BREAKING NEWS: US MILITARY ADVISERS ARRIVE NIGERIA : FRANCE DEPLOYS 3000 SOLDIERS AGAINST TERRORISTS

09/05/2014
BREAKING NEWS: US MILITARY ADVISERS ARRIVE NIGERIA : FRANCE DEPLOYS 3000 SOLDIERS

Six U.S. military advisers arrived in Nigeria on Friday to help in the search for girls kidnapped last month by Islamist militants, a U.S. military official told CNN.

The advisers will join a team of U.S. and British officials already in Nigeria, helping find the girls, planning rescue efforts and devising strategies to help subdue the terror group Boko Haram, which abducted the girls April 14 from a government boarding school.

About 60 U.S. officials have been on the ground since before the kidnappings as part of counterterrorism efforts with Nigeria, a senior U.S. administration official told CNN.

They have been holding meetings, getting resources into the country and making assessments with local authorities."Our interagency team is hitting the ground in Nigeria now, and they are going to be working ... with President Goodluck Jonathan's government to do everything that we possibly can to return these girls," Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday.

Their tasks include establishing a coordination cell to provide intelligence, investigations and hostage negotiation expertise.There are no plans to send American combat troops, according to U.S. Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby, who serves as Pentagon press secretary.

A British team drawn from the country's Department for International Development, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence also arrived in Abuja on Friday, the foreign office said.

They will work with Nigerian authorities and the U.S. team both on strategies to rescue the girls and on longer-term efforts to defeat Boko Haram, the office said in a statement.Boko Haram herded nearly 300 girls out of bed under the cover of darkness on April 14 at a school in northeastern Nigeria.A few escapees shared harrowing tales of escaping into a nearby forest. Authorities said the 276 still missing probably have been separated and taken out of the country.

International outrage has escalated over the nation's largely ineffective effort to subdue Boko Haram."By God's grace, we will conquer the terrorists. I believe the kidnap of these girls will be the beginning of the end for terror in Nigeria," Jonathan said at the World Economic Forum meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

In addition to the United States, Jonathan said, Britain, China and France have pledged to help find the girls snatched from the school in Chibok.The United States' team includes law enforcement experts and military advisers. France also said it is sending a team but didn't provide specifics on what expertise it will bring.

"Clearly, there is danger whenever we send troops almost any place in the world," U.S. House Speaker John Boehner said."But I do think the President is taking the right step here to work with our allies to try to do everything we can to get these girls back to their families in a safe way."The task of recovering the girls appeared to grow more complicated with news that U.S.

intelligence shows the 276 girls have been split up.Kirby said they believe the girls "have been broken up into smaller groups" but declined to detail how officials came to the conclusion. His sentiment has been echoed by others.

"The search must be in Niger, Cameroon and Chad, to see if we can find information," said Gordon Brown, a former UK prime minister and the U.N.'s special envoy for global education.Boko Haram's leader, Abubakar Shekau, took credit for the mass kidnappings in a video that surfaced this week. His group's repulsive violence did not end there.Suspected Boko Haram militants attacked Gamboru Ngala, a remote state capital near Nigeria's border with Cameroon. The attack Monday targeted an area soldiers use as a staging ground in the search for the girls. Some of the at least 310 victims were burned alive.

"We are also going to do everything possible to counter the menace of Boko Haram," Kerry said. "The entire world should not only be condemning this outrage but should be doing everything possible to help Nigeria in the days ahead."Nigeria has been accused of failing to take action in the hours and days after the girls were abducted."In a hostage situation, time is of the essence," Kirby said. "We lost some time."Jonathan waited three weeks before speaking to the nation on the matter. He said that rescue efforts were under way at the time but that they could not be disclosed publicly.

In another Development,  President Goodluck Jonathan thanked delegates, including Britain, the US, France and China, at the World Economic Forum in Abuja for their offers of help to rescue the girls.

He claimed that the mass abduction would mark a turning point in the battle against the Islamists, saying: “I believe that the kidnap of these girls will be the beginning of the end of terror in Nigeria.”

France said on Thursday that it would station about 3,000 troops in neighbouring Mali, Niger and Chad to help tackle militants in the Sahel region.

It followed Britain’s announcement on Wednesday that it was to send a small team of experts to Nigeria “as soon as possible”. The team is expected to concentrate on planning and giving advice to local officials rather than any ground operation to free the girls, although Downing Street is also understood to have ordered three locally based liaison officers from the SAS to advise the rescue mission.

Source
CNN
The Telegraph

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/05/09/world/africa/nigeria-abducted-girls/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/nigeria/10815508/Nigerian-Boko-Haram-militants-seeking-prisoner-swap-to-return-schoolgirls.html

IS CHIBOK A SCAM?

IS CHIBOK A SCAM?
By Admin

09/05/2014

Different Conspiracy Theories..

Yesterday The Ex- MEND Boss Muhajid Asari Dokubo published a short sentence that destabilized the media and a lot of people called for his head.. He wrote " PASS THE MESSAGE...No Girls are Missing.. CHIBOK Is a SCAM".  His message reminded me of a story I read on premium times some months ago where A former governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff, who also came under similar attack when he said the bomb blast in Maiduguri, the State Capital of Borno State, by a suicide bomber in a pick-up van was not carried out by the outlawed Boko Haram Sect. He categorically said the Sect was not responsible for the blast. Mr. Sheriff blamed Borno State government officials and members of his All Progressives Congress ( APC) for the blast that killed at least 31 people( human beings not cattles) and left a dozens more injured. As if that was not enough Dr Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo  an international investigative Journalist for HNN AFRICA after visiting CHIBOK released a 3 minutes Video Saying CHIBOK Is a Scam.

Today my Brother has Come up with his own conspiracy Theory that We (Nigerians) are still being played by "Oyibo people" and a political party.
he wrote;

"Please I want us to ponder on this...... It just crossed my mind and I have been left believing strongly that the disintegration of Nigerian seems so imminentLike we all know, Nigeria has been predicted to undergo disintegration in 2015 by the western world.

The play was all but written and the influence of the "oyinbo's" have made sure that we acted according to the written script.

President Goodluck lately made what I would term the worst decision of this tenure by accepting foreign military aid which indirectly sends us back to colonization. The US marines coming into Nigeria is based on what agreement? When would they leave? The other countries they have claimed to help, how long have they been helping them?

Since the national confab started and a microscopic number of northern elders decided against resource control, even going as far as making statements towards disintegration I had the feeling that the script written by the "oyinbos" has started on as an african stage play. Little did I know that it would soon rapidly turn out to be an American film.

President Goodluck lost the media and with it he lost one of the pillars of our country. The oyinbo's with the help of the purported opposition party have actually played it to the best of their ability.

On the issue of the chibok girls, it is now more emotional that factual. We don't really want to know any facts, all we want is ‪#‎bringbackourgirls‬ because our emotions are driving us.The same people that used the media to say that the mother of the nation (1st lady) is doing nothing concerning the girls that are missing are the same people taunting her and asking what right she has to summon (whereas she actually "invited") public officials.

