Gov Uduaghan and Gov Wamakko in British African Diaspora Conference

Photo News

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1. from left; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria, Meg Hillier MP, Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State and Mr. Sam Forceman during the British African Diaspora Conference held in Houses of Parliament, London.

2.from left; Commissioner for Information, Delta State, Barr. Chike Ogeah, Chief Ighoyota Amori, and Hon Martins Okonta during the British African Diaspora Conference held in Houses of Parliament, London.

3. from left; Mr. Dere Otubo, Chief Solomon Ogba, Special Senior Adviser to the Governor on Foreign Relations,  Mr. Oma  Djebah, Hon Daniel Reyenieju and Barr. Peter Nwaboshi during the British African Diaspora Conference held in Houses of Parliament, London.  

Sultan of Sokoto and others protest under-representation of muslims at the ongoing confab

News

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III and other Muslim leaders were at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday to protest to President Goodluck Jonathan to express their displeasure with the religious composition of the ongoing National Conference.

The sultan refrained from interacting with journalists after the closed-door meeting with the president, but Secretary General of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede revealed the president’s assurance that Muslims were not being marginalized.

“We came to consult with Mr. President. We are happy we consulted with him, he has given us reasons to reassure us that Muslims in Nigeria were not deliberately marginalised, and he has asked us to convey the feelings of the government, the genuineness of the government, the fairness of the government to the entire populace”, he said.

“He assured us that if there are issues that are not as they ought to be, they were not deliberate; and we want to believe that Mr. President told us his mind. But we also want to believe that while it is proper to protest, it is also proper to assume that a leader will always be just even if there are mistakes thereafter”.

He added that the Muslims thought they should convey their ill-feelings to the president, and they were happy that the president proved himself to be a genuine and committed Christian who will not be unjust to others.

Asides from the two, others who were in the delegation are Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Garbai; former Head of Service of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed; and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammad Uwais.

Earlier last week, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) opposed the composition of the national conference, claiming that Muslims were being marginalised as they were outnumbered by the Christian delegates at the conference.

“Although democracy is a game of numbers, this has not been respected. For instance, While Muslims constitute the majority in the country, Christians, who by all acceptable records are not more than 40 per cent of the country’s population, ironically constitute 62 per cent of the total delegates”, Secretary General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu said at press conference in Kaduna.

“We find it as disrespect to the conscience of the Muslims that of the 20 delegates of the federal government, only six are Muslims. No Muslim is deemed fit to make the list of delegates from the Nigerian Economic summit. In fact, in the representation of the security agencies Muslims have been so unimaginably short-changed with only one Muslim out of the six retired military and security personnel, one out of six retired security and NIA officers, and two out of delegates of the Association of Retired Police Officers”.

Governor Dickson of Bayelsa Sacks Attorney-General, Six Others

News

Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson has dropped Attorney-General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Francis Egele as well as six commissioners from the state executive council.

According to the governor, the move is in line with an ongoing reorganisation of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for a more optimal implementation of the Restoration agenda.

Asides Egele, the dropped commissioners are Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Hon. Ayakeme Massa; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Anapurere Michael Awoli; Commissioner for Tourism Development, Hon. Nelson Belief; Commissioner for Special Duties (Federal Projects), Hon. Gesiye Isowo; Commissioner for Science, Technology and Manpower Development, Hon. Parkinson Macmanuel; and Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Sylvanus Abila.

Daniel Iworiso Markson, the chief press secretary to the governor, said the affected former commissioners are, by the announcement, requested to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their various ministries.

“His Excellency, Hon. Seriake Dickson, Governor of Bayelsa State, personally expressed his gratitude to them for their commitment to service, diligence, hard work and invaluable contributions to the successes attained by the administration in the last two years”, Markson said.

“The Governor wishes them well in all their future endeavours, as they could be called upon to serve the State in other capacities in future”.

Markson further explained that the reorganization of the machinery of government for improved service delivery in the execution of government programmes and policies as well as the redeployment of relevant officers will be a continuous exercise.

Senate Confirm Emefiele Bulkachuwa nominattions

News

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed for appointment, the nomination of Mr. Godwin Emefiele, as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The upper chamber also approved the appointment of Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa as the President of the Court of Appeal.

