominations came from there,” he said.

IFEOMA OKEKE

SOURCE.. BUSINESS DAY

http://businessdayonline.com/2014/05/amaa-celebrating-the-best-of-africa-cinema/#.U4ghMvldVVI

Permanent voter cards ’ll strengthen electoral system —Dickson

Permanent voter cards ’ll strengthen electoral system —Dickson

Bayelsa State governor,  Seriake Dickson, has described the ongoing nation-wide voters’ registration and card collection exercise ,as part of measures by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to strengthen the nation’s electoral system.

He  also observed that the success of the exercise could promote democratic practice in the country, as it is intended to widen the level of participation of the citizenry in future elections.

Governor Dickson stated this, while speaking with newsmen after  he and his wife, Rachel, collected their permanent voters’ cards (PVCs), at the Oruere 005 Polling Unit, in his hometown, Toru-Orua, in Sagbama Local Government Area.

Dickson, who expressed satisfaction with the turnout of Bayelsa people for the exercise, however, urged the people especially, those who recently attained the statutory voting age of 18 years, to take the exercise more serious.

Underscoring its impor-tance, he said the state government declared Wednesday a work-free day to enable workers and other people participate freely in the exercise to ensure its success in the state.

Commenting on the challenges of the exercise, as indicated by preliminary reports at his disposal, the governor urged those, who turned up, but were yet to get their permanent voters’ cards not to despair, assuring that relevant government agencies would take appropriate measures to address the shortcomings.

He said: “Today gives opportunity to everyone to participate in the electoral process. As you are aware, I announced a work-free day yesterday to enable workers and members of their families, who have voting right to be part of the process and to ensure that this exercise concludes successfully.

“We take this exercise very seriously and I’m here with my wife to do just that; and I’m satisfied with the preliminary reports and so, I’m aware that a lot of Bayelsa people are turning up en masse, and I hope that they keep doing so to broaden and strengthen our democracy.”

SOURCE..TRIBUNE

http://www.tribune.com.ng/news/news-headlines/item/6579-permanent-voter-cards-ll-strengthen-electoral-system-dickson

Jonathan not planning to stop Dickson’s second term—Evah

Jonathan not planning to stop Dickson’s second term—Evah

Comrade Joseph Evah, human rights activist and co-ordinator of the Ijaw Monitoring Group, in this interview with  journalists in Abuja, speaks  on rumours doing the rounds in Bayelsa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that the Presidency is plotting to stop Governor Seriake Dickson from having a second term in office, his recent meeting with American Envoys on the situation in the Nigeria Delta region among other issues  Abuja Deputy Bureau Chief, JACOB SEGUN OLATUNJI, was there. Excerpts:

BAYELSA State is the homeland of the Ijaws. How would you rate the state governor, Honourable Seriake Dickson, since assumption of office?

Governor Dickson is much focused. You know that I don’t manage words about politicians. Governor Dickson, by every standard, symbolises the Ijaw character and boldness. You know I criticised him when some youths were arrested for demonstrating about the unemployment situation and, as a listening leader, he allowed the court to set them free.

We have states in this country that will force the court in their states to keep those opposed to their policies away in prison custody for years.  Dickson is desperate to develop Bayelsa and he is a selfless servant who will never compromise hard work to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

Is the governor’s relationship with the presidency still cordial, considering the rumour doing the rounds in the state and in Abuja that there are underground moves in the Presidency by some powerful Ijaw leaders  to replace him and stop him from seeking re-election?

There is nobody in the Presidency planning that. President Jonathan will never plan such a thing. The president is lucky that somebody who is prepared to work is there for him back at home, for him to have rest of mind in Abuja. The president and his wife are still pleased with Governor Dickson. Let me tell you the truth, no normal Ijaw person will talk about replacing Governor Dickson now.  Anybody thinking about that needs to re-examine his head. The speed with which the government took off has not yet abated.

We know the kind of political class we produce in our region; 90 per cent of them are political gamblers. They don’t have conscience. So, if we identify the few that can work for the people, we have to encourage them. There are few people proving to the world that we are in government. Honourable Kingsley Kuku and Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and a few others are symbols.

The secret of Governor Dickson’s leadership qualities and that of the likes of Ambassador Godknows Igali, Kingsley Kuku, Akpobolokemi and a few others is that they are in government to work for the people. So, the spirit of the struggle for mankind will push them to do their best for society. When my set of executives in Ijaw National Congress (INC) left the scene after the military era, the exco that Governor Dickson belonged took over.

I was the spokesman of the INC when the late General Sani Abacha killed Ken Saro-Wiwa during the military era. Dickson cannot be a governor and do something else. It is God who saw the plight of Ijaw people and sent him to be governor.