Now I just want us to ponder on a little question "What if these girls are truly not missing" do you think the oyinbo military would leave Nigeria without finding the "not-missing" girls??? Mind you, the US marines or CIA are nothing compared to the British SAS special forces and if the information reaching us is correct, the British military personnel at the British high commission in Nigeria is actually working together with our Nigerian military personnel.

It took me quite a while to put a few pieces together but when I discovered APC hired someone who worked on Obama's campaign to be their chief media strategist and considering the fact that majority of the Niger delta freedom fighters had their affiliations to both Germany and Russia, "I think" our beloved country is being played on a chess board.

It might seem like nothing to us and I might be wrong as this is just mere perception, but if the puzzle completes and we let our fate be decided on a chess board just like during the colonial era, we might just be on the verge of total collapse as a sovereign nation.

At the end, this is just a feeling of one individual, but like in the old testament, I believe I have seen the handwriting on the wall but my sincere prayer is that I am wrong.

Kenigbolo Meya Stephen
Senate President NANS-GH"

Ref:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10203516153327526 

http://m.premiumtimesng.com/news/153377-borno-government-officials-boko-haram-carried-maiduguri-bomb-blast-ex-governor-sheriff-says.html

https://www.facebook.com/kenigbolo.meyastephen?ref=ts&fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/mujahid.dokuboasari?ref=ts&fref=ts

SOKU OIL WELLS: The Bayelsa State Governor visits the Rivers community.

SOKU OIL WELLS: The Bayelsa State Governor visits the Rivers community.

The Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, on Monday visited Abonnema, the headquarters of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers apparently to mend fences for the Soku oil wells ceded to Bayelsa by the federal government.The oil wells have been a major source of dispute between the neighbouring states.

The Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has also accused President Goodluck Jonathan of ceding the oil wells to Bayelsa because that was the president’s home state.Mr. Dickson called on Ijaws to build bridges of unity across the country and speak with one voice in pursuance of their collective interests.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Amayanabo of Abonnema, Disrael Bob-Manuel, Mr. Dickson expressed gratitude to the people for their show of understanding and maturity in handling the Soku-Oluasiri oil wells dispute.“The first thing I will like to say is to appreciate you, your chiefs and indeed all the wonderful people of your kingdom for their show of maturity in handling some of the issues that have come between us as brothers.

“You are all aware of the long-standing unfortunate disagreement between our major Ijaw brothers here and those in the Nembe clan, which dispute as you know predates even the creation of Bayelsa State. It is an unfortunate chapter in our history as Ijaw people.“But the important thing is when disputes, which are inevitable in the course of human interactions, take place, it is important that we have the right frame of mind and show understanding and maturity to move for an amicable settlement,” Mr. Dickson said.He said in line with his administration’s policy of ensuring peaceful co-existence among the Ijaws, the Bayelsa State Government under his watch would do everything within its reach to achieve amicable resolution of the dispute.

He emphasized the need for leaders in the region to close ranks and utilize the resources of Ijaw land to develop the region rather than cause disaffection among its kith and kin.Mr. Dickson commended the people for complementing government’s efforts through self-help projects in developing their area and upholding the rich Ijaw cultural heritage.He also saluted them for supporting the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Responding, Mr. Bob-Manuel expressed gratitude to the governor for the visit, noting that it would go a long way in strengthening the bonds of unity between the people of Rivers and Bayelsa States.

Commenting on the dispute, he expressed satisfaction with the way the issue was handled by the president and urged other stakeholders to address the matter dispassionately.He called on the Federal Government to prevail on the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) to complete ongoing land reclamation projects which according to him has suffered serious setbacks over the years.

“We went to the Aso Rock Villa and we had a very fruitful meeting with the President. I was not shocked but impressed by his humility, candour and openness and we believe that these issues will be resolved amicably,” the royal father said.

Mr. Bob-Manuel also called for the resuscitation of a sea port that existed in the-colonial era to boost socio-economic activities and rehabilitation of the only girls secondary school in the area.

Mr. Dickson was accompanied on the visit by the supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike; and the Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus.Others are Rivers State Chairman of PDP, Felix Obuah; Secretary to Bayelsa State Government, Edmund Oguru, among
others.

By Arodiegwu Eziukwu
From premium times online

PRICE OF SERVICE: SOLDIERS DIE IN A BOAT MISHAP IN BAYELSA STATE.

Yenagoa — The remains of two soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force, who died in a boat mishap, weekend, in the creek of Nembe in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have been recovered.

A security source in the coastal area told Vanguard that the bodies of two of the three soldiers that drowned were recovered yesterday by search parties involving local divers and operatives of the Joint Task Force while one is still missing.

The source, however, added that the search for a third personnel and the soldiers' rifles in the mangrove creek was ongoing.The soldiers, who were said to be on their way to take over duties from their colleagues at a security post in Nembe, died when the boat in which they were travelling was hit by violent wave and it capsized.

The mishap, according to the source, occurred at about 4 pm, Saturday, along the Nembe-Obioku creek in the Bayelsa East senatorial district."Two of the corpses were recovered from the river this morning (yesterday) while search is ongoing for the third soldier and their rifles.

Their boat was said to have lost control and capsized after it was hit by violent storm," the security source who pleaded anonymity said.Media Coordinator, JTF, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, had on Sunday when contacted on the unfortunate incident blamed the boat mishap on high tidal current along the river.Nwachukwu who said the information about the incident was still sketchy, however, added that only one of the soldiers had been declared missing.

He said: "Information reaching me confirmed that there was an unfortunate boat mishap resulting from high tidal current along the river."Rescue boats were immediately dispatched to salvage the situation. An operative was reportedly missing and search and rescue efforts are ongoing. Casualty details are not yet known."

By Samuel Oyadongha
From Vanguard
3 December 2013

The Untapped Beauty of Bayelsa

Ojo Maduekwe writes that though a young state, Bayelsa has distinctive features that are being harnessed to make it a tourist destination and emerging market in Nigeria

It's 30 minutes after 10 in the night and I'm standing in front of the Bolaebi hotel gate. Since getting into Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa, I and other journalists haven't had time to take in the view of the city.

Coming from Lagos where the nightlife is a constant part of the vibrant city life, I come out believing to regain what was lost in between our arrival and attending the state's 17th anniversary lecture in the evening.

Except for the long stretch of Melford Okilo Road, also known as Mbiama-Yenagoa Expressway that led to the Bayelsa State government house, which remained boisterously busy with vehicular movement, not a single shop on both sides of the road was opened.

The rays from the streetlights stationed in the middle of the road and car lights, cast shadows on a few people that still walked the way. "It's Monday," Peter Alagoa said in defence of why the road was empty at that hour of the day.