Both nominees answered questions on the economy and administration of justice from the senators.

Emefiele pledged not to spend any money in contravention of the law and decried the uncontrollable injection of foreign currencies into the economy stressing that the development if not curbed, could collapse the system.

He said, “We will be fair, just, and firm in the discharge of our duties and ensure that we have a strong exchange rate”.

Bulkachuwa on her part lamented the under-funding of the judiciary, stressing that the development was affecting speedy administration of justice.

She also said the use of longhand to record proceedings at the court due to absence of electronic recording facilities, would be addressed if her appointment was confirmed.

The Senators therefore, after the screening, confirmed their appointments with the Senate President tasking them to justify the confidence reposed in them by discharging their duties effectively on resumption, “without fear or favour”.

A speech presented by Gov T A Orji of Abia State

Speech

A SPEECH PRESENTED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, CHIEF T. A. ORJI (OCHENDO), GOVERNOR ABIA STATE, ON THE OCCASION OF THE COMMISSIONING OF A NEW CLASS-ROOM BLOCK, AND THE LAYING OF THE FOUNDATION STONE FOR A NEW BLOCK, AT HOLY ROSARY SECONDARY SCHOOL, UMUAHIA, HOLDING AT THE SCHOOL GROUND, ON THE 26TH DAY OF MARCH, 2014
 
DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!
                    
I am very pleased to be here today to commission this magnificent building and class-room block for Holy Rosary Secondary School, Umuahia built by the Catholic Church, and also lay the foundation for a new Hostel to be built by our State.
 
This is another eloquent testimony of our well-known tradition of legacy projects, and a realization of our Government’s resolve to put back education at the center stage of our development and as a required infrastructure for the attainment of the new face of Abia.
 
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That is why we have not relented in our drive to restore, remodel and replace obsolete buildings in all our educational institutions, so as to achieve the quality structures and esthetic environment for the training of our young children as leaders of tomorrow. Our Government has been very conscious of the need to upgrade our physical structures, hence we have constructed over 200 class-room blocks spread across the three Senatorial zones of our State.
 
The importance of the projects we are commissioning, and laying a foundation for a new one, can better be understood from their historical perspectives. About 44 years ago and immediately after the Nigerian Civil War, the Governments of the Nation took over the management of all schools, including private and Missionary schools.                                                                
 
Despite the observed growing decay of infrastructures and discipline amongst students in many of these schools that were taken over, no Government in our State saw the wisdom to reverse the situation and bring back the Missions and private owners of acquired schools to repossess and manage them.
 
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But the Administration of Ochendo saw that need to reverse the situation, and in 2012, we commenced the return of Private and Missionary owned schools to their original owners. One of those schools that were handed over to its original Catholic Church owner is this school – Holy Rosary Secondary School, Umuahia.                                     
 
This school before its acquisition by the Government was one of the famous institutions in our State, run with the efficiency and discipline of the of various Missions, and producing equally famous men and women in our society before 1970.
 
That was why, when I handed over this school back to the Catholic Church in 2012 and saw the deteriorating state of infrastructure and environment, I knew we had to assist restore the institution to its former glory. When I came to lay the foundation of this block of class-rooms we commission today, I asked the school what they would want me to do for them, and they replied ‘check the erosion in the school and build a Hostel block for us’. I told them that I will do as they requested.
 
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we have commenced plans to check the menacing erosion in this school and restore the landscapes, and our Ministry of Environment will soon commence work here before the rains start. We are also here today to lay the foundation of the Hostel Block for this School. For me these are promises fulfilled!
 
 We have chosen to go further to commence the building of an overhead bridge across the road for the safety of our young students who come to this school. We will still do more to assist the school in the future.
 
What we are doing here today, are all clear indications that our Government is a champion for the restoration of standards and quality of education in our State. We will remain as strong partners with all those that seek to advance the same cause. Even as we have handed over private and Mission schools to the owners for improved management, I assure you that our Government will not abandon our supportive responsibilities to all schools in our State.
 
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But our Government will on the other hand, require from Private and Missionary Schools, the upholding of the standards academic pursuits and discipline in our schools, so that your institutions can once more become the strong beacons of light that showed the way and led the pack of educators in the attainment of quality education, and the training of sound minds – men and women, that was the hallmark of our past institutions, especially Mission Schools.
 