So, anybody who tries to be funny with his mandate will face the power of the people and I believe he will never derail because the spirit of Ijawness is burning inside him. We pray he does not fail till the end of his tenure.

You met with the American Ambassador to Nigeria and the Assistant Secretary of State Bureau of Conflict and Stabilisation in Lagos recently. Why the parley with the America top envoys?

The meeting was about the situation in the Niger Delta. I told them the situation in the area. I told them that the situation is very bad and that we need international assistance as it happened during the apartheid regime in South Africa.They are aware of the bad situation. There is no industry in the region. I told them to encourage President Jonathan to implement the United Nations Report on Ogoni which, by extension, means the clean-up of the Niger Delta region.

After achieving this feat, I mean the UN recognition of our environmental problem, will somebody then tell my generation that Nigeria does not know what to do with it? And that the report will be abandoned the Nigerian way? This is unacceptable to this generation.

Do you think the Americans are ready to assist the Niger Delta?

  The Americans are ready because how long are we going to run in circles about development?  They have seen that the Niger Delta youths are peaceful and law -abiding but have no jobs to engage their idle brains. We want massive engagement strategy to save the situation. Some of the governors are really trying their best but we want a coordinated approach by the Federal Government, NDDC, Ministry of Niger Delta and the government to massively work out a solution.

When you hear that the Federal Government is owing NDDC N800 billion debt, you continue to wonder whether we are in a mad country that does not want peace. The Federal Government has been owing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) since the Obasanjo era. It is a shame. And our royal fathers are in court over the debts.It is shocking.

Do you agree with President Jonathan’s  stance on the no-go-areas at the ongoing national conference?

Every area has to be discussed. The president cannot dictate for us what to discuss and what not to discuss. We must discuss on all areas, including whether we should disintegrate or not.

You can see that the Yoruba nation went to the conference with a national identity. We are at the conference to discuss resource control and true federalism. Maybe the president was afraid that some really wanted to break Nigeria up. Niger Deltans are not interested in breaking up. Not even after we have seen what is currently happening in South Sudan. They said they wanted breakup and that was because of their oil. They said let those who aren’t producing oil go. 

Today, look at them. Are they drinking their oil or are they drinking their blood? So, with the kind of greedy politicians that we have in Nigeria, I don’t think that even the masses would really want this country to break up.The masses know that if we divide this country, the greedy political class will destroy us in a matter of seconds.

SOURCE..TRIBUNE

http://www.tribune.com.ng/quicklinkss/politics/item/6532-jonathan-not-planning-to-stop-dickson-s-second-term-evah

Bayelsa speaker urges political leaders to imbibe democratic values

Bayelsa speaker urges political leaders to imbibe democratic values
 30.May.2014 

AS Nigeria celebrates 15 years of uninterrupted democratic government, Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Konbowei Benson Friday, has called on all stakeholders, particularly the political class, civil society, the clergy and traditional rulers to protect the constitutional values of our democracy.

 Rt. Honourable Friday, who reiterated the need for caution on the part of the political class in making unguided utterances on the current security situation in parts of the country, advised politicians to rather engage in activities that would uphold rule of law and democratic values, calling on the opposition to strike a balance between conflicting values of national security and individual rights.

   Rt. Honourable Friday, who reiterated the need for caution on the part of the political class in making unguided utterances on the current security situation in parts of the country, advised politicians to rather engage in activities that would uphold rule of law and democratic values, calling on the opposition to strike a balance between conflicting values of national security and individual rights.

According to the Speaker, the ultimate goal of democracy was to preserve and promote the dignity and fundamental rights of the individual, with a view to fostering social justice, economic and social development.

 The Speaker, who lauded   President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson and his deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, on the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day, maintained that the people of Bayelsa State had cause to celebrate democracy day because of the unprecedented infrastructural development the state was witnessing under the restorationadministration, pointing out that at no time in the history of the state, had the people seen this volume development across the length and breadth of the state.

  He regretted the present insecurity challenges in the country, which range from terrorism, sectarian violence and weakened rights for women and children, he noted that it is the sacred duty of all well-meaning Nigerians to uphold the values of rule of law, respect for human dignity, tolerance and compassion for one another.

 He added that in a democracy, human rights are promoted and protected, such that that no matter once’s race, gender, personal belief or style of life, every citizen can participate in formulating the laws and policies to which they are subjected to.

 Rt. Hon. Benson Friday also disclosed that under his leadership, the fourth Bayelsa State House of Assembly has passed a minimum of 41 people-oriented bills, assuring that the House will continue to uphold global best practice in scrutinizing the performance of government ministries and departments through over sighting their activities.