Alagoa works in the hotel as a laundryman. The hotel laundry also services the neighbourhood. He had come outside to hand over a customer's belongings to the delivery man when he met me taking in the atmosphere. I had enquired from him why all the shops were under locks and keys.

Bayelsa is not this usually deserted of people. Earlier, on arrival, we were greeted by a scenario that translated to Yenagoa being a busy capital. There was a long queue at all the banks' ATM centres. The users looked used to it. A regular fixture of the city, I was to be told.

I wondered why the road was not littered with ATM machines. In Lagos, back in the days, when banks still charged one hundred naira per withdrawal it was fashionable to find ATM machines in very ridiculous places. Maybe if banks were still allowed to charge for withdrawal, they would have since seen the city's dire need of having ATM machines stationed across the landscape of the capital.

On a positive side, the cluster of people at all the banks did inspire an internal discussion - the attraction of residing in Yenagoa. The landscape on its own took the semblance of an emerging market. Made up of land and waters, one could see that construction of roads and drainage were on-going. A Julius Berger construction yard stationed at the junction of Isaac Boro Expressway (one of many yards belonging to different construction companies in parts of the capital), indicated that the state is a huge construction site.

During the anniversary public lecture held at the banquet hall of the state government house, the key speaker, a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain and former Minister of Transportation, Chief Ebenezer Babatope had told a personal story to buttress the point of how Bayelsa was gradually turning into a centre of attraction.

Babatope while delivering his lecture titled, 'Nigeria - the Challenges of Our Times', said he had asked two relatives who had abandoned Lagos and taken residence in Bayelsa on the reason for their relocation. According to him, both gave a similar response of Bayelsa being good for business.

A history of the creation of Bayelsa exposes the irony of the widely held view of the late General Sani Abacha as an unpopular leader. While many Nigerians may rain words of abuse on the dictator for bringing untold hardship on Nigerians, Bayelsans have no choice but to reserve some form of appreciation for him each time they celebrate the state's anniversary.

After years of agitations by the Ijaws who alleged marginalisation regarding the spread of developmental projects in the old Rivers State, Bayelsa was created out of the old Rivers state. What previous military administrations failed to do, late Sani Abacha did on October 1, 1996. Today, Bayelsa shares birth date with Nigeria and, like the country has had its own fair share of mixed fortunes.

One of the smallest, if not the smallest of all the states in Nigeria, in terms of land mass and population, Bayelsa is big in natural resources, contributing largely to the wealth of the nation. Record has it that the state has one of the largest crude oil and natural gas deposits in the country.

This means the monthly federal allocation accruable to it ranks among the highest. Naturally, one would expect Bayelsa to be the best developed in the country. Among other challenges that subsequent administrations have had to battle with, the pace of development was also due to how past governors, both military and civilians may have handled its resources.

Chief Press Secretary to the state government, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, writing in 'Bayelsa Today', a quarterly magazine of the state wrote, "At 17, Bayelsa State is still relatively young and the journey of statehood arguably tough and mixed, but there is great hope especially now as we can see a bold identity of creative leadership and enterprise at work which has the sole objective of bringing back the once lost glory."

Aside being relatively young, Bayelsa, among other challenges, before governor Dickson took over the reins of affairs in the state, was lacking in proper developmental roadmap. Up until the current administration, the level of development achieved has been greatly influenced by the ecology and topography of the state. Bayelsa is substantially a riverine state.

So, previous administrations had battled with the dire challenge of construction on tough, almost forbidding terrain. The state is described as floating "On a marshy environment", which is a huge challenge for any construction to take place. The cost of constructing a kilometre of road in Bayelsa is said to often time be "more than five times the cost of doing so elsewhere in the country."

What little other administrations were able to achieve, governor Dickson, the people say, has more than doubled them. In a space of a year and six months, Dickson has achieved so much. The governor is being praised for promoting good governance. Through the Bayelsa Income and Transparency Bill 2012, accountability is being ensured by the disclosure in a publication of the revenue accruing to the state and the local governments and how they are spent.

An all-inclusive government, town hall meetings are regularly held in the state, where issues are addressed. One of such issue is in the area of education to which the government set up a one billion naira fund for scholarship. According to official data, the fund has already started paying the way of "hundreds of the state's indigenes in universities and top institutions of higher learning around the world."

Notable in the state is a high level of security. Before the granting of amnesty by the federal government to former militants, the state used to be in the press for bad reasons. Once characterised by insecurity, Bayelsa now radiates peace; the kind of security that encourages external investors to come and set up businesses; that kind that has turned Lagosians into Bayelsans.

Refusing to solely rely on oil, the state has continued to invest in tourism. Endowed with a wide variety of customs, traditions, festivals, arts, crafts, artifacts, museums, monuments and more, the state government has through the relevant state agencies initiated and adopted strategies to properly harness and develop them into tourist attractions.

The federal government is doing well to boost the state government's efforts. According to official report, an oil museum has been proposed by the federal government for Oloibiri, the community where oil was first discovered in commercial quantity in Nigeria in 1956. It is said that when established, the museum will serve as a centre of excellence in petroleum history, entertainment and learning.

Bayelsa may not yet be a state befitting of a president, but with the rate of development being embarked on by the Dickson administration, it is only a matter of time before change sweeps through the entire oil rich state, making it the envy of other states of the federation, and like its official motto says, 'The Glory of all Lands'. The odds definitely are in favour of Bayelsa.

Curled From Allafrica.com

Press conference on the forth coming centenary pageant in Bayelsa State

Press conference on the forth coming centenary pageant in Bayelsa State

Press conference on the forth coming centenary pageant in Bayelsa State with Chief Nike Oshinowo representing  AOE Events and entertainment, organizers of the  centenary beauty pageant and Bayelsa State Director General of tourism, Mrs Ebizi Ndiomu Brown.

Chief Nike Oshinowo told the journalists that the entire centenary event is being funded by the private sector and their agency is partnering with the Bayelsa State government to showcase the state, her landscape and culture to the world. She said the contestants will be camped in yenagoa for a week and be groomed on some routine physical and mental exercises to prepare them for the contest.

Mrs Ebizi Brown welcomed the organizers of the centenary pageant events to Bayelsa State and promised that the state will provide among other things a conducive environment for their camping.

High point of the centenary press conference was the signing of an MOU by both representatives.

Bayelsa youths protest alleged NCDMB marginalisation

Bayelsa youths protest alleged NCDMB marginalisation

By Samuel OyadonghaYenagoa —

Hundreds of youths in Bayelsa State, yesterday, protested what they described as marginalisation by Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, in the implementation of local content policy of the Federal Government.

The aggrieved youths, under the aegis of National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Bayelsa State chapter, stormed the headquarters of NCDMB in Yenagoa as early as 6am and barricaded its gate, locking out staff and visitors.NCDMB presently occupies Revenue House, a structure donated to it by the state government as its national headquarters on Lambert Eradiri Road in the state capital.