It is with these nostalgic feelings and expectations that I feel proud to commission this new class-room block, and also lay the foundation for a new Hostel block, here at Holy Rosary Secondary School.                           
 
I commend the new Administration of this School for the budding signs of improvement and positive changes that we are already beginning to see in this institution, especially in the areas of Science, Arts and Information Technology. I also challenge the students here to rise up and excel as young champions of the digital age, so that you can once more be proud of your alma-mater.
 
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I am also confident that the foundation that our Administration is laying for the revival of educational standards in Abia State, especially in the restoration of structures and standards, will continue to challenge future Governments of this State to sustain the standards.                                                                                                             
 
Let us all - government, Private and Mission Schools -rise up together, so as to put Abia State back as a center of educational excellence in our Nation!
That future is very bright!
 
Thank you.

Delta SSG Debunk Alleged Misappropriation of N9 Billion Excess Crude Fund

NEWS

In a swift reaction, the Delta State Government has debunked allegations that it mismanaged N9 Billion Excess Crude funds released to the state in December 2012.

Reacting to a purported press briefing by Hon. Dino Melaye, Secretary to the State Government, Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay in a Press Statement made available in Asaba to www.teemipluse2.blogspot.com on Wednesday, said that in spending the money, due process was duly followed and every fund accounted for.

The statement urged Hon. Melaye to “properly investigate whatever information he gets before coming out with allegations that are frivolous.”

The full text of the SSG’s statement reads:

“The attention of the Delta State Government has been drawn to the press briefing by Hon Dino Melaye alleging mismanagement of funds, specifically the N9b excess crude funds released to the state in December 2012.

It will be recalled that in the last two years, the fund allocation from the Federation has been dwindling. States have therefore been requesting for the release of part of the excess crude fund to deal with outstanding commitments.

The excess Crude referred to by Dino Melaye came in two tranches of N1, 090,380,894.61 and N8, 348,064,864.52 on 10th December, 2012.

Meanwhile the sum of N22, 677,938,653.12 was being owed contractors and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) mainly for capital projects. The N9b was therefore used to offset part of this commitment.

Contrary to the impression given by Dino Melaye that the money was spent in less than three days,  payment commenced in mid- December, 2012 and closed at the end of January, 2013 a period of over 6weeks.

All the payments were duly budgeted for and due process duly followed.

It must be noted that the Delta State Government uses the ICT based SAP financial management system which has ensured transparency in our payment system.

It is on record that many people have complained of the strict payment system by the Delta State Government. This is to ensure proper record keeping and accountability.

It is well known that the Delta State Government has been pursuing the Delta Beyond Oil Agenda to ensure that in future the State does not have to depend on Federal Allocation alone for survival.

The Honourable Commissioner for Finance will be addressing the press in the next few days to give details of the financial management system.

We urge Hon Melaye to properly investigate whatever information they get before coming out with allegations that are frivolous.”

Melaye Accused Uduaghan of Corruption

News

The Executive Secretary, Anti-Corruption Network, Hon. Dino Melaye, on Tuesday urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to investigate Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, over the alleged questionable spending of over N9.4 billion excess crude fund that accrued to the state in 2012.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, he said the anti graft group would, in the course of the week, send a petition to the EFCC and other relevant anti-graft agencies with a view to providing them with evidence upon which they would base their investigations.

The former House of Representatives member said that it was curious that the state would spend over N9.4 billion within three days of receipt.

He said: “The information available to us in one of the instances, among others at our disposal, is to say the least scandalous. This is in regard to the utilization of the over N9.4 billion excess crude allocation to Delta State received in January 2013.

“This money was spent in almost less than three days after receipt in such a manner that calls the principles of accounting to question.

“We will in the course of the week forward proper petition to all anti-graft agencies. Corruption in all states must stop.”

Reeling statistics on the alleged spending, Melaye, relied on a document allegedly obtained from the Office of the Accountant General of the state which stated that over N279 million was used by the state government to purchase hampers, as well as over N74 million on the maintenance of street lights.

He also alleged that the state government spent over N1bn on overheads, even though appropriation