SOURCE.. TRIBUNE

http://tribune.com.ng/news/news-headlines/item/6609-bayelsa-speaker-urges-political-leaders-to-imbibe-democratic-values

The Challenges Of Nation Building

The Challenges Of Nation Building

Baba EL-Nafaty

— May 30, 2014

Lately there has been an increase in the calls for the dissolution of the federation. Since after independence, in 1960, there were several ethic groups who were not satisfy with the state of the union. On the 15 of January 1966 the military struck, nearly all key figures in the Government of the then Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa were assassinated. Most of the key politicians and senior military officers killed where from the North and South-West. General Aguyi Ironsi an Ibo man, who was then the most senior Military Officer, took over. The coup was generally perceived to have been orchestrated by mainly Ibo Officers from the South East. However, barely a month later Isaac Boro an Ijaw man from Niger Delta raised first standard of rebellion. He declared Niger Delta Republic on the 23rd of February 1966. He rallied round his kinsmen and formed the Niger Delta volunteer force. His rebellion was short-lived. He faced the federal might and was defeated after a twelve days war. He was captured, charged with treason and was jailed. But that was not the end his story.

In july 1966, there was a counter coup by mainly Northern Officers, General Aguyi Ironsi and a few senior military officers were killed. General yakubu Gowon took over. But the tension that was sparked by the first coup did not abate. The northerners who were still aggrieved over the death of their leader especially the Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and the Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello begun to fan the flames of ethnic hatred. And Araba crisis was born. (Araba is a Hausa word for divide). In the north, Ibos who are the majority tribes in the south-east were attacked and thousands of Ibos were killed. In the south-east retaliation followed; thousands of Hausa people were butchered.

One thing lead to another, in 1967, the country was engulfed in terrible and costly civil war after the south-east seceded and formed the Republic of Biafra. Before this, Isaac Boro was pardoned and released from prison. He was made a major in the Nigerian Army. He fought on federal side but was killed in mysterious circumstances in Okrika. Rivers State. The spectre that he invoked is still with us.

In the three years’ war that followed millions of people died, many were rendered homeless and the amount of damages was unquantifiable. Fortunately, at the end of the war in 1970 the country started to benefit from the windfall from the sale of crude oil which was first discovered in Olibiri in 1956 and which ironically in the birth place of Isaac Boro. After the war an era of prosperity was ushered. Ethnic and sectional sentiments were submerged and the country moved forward. For the next three decades there was silence in the issue of separation until when the Okar coup attempt took place, in which he excised some northern states from Nigeria.   Instead of taking whole pie which was there for him, he started by throwing a big chunk. It was a dumb move. But the coup was successfully smashed. However, at this point, it is important to note there were some forces that were hell bent on destroying the country. Had the coup succeeded, Nigeria as we know it now would have ceased to exist?

The following year, while the military were preparing to hand over power to a civilian government, Moshood Abiola, a Yoruba man from the south-west won election as the president of Nigeria; but for some bizarre reasons the northern oligarch, who had monopolise power since after the civil war refused to hand over to him. The Yoruba’s who maintained hegemony in the south-west were rightly outraged. Pressure groups emerged and demonstration started for the actualisation of Abiola mandate, this was crushed by the military government.

By 1999, when the military were ready to hand over power, they a chose a Yoruba man, this is done in order to appease the South-west over Abiola’s impasse. President Olusegun Obasanjo who became president in 1999 handed over power eight years later to a Northern President, who died in office after three years. His Vice-President, an Ijaw man from Niger Delta who never dreamt of becoming a president took over. A new opportunity to close the seemingly gaping cleavages has arrived with a new neutral president who is not from any major ethnic group. But unfortunately, a terrible and graved threat arose when an extremely violent terrorist group who wants to establish there on form of pure Islamic state emerged. Within the last three years they have unleashed unprecedented act of terror and have committed unspeakable acts against humanity. The recent kidnapping of more than 200 school girls from Chibok, Borno State has drawn world attention to Nigeria.

In addition, calls to the dissolution of the union continued as the state of the general insecurity increased tremendously in the north. The southern part of Nigeria is very uncomfortable with the state of affairs of the nation. As a result of all this, a confluence of erratic factors and a junction of uncertainty ensured. Echoes of the civil war; of sirens long dead are beginning to be heard. The country is now appearing to be tottering towards an edge of destruction.

In all these, it is very difficult not to accept that the architect of this chaos are some powerful foreign countries who stand to gain from these unfolding tragedy and it is impossible not to believe that there are some powerful individuals within the government with awkward, twisted, warped and nihilist inclination who are not involved.

Many people have continued to blame the present government, but I wonder if they are in place of President Jonathan Goodluck they could do any better. So far there is no Nigerian leader except General Yakubu Gowon has confronted such enormous and herculean challenges.

 SOURCE.... LEADERSHIP

http://leadership.ng/opinions/372667/challenges-nation-building