The protesters were armed with banners, which read National Youth Council of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter, Non-Violent Project, The NYCN Bayelsa State Enforcing Transparency in the Implementation of the Nigerian Content Act and Guideline in the Aspect of Training and Capacity Building Plan as Regards the S.S.A.G.G.S Project in Ekeremor Local Government Area, A community service action plan against unemployment, lack of skills, ability, capability and capacity, among others.

No fewer than 12 police patrol vans were at the scene, as the youths chanted solidarity songs.Leader of NYCN in the state, Bright Igrubia said: “The board is not involving the locals in its projects and activities in the state.“We want capacity building and training. We are worried because NCDMB is not carrying youths along particularly in the current Southern Swamp Associated Gas Gathering System, SSAGGS, project in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State contracted by Shell Petroleum Development Company.”

From the vanguard

NGF: JANG, OTHERS PRAY COURT TO DISMISS FASHOLA’S SUIT

  NGF: JANG, OTHERS PRAY COURT TO DISMISS FASHOLA’S SUIT

 Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang and other defendants have approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, praying the court for a preliminary objection to the suit filed by the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola,  over the outcome of the recent Nigeria Governors’ Forum election. In separate motion on notice filed at the court last Friday by counsel to the first and third defendants, Jonah Jang and Osaro Onaiwu, respectively as well as on behalf of the fourth defendant, the Registered Trustees of the Governors’ Forum, they asked the court to set aside the claims of the plaintiff as lacking in merit.

The cases were filed by Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) on behalf of the first and third defendants while F.N Nwosu filed on behalf of the fourth defendant. Both suits with No. CV/3389/13 also had the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Asishana Bayo Okauru, as defendant and respondent. Pursuant to Section 6 (6) (A) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and order 22, rules 2, 3 and 4 of the FCT High Court, both counsels are seeking preliminary objection to the plaintiff’s claims on the following grounds: that the writ of summons was not issued in accordance with procedural due process, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory lacks jurisdiction to entertain the plaintiff’s claims, even if the High Court has jurisdiction to entertain the plaintiff’s claims, the plaintiff lacks locus standi to bring the suit as constituted and that even if the plaintiff has the locus standi to bring the suit, the plaintiff’s claims are not justiciable as they relate to a mere dispute as to political dignity.

In their statements of defence, both the first and third defendants as well as the fourth defendant, denied allegations contained in the statement of claim though admitted those in paragraphs 2, 5, 6 and 7 of the statement of claim. Also a major issue in the statement of claims was the process of the NGF election which the defendants faulted.  They noted that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum is only a platform for peer review among governors of the states of Nigeria and to collaborate on matters of public policy, provide good governance, sharing good practice and enhance cooperation.

They further noted that from its formation, the chairman of the NGF has always been appointed by consensus of all members of the forum and that Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi became chairman of the NGF in 2011 by consensus for a term of 2 years, expiring in May 2013. The defendants referred to the meeting of the NGF of 20th May 2013 at the Rivers State Lodge in Abuja where, they claimed, majority of the governors present demanded for Amaechi, whose tenure had expired, to step down and allow another member to preside for the purpose of appointing a new chairman but rebuffed by Amaechi. 

In the light of this, they claimed that 19 of the 36 governors present at the meeting had indicated in writing their support for Governor Jonah Jang as chairman of the NGF but that Amaechi insisted there must be an election and that he must preside at the meeting. Governor Amaechi subsequently produced ballot papers which, they claimed, he had unilaterally printed without prior authority of other members of the NGF and started distributing same for the purpose of the election. 

The defendants further stated that when Governor Amaechi refused to step down, 18 of the 35 members present at the meeting immediately indicated their “unflinching support” for Governor Jonah Jang as the new chairman of the forum “without prejudice to their objection to the insistence of Governor Amaechi on presiding over the election process”.

In spite of this, they noted that Governor Amaechi and the second defendant, Asishana Bayo Okauru, still went ahead to announce that Governor Amaechi emerged winner of the election. In which case, the first, third and fourth defendants are contending that the plaintiff’s suit be dismissed for being frivolous and unmeritorious.

Bayelsa! When Steel Talks

Bayelsa State, Nigeria - Bayelsa State, Nigeria, home state of Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan - and also the location of one of the largest crude oil and natural gas deposits in Nigeria - has keyed into the country’s steelpan development.

Recently, through the State Tourism Development Agency headed by Mrs. Ebizi Ndiomu Brown, a set of steelpans for fifteen players was purchased. The recipients of these instruments—a group of secondary school students in Bayelsa State—were selected from various schools across the state and put together to form the state junior steel orchestra known as Bayesla Junior Steelpan Orchestra.

The orchestra is currently being trained by the producers of the instruments, Africa Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan Development Company Ltd., (ATTSDC) based in Nigeria.

Already, the band has attended two state government functions where they thrilled the audience with familiar Nigerian tunes.The training goes along with intense rehearsals, as the steel orchestra prepares for its first international outing which will be a steelpan festival/competition organized by “Education Africa” in Johannesburg, South Africa between 1st and 6th August 2013. “Education Africa” had earlier in the year contacted Chief Bowie Sonnei Bowei, CEO of ATTSDC and President of the Nigeria Steelpan Society, to prepare a band from Nigeria to participate at this event in South Africa.

The Bayelsa State Ministry of Education also plans to include Steelpan in the curriculum of schools across Bayelsa State, and to develop as well, a career and entrepreneurship program in the steelpan art form, with the aim of reducing joblessness in the state.

This program promises to train Bayelsa youths as Pan music educators, artists, pan builders, tuners, arrangers, composers, studio engineers, producers and artiste managers with a strong bias for the steelpan.

Original article From when steel Talks.
Www.Panonthenet.com

JTF Rescues Kidnapped French Sailor in Bayelsa

JTF Rescues Kidnapped French Sailor in Bayelsa

The victim was kidnapped five days ago.

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta said on Tuesday that it had freed a French sailor kidnapped on June 13 in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa.Benjamin Élan, 28, was among the missing 15 crewmen of a chemical tanker, MT Adour, attacked by suspected pirates along 30 nautical miles off Lome.

The Commander of the JTF, Major General Bata Dembiro, handed over Mr. Élan to Markson Fefegha, the Bayelsa Commissioner for Information, in Yenagoa in the presence of journalists.

“The rescue of the French national was made possible by the combined efforts of youths from Bomadi and Ekeremor local government areas.“The rescued foreign ship worker was abducted in Togo aboard an oil tanker and brought to Bayelsa State by suspected kidnappers,” Mr. Dembiro said.

The JTF commander explained that the new collaborative effort between the security agencies in the state and youth of oil bearing communities would reduce the incidence of sea piracy and kidnapping in the Niger Delta region.

The tanker had discharged the cargo at the port in Togo and was attacked by pirates, who took control of the ship and diverted it to Nigeria. The chemical tanker is registered in Marseille, France.The vessel is owned and operated by the French company, Sea Tankers Shipping.

Speaking on his experience in the hands of his abductors, the rescued sailor said although the kidnappers were not violent, he was kept in hiding for over six days and was fed on bread and water.

The commissioner had earlier commended the JTF officers for their recent proactive efforts at stamping out criminality and theft along the waterways and creeks of the state.“The noticeable peace along the waters of Bayelsa and the recorded arrest of criminals, including the killers of the 11 policemen, is wonderful and commendable,” Mr. Fefegha said.

From premium Times

Nigeria: Flooding - UN Pledges Assistance to Bayelsa, Others

By Samuel Oyadongha
16 June 2013. Yenagoa —

As anxiety mounts over the predicted heavy rains this year with the possibility of flooding in part of the of the country, the United Nations, weekend pledged to provide technical assistance to Bayelsa State and other states to mitigate the likely impact of the impending flood and other related environmental issues.

United Nations Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valerie Amos, gave the promise in Yenagoa, while on a two-day working visit to inspect the effects of the 2012 flood in parts of the state.The UN Under Secretary in an interview, said that the duty of her office was not to provide any major engineering projects but to help identify what could be done to help prepare the country, state and people for what would come after.

She explained that the World Bank, African Development Bank and other such bodies were available to Bayelsa State to discuss with and see what could be done.Refusing to be drawn comparison between the level of devastation caused by last year's flood in Bayelsa State and other places, she said "it is hard to make comparisons," adding that her work was usually on country, state and community basis.

The authorities in the state, she said did well in their efforts to mitigate the effects of the 2012 flood, but there were lessons to be learnt as there was possibility of more flooding this year.She said, "I am here in Bayelsa to see for myself the impact of the devastating flood of last year. I have had the opportunity to talk to the ordinary people and the Post Flood Management and Response Committee on the efforts made in the provision of food, shelter and other relief materials."There are lessons to be learnt and we would like to work with the state government and federal authorities to support and partner in strengthening preparedness and look at ways in which we can assist with technical support."

Curled from the vanguard

The Gubernatorial Interview.. "There was no time monies were kept in an Escrow account and paid to Bayelsa State."-Gov.Dickson

The Gubernatorial Interview
Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, recently met with some journalists in Yenagoa, the state capital, and used the forum to address some national issues.

Shola Oyeyipo was there

Excerpts: What’s your take on amnesty for Boko Haram?

On the issue of amnesty, I want to commend the President for his large heartedness in proposing amnesty, even for Boko Haram members. Of course, we all know that Boko Haram, whatever is driving them is very different from the factors that gave rise to the situation that we had here in the Niger Delta.

Whereas the insurgency in the Niger Delta was founded on economic issues, the one in Boko Haram is religious. So, there is a clear distinction and even with that the President has come up with amnesty.I think as a result of calls by some leaders in the affected areas so that amnesty can be given and they want to see whether that can make the difference. I think we should give it a chance.

Though those who say amnesty should not be extended to Boko Haram members also have a very strong point on account of the mindless and criminal, despicable and wanton destruction of properties and lives. And even now, from what we are reading, they seem to say they have not done anything wrong and they are rejecting amnesty. But on the part of the leader of a country, I think the President has done well by proposing amnesty.

Question:  Let’s discuss the crisis in your party against the birth of APC. Are you worried?

In politics, you are managing not just a clash of ideas and vision; it is also a clash, inevitably, of ego and all of that. So, democratic politics promotes diversity and diversity sometimes, generates conflict and tension. But the democratic system must be managed in such a way that democracy and the rule of law will at the end of the day, take care of all these things in their own time. So, what you are seeing as tension at the end of the day, will resolve itself.

On the APC, I want to use this opportunity to urge the leaders of the opposition to work hard to bring about a virile, effective and viable opposition. An opposition that will play by the rule, an opposition that will be in a position to confront the ruling party in a market place of ideas and vision. We are looking forward to virile debates on various issues; on economy, on national security.

If they are viable as a party, we want to engage then and let us see the alternative viewpoints that are contending for the minds and hearts of our people beyond issues of religion, ethnicity and zoning - that's the whole idea. The whole political engagement is all about grandstanding, manipulation, positioning and it sickens me, really.

So, for me, and I'm not speaking for my party; I'd be very happy to see a very virile, effective and well organised opposition because a democracy without an opposition is dictatorship.

Question.. What informed the idea of PDP Governors' Forum?

The Governors' Forum is primarily a mechanism for peer review of governors that are equal. You do not have to be a member of the Nigeria Governors' Forum to be a governor. Isn't it? Yes! It is just like your association, NUJ, whether you are there or not, you are functioning.

So the Governors' Forum is a platform for collaborating with the federal government on critical issues of development, national security and other challenges that come up. The Governors' Forum is not and should not be a platform for control of national politics, because we are not elected to run the country.

We, as governors are elected to manage our states. So the Governors' Forum cannot be allowed to go on as a trade union. Of course, that is wrong! What has happened is that people are taking advantage of the development and discontent in our system to manipulate it to suit their individual whims and caprices. But what is wrong is wrong!

Look at the United States Governors' Forum where we even copied it from, you don't see Governors' Forum there coming to tell Obama what he should and what he should not do.We are provincial players because our mandates are to lead our states and not to run the federation. Those who have a mandate to run the federation are the President, Vice President, the elected members of our National Assembly and the political leadership of the parties.

And if as a governor, I have any strong view on things that go on at the federal level, we have avenues; informal and formal- we have the National Economic Council.Over the years, governors of the PDP who became chairmen of the Governors' Forum- all attempted to use it as a platform for playing national politics- a platform for occupying national political space. It shouldn't be allowed! That's why the idea of the PDP Governors' Forum became necessary.

But you see, because there is manipulation of facts and our institutions are not yet strong enough, including the media - you are doing a very good job but not yet strong enough.You see things being manipulated as if anybody is disturbing anybody and instead of saying no, this thing you guys are doing is wrong.

People are saying as if "there is a crisis and somebody does not want somebody, no! PDP governors have the right to have their own group because the associative right is a first law in a democracy. ACN governors and others, even councillors have associations. There is so much focus on what goes on in the PDP.

If you are in the PDP, you will use the structure of the PDP to resolve problems; if you are not in the PDP you concentrate on your party and make it strong to defeat the PDP. You don't operate outside the PDP and control the PDP or want the PDP to do things according to your own dictate.

But if you are in a party, you must play according to the rules of your party or you get out. That is what is done all over.

Question...But what do you think of the crisis between the President and Governor Amaechi who are both members of the same party?

You should not equate a provincial player with elected President of the Federal Republic. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot have misunderstanding with a provincial player as a governor of Rivers State or any other governor for that matter. I don't know how you came by that.

That is why we must be careful because you are also very important players in our democracy. As governors, we are elected to run our states, no more - no less.If you want the mandate to run Nigeria, you contest an election for it. Don't do it through the back door. If you want to be a leader of opposition, you go to the opposition.

What is happening is that people are taking advantage of our weak institutions and our fledgling democracy such that sometimes you don't even know who belongs to where socially and politically. So, please, I'm not aware of any misunderstanding between the President of Nigeria and a provincial player like me who is a governor of a state.You are demeaning the President and you shouldn't do that in this country.

He (Amaechi) is the one that does that because every little thing, he brings in the President as if he is at the same level- at par with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But what we know is that for you to be a good leader, you must be a good follower first. So, I'm not aware and I'm not a presidential spokesman.

Question...What’s the state of the oil dispute between Bayelsa and Rivers?

This thing you talked about has been in existence for long, even before the creation of Bayelsa State. Even when these two local governments were in old Rivers State, commissions of enquiries were set up and so on and so forth.

As a governor, your responsibility is to use existing institutions to solve problems because there are statements you make that could inflate tensions and create instability.What I have been doing since this incident is to call for peace and I'm using our existing channels both within the Ijaw system because these people are all Ijaw people in case you don't know; the Kalabari are Ijaw people, the Nembe people in Bayelsa are Ijaw people. Just because of the way the country came into being and states were created and today we now find ourselves- some in Rivers and some in Bayelsa- they are not enemies.

For us as a state, what we have done is that we have submitted ourselves to federal institutions - we are cooperating with federal institutions. We have federal institutions like the Boundary Commission; we have the Revenue Allocation and Mobilisation and all of that.

When they came, we were ready but unfortunately, even the people who were shouting - come to the table and establish, pulled out.They are more interested in using it for political grandstanding and for any other thing. But I think that the system will take its course. Remember they have now gone to court and lost.

And let me use this opportunity to also clear this disinformation; there was no time any money was paid to Bayelsa from the so-called Escrow account. There was no time monies were kept in an Escrow account and paid to Bayelsa State. No!What happened was that Akwa-Ibom, Abia, Delta, Bayelsa - all the neighbouring states had issues and they now deducted funds from us and paid to Rivers State. They also now, on another claim, deducted some money from Rivers State and other states and paid to Bayelsa. So, whereas we received N15 billion, Rivers State received N17 billion! Now, was that money from an Escrow account?

DICKSON FAULTS CRITICS OVER BDIC- Commissions Office in South Africa

 Dickson faults critics over BDIC……commissions office in South Africa

 The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has faulted the position of the critics on the inauguration of the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation, (BDIC), arguing that it was aimed at attracting investments to the state and as well make it the delight of local and foreign investors.The BDIC, contrary to the submission of the critics is aimed at charting a more diversified economic base from the current dependency in Oil and Gas sector of the economy.

Warning the people against playing politics with the economic development of the state, the Governor noted with dismay the position of some politicians in the state on his administration's economic policies which gave birth to the establishment of the BDIC and other agencies of the government.

In order to boost its economic profile, the State, according to the Governor is beaming its searchlight on the following sectors which include: tourism, Agriculture,Oil & gas, Infrastructure, and FMCG.On the choice of South Africa as corporate office of the BDIC, the Governor disclosed ‘the BDIC is looking to attract investment from all major markets and economies, with South Africa being one of such country.

  The Johannesburg office represents their second international presence after the recently opened London, UK office. ‘It is hoped that through its presence the BDIC will attract partnerships with Southern African investors on a PPP (public private partnership) into the identified economic sectors of Bayelsa State.   

Interface with the Nigerian consulate to fast track immigration requirements for prospective investors looking to visit Bayelsa State. "The BDIC’s vision is to be an enabler for transforming Bayelsa State into one of the top economies not just in our country but also in Africa.

 Our mission is to protect, stimulate and grow the wealth of all Bayelsans through responsive, innovative and sustainable investments while acting as a catalyst for socio-economic development of our state,” said Dickson Governor Dickson is to lead a high powered delegation from Nigeria, with President Goodluck Jonathan expected to perform the official commissioning of the BDIC office in South Africa along with his South African counterpart, President Jacob Zuma. 

F.G Partners Bayelsa Government on provision of Water

The federal government has expressed its desire to partner the Government of Bayelsa State to ensure adequate provision of safe water for the people of the area.The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Reng Ochekpe, made this known when she received the Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson, in her office in Abuja.

Ochekpe said the federal government had realised that to meet the MDGs goals there was the need to increase collaboration with the states government and it was in this regard the ministry recently held a meeting with all the commissioners of water resources to further strengthen the bond of cooperation between them to achieve the objective of adequate provision of safe water.She added that a meeting with Nigeria Governors' Forum was being planned to solicit for their support.

The minister told the governor that work was progressing on the Otuoke water project being handled by the ministry of Water Resources which extends to 13 communities within the Otuoke Area and other similar projects in the state.While lamenting the setback suffered by the Otuoke water project due to the effect of flood of last year, Mrs. Ochekpe assured that the project would soon be completed and by July this year the people of Otuoke and other adjoining communities would start to enjoy water.

"We are sorry that in Bayelsa State you have so much water around you but not fresh water because of the effect of pollution, government is doing everything possible through our Niger Delta River Basin Authority to support you and ensure adequate provision of water for the people in the area", the Minister said.On the interest shown by the Bayelsa State Government to take over the Rice Farm Project at Peremabiri, the minister said: "We will collaborate with you but we will not hand over the project".

Earlier, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, said the state government alone could not provide water in a state like Bayelsa without support from the federal government."I am here to solicit your support in technical terms. We need to tap into the expertise of your ministry. My government intends to do a lot this year in the area of water", the governor further said.

On the devastating flood that ravaged the state last year, Dickson explained that measures were being taken by his government to prevent the reoccurrence of flood of last year.He said that he had set up two committees to enable government prepare effective response.The governor said his government also intended to embark on massive rice farming this year to turn around the economy of the state.

Nigeria Nine Nigerian Oil Workers Kidnapped in Bayelsa Nine Oil workers attached to the Nigerian Oil Servicing Companies of the Octopus Clan Nigerian Limited and the Deck Oil

By
Yemi Akinsuyi
Allafrica online

Operation Doo Akpo Aborts Oil Theft in Otuasega Bayelsa State

The state security outfit set up by the Bayelsa state Government to Tackle crime "Operation Doo-Akpo" might just have averted another massacre similar to that of the Ahoada explosions, where scooping of oil from a fallen tanker resulted in a fire explosion that ended the lives of over a 130 youths.

Confirmed reports reaching us this morning says the operation Doo Akpor team responded to a report of a crime in progress at about 11pm last night to find "bunkerers" who had burst one of the shell pipelines in that area with hydrocarbons gushing out of the pipeline .  Although The criminals took to their heels on arrival of the men of the Doo Akpo team, the pipeline was still gushing out hydrocarbons. This preempted The Doo Akpo team to inform  the near by shell camp of the vandalization in other to prevent a massive fire outbreak or residents of that area scooping for the product now identified as diesel.

The staff of shell was said to have contained the leak while the Doo Akpo team maintained patrol in the area all night..

Remember Protecting of lives and properties should not be left in the hands of our security agents alone. We have a reponsibilty to our State and Nation to work with our security agents. Special thanks to whomever thought it wise to call the operation Doo Akpo security outfit. Incase you don't have it, this is the hotline for the Operation Doo Akpo security outfit 07006464644. Let security be our priority.

Matilda Angaye

Bayelsa State Government Raises over 600million Naira for AMAA

The AMAA fund raising dinner which was chaired by Alhaji Sayuu Dantata held at the conference hall of the Transcorp Hilton hotels and Towers Abuja. It had in attendance the first lady of Nigeria Dame Patience Jonathan, the wife of the Vice president Mrs. Amina Sambo, The Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry S. Dickson, friends and business partners of Alhaji Dantata, construction giants, representatives of state Governors, Key players in the Banking sector, Members of the BDIC, prominent sons of Bayelsa state etc.

Gov. Dickson while giving his speech, commended the Organizers of AMAA for birthing and holding on to the project for years now, he also commended  his predecessors for  buying the idea and successfully hosting the awards through the years, especially the president for supporting the project as Governor and even as president.

He however emphasized on the need for AMAA to be a Private sector driven event in line with the restoration agenda of His Administration to get private sectors as key players in the new Bayelsa project. He thanked the guest for honouring the invitation and for showing solidarity with the new Bayelsa state project in the promotion of arts as a medium of promoting national unity and Integration as well as wealth creation, he especially thanked the first lady of Nigeria Dame Patience Jonathan and the chairman of the fund raising Alhaji Sullah Dantata for honouring and promoting the fund raising event.

Gov. Dickson assured the guest that the funds raised will be judiciously and properly utilized, he therefore charged the guest to contribute generously to the successful hosting of the this Years AMAA awards ceremonies. In his words "we want the pockets to do the talking tonight". He also informed the guest that he is looking forward to receiving them all in Bayelsa state on Saturday for the award night program.

The first lady of Nigeria Dame Patience Jonathan in her Remarks acknowledged the importance of the entertainment industry in our society and the role Nigerian movies have played in our national development. she also commended the organizers of AMAA, and the state governor for pointing  this year's AMAA to a new direction.

She also commended her husband, the president of Nigeria,Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for the 3 billion naira innovation fund recently established for the Nigerian creative industry on its 20th Anniversary. She thanked the Bayelsa state Governor and the friends of Bayelsa state for supporting and partnering with this project and called on the players in the private sector to consider the support of the film industry as part of national service to grow the economy, reduce social vices and empower Nigerians.

She charged film makers to tell stories that highlight the virtues of peace and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians. Her excellency encouraged the Governor of Bayelsa state, Henry Seriake Dickson to build the Yenagoa film city, as it will positively extend the opportunity of the youths. She therefore urged the guest to donate generously to the AMAA project, stating that nothing is too small or too big for a good course.

Under the Able chairmanship of the AMAA fund Raiser, Alhaji Sullah Dantata, Over 600 million naira was realized during the fund raiser with the chairman donating 100million naira, friends of Dantata 100million, Senator Uzamere behalf of Glo 100 million, BDIC 50 million, Gilmore Nig. Ltd 35million, Chief Arthur Eze, Timi Alaibe, Ben Bruce and friends 27million, Ifeanyi Uba of capital oil 30million, Hakeem Bello - Osagie of Etisalat 30million, Oxmas construction 25million, H.R.H king A.j Turner of Trenor Nig. Ltd 20million, Chief Ineton 25million, Gitto construction 15million, CCECC construction 10 million. Other donors includes Julius Berger, ken Etete, Dan Etete, Francis Ogoro, V and V, petroleum products carriers, Dr Wale, Dantata and Sawoe, who gave 5million naira each. There were other undisclosed amounts donate by Firstbank, FCMB, UBA, Sterling bank, Kaduna and Niger State Governments.

The program was anchored by Basorge tariah junior, taribio Oweifawari and Mr Ebi Avi

By
Matilda Angaye

Nigeria: SDPC AIDS SCIENCE EDUCATION In BAYELSA STATE

Nigeria: SDPC Aids Science Education in Bayelsa.
By Samuel Oyadongha

The Anglo — Dutch oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SDPC), yesterday said its investment in the sciences in Bayelsa State schools, has helped reverse the dearth of candidates from the state possessing relevant qualifications for employment in the areas of engineering, medicine as well as oil and gas disciplines.

SPDC Managing Director, Mr. Mutiu Sumonu, stated this in Yenagoa on the occasion of the fourth edition of the science competition for secondary schools in the state.The competition sponsored by the oil giant was in collaboration with the state Ministry of Education, Intels, Science Teachers Association (STAN) and Initiative for Science and Education Development (ISED).Represented by Mr. Evans Krukrubo, General Manager, Sustainable Development and Community Relations, Mr. Sumonu said, "we are here today to ensure that our children in Bayelsa State develop a keen interest in the sciences and also encourage more students to pursue these subjects at higher education.

"We decided to focus on science education, because graduate recruitment exercises have highlighted the dearth of candidates from Bayelsa State possessing relevant qualifications for employment in the areas of engineering, medicine as well as oil and gas disciplines."Continuing he said, "based on the evaluation studies carried out by SPDC staff, there has been a significant increase in the enrolment of science subjects and pass rates in WAEC and NECO exams since the commencement of the Bayelsa Science Quiz and Fair in 2009."According to him, education remains one of the company's areas of focus in social performance delivery strategy and had invested a lot in this respect over the last few years.

He said, "the SPDC JV in collaboration with INTEL Corporations and the Education Trust Fund (ETF) set up a web-based Science and Mathematics learning programme called skoool.ng. This programme has already taken off in Bayelsa State- a centre was set up at Nembe National Grammar School and handed over to the state Ministry of Education in July 2011."Prior to this, the SPDC JV, upgraded the infrastructure in the Government Science & Technical College, Ekowe, among other schools. The JV also handed over to the Bayelsa State Government, the Yenagoa Model School at Okaka-Epie, constructed at the cost of N142m.

In addition, over 300 secondary school students from the state are awarded scholarship annually."In September 2012, we awarded full scholarships to 20 brilliant pupils selected from community primary schools in the state in our flagship Cradle-to-Career Scholarship scheme, which provides quality education for scholars in reputable secondary schools in the region. A total of 60 students from the state are currently benefiting from the scheme.

"In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Education, Salo Adikumo, lauded the effort of the company and called on other multi-national firms operating in the state to emulate SPDC's noble gesture aimed at improving the socio- economic well- being of the people in its area of operations.

He assured that the state government would continue to provide the needed peaceful climate for investments to flourish.A total of 99 schools in the state took part in the competition and the subjects covered were English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Agricultural Science.Bellary Secondary School, Yenagoa emerged the overall winner while Obolo Grammar School in Southern Ijaw council area came second and Isaac Adaka Boro College of Education Demonstration School took third position.

Curled from the Vanguard

Day 4... Tour on project sites -Ministry of Trade and investment.

Day 5... Tour on project sites in commemoration of the 1year in office of His Excellency Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson
Ministry of Trade and investment.. Headed by the honorable commissioner Hon. Ayakeme Masa

The honorable commissioner Mr Ayakeme Masa and Mr Cyril Akika led the team of journalists to the proposed Castle Hotel, whose features include a casino, a gulf course, a polo club amongst others... Mr Cyril Akika who is the special assistant to the Governor on Investment informed the team that the project will be completed before the end of the year.

The team then proceeded to  the proposed 5 star hotel being handled by the Asigwe Ayam group. located along the Ox bow lake road, the contractor Mr Asigwe conducted the journalists round the facility, he explained that all materials needed to complete the hotel are already on site and they have started work, He said the expected time of completion is within 12 months

The team was also visited the tower hotels at Azikoro NNPC road. Where a brief interview session was conducted. Mr Cyril Akika informed the journalists that all funds needed to complete the hotel is already available. And the contractors are already moving to site.

Day 5. Ministry of Science and Technology and man power development, Headed by Hon. Commissioner Mrs. Didi Walson Jack.

Day 5. Ministry of Science and Technology and man power development, Headed by Hon. Commissioner Mrs. Didi Walson Jack.
By Matilda Angaye

There was a media briefing by the honorable Commissioner for science and man power development Mrs Didi Walson Jack. The commissioner informed  the journalists that are ministry is just 5 months old and as such was not included in the 2012 budget of Bayelsa State, however her ministry has been able to achieve the following ongoing programmes and projects.

1. Development of ICT framework..
The framework identifies the importance of ICT to socio economic development and has made provisions for A science and Technology center of excellence and innovation, these ICT centers will be located in or within proximity of tertiary institutions in the state. There will also be Science and Technology education in primary and secondary schools and ICT in local government area headquarters and communities.
She said this framework would enable them spearhead new learning technologies, ICT development and research to ensure that Bayelsa State can participate in global information society.

A. Collaboration
On the collaborative platform the commissioner said her ministry had to identify projects and programmes that need collaborative support because of their limited resources.. In that respect they have successfully collaborated with Federal ministry of science and Technology,the united nations office of project services UNOPS, Nigerian Maritime administration and safety NIMASA, High commission of India, Malaysia and Singapore, also the federal civil service commission, the Nigerian content development and monitoring board and the federal character commission.

B. Ward cluster project services
The commissioner said her ministry in collaboration with the Federal ministry of science and technology and commenced construction Of a vocational technology incubation center in oloibiri... Other sites earmarked for such construction are in odi, and otuoke towns. She said when completed Bayelsans would be able to fabricate and carry out maintenance of low technological machinery.

C. Technology incubation center
A collaboration with the technology incubation center an agency under the federal ministry of science and technology incubation. For this purpose The state government has allocated the release an appropriate and conducive space for workshop and laboratories at the Bayelsa State college of arts and science.

D. Human capacity Development.

In other to develop indigenous manpower and foster wealth creation for the Bayelsa people, the hon commissioner said her ministry has embarked training of 1000 Bayelsans under the national industrial programme NISDP on information communication technology ICT,  fisheries and garment making.. The programme runs from December 2012 - March 2013

Training of 15 persons at the federal school of surveying in Oyo State.

Coordination and facilitation of screening and selection of youths from Bayelsa State to undergo a 5year degree programme in Nautical science, Naval architecture and marine engineering in various countries of the world under NIMASA.

She said in other to address the marginalizaction and absence of Bayelsans in the federal Civil  Service her ministry has ensured a 279 short listed persons for aptitude test and recruitment into the federal civil Services... She said her ministry organized a coaching preparatory  workshop for shortlisted candidates, provided transportation to the screening center...

In conclusion, she stated that her ministry is in charge of the man power database for Bayelsans who are seeking job and skill acquisition placements. The ministry is also currently overseeing the E Governance unit where the oracle financial and payroll software is being installed to monitor and administer our wage bills and salaries, the oracle financial system will eliminate the ghost workers and automatically reflect increments of salaries when workers are promoted.. The oracle financial system is 64% completed

Over 40 Massive Construction projects in One Year -Ministry of Works And Infrastructure

Day 1 and 2 of  Project Sites Tour by Journalist and Media Crew
By Matilda Angaye

The ministry of works alone has embarked on over 40 massive construction projects ranging from Roads, Housing, Office complexes, Hotels, Bridges etc. This was observed by journalist and media crew who accompanied the Hon. Commissioner of Works and Infrastructure Mr Lawrence Ewudjakpo on a project monitoring tour in commemoration of the 1year in office of the Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson led administration as Governor of Bayelsa State.

The ministry of works and infrastructure tour which was eye opening for observers, was originally scheduled for a day but could not be concluded within a day, because of the large number of project sites yet to be visited and was continued the following day.

The commissioner and his team fielded questions from journalist, feeding the journalist with information about each site visited, cost of projects, amount paid, dates of expected completion, contractors, challenges etc. The commissioner also invited some contractors handling specific projects to answer questions and educate the journalist on the projects they are handling.

 Some of the project sites visited are

 Office Complex, Creek Haven Yenagoa

Office Complex, Creek Haven Yenagoa

 Housing

 Road Under  Construction in Yenagoa

Road Safty Road Under  Construction in Yenagoa

  Litigation/ Office complex in Yenagoa

 Roads under Dualization in Yenagoa

 Construction of Access Roads in Sagbama LGA

 Airport site cleared and Ready for Airstrip construction

 Administrative block and prison Cells Already Completed In Yenagoa

Construction of Road and Town named after Ijaw Hero Isaac Adaka Boro in Kiama

New Access link Roads under Construction in Yenagoa

Construction of Alfred Diete spiff road in Yenagoa

 Construction of Onopa Link road in Yenagoa

 Construction and Expansion of the Goodluck Jonathan bridge in swali Yenagoa

 New NYSC camp and road under Construction in Kiama

 Dualization of Ox Bow lake Road in Yenagoa

 The Hon. Commissioner Showing Journalist the depth of drainage of A road Under Construction in yenagoa

 The 4 Secretariat Annex under Construction

 Road and Bridges Construction along Tombia-Amassoma

 Bridges Under Construction

A contractor Feilding questions from journalist

 List Of Projects and Cost By the Ministry of works and infrastructure

The Commissioner further explained that most of the projects are massive, therefore the time frame for their completion ranges from 12 - 24 months and because of the State's terrain, construction is not only expensive but also time consuming. He said plans and designs for most roads had to be revisited after the floods, as it is the governments desire to build roads, bridges and other infrastructure that can withstand floods and other climatic /weather challenges. However he assured the journalists that there are some projects that will be ready for use from April 2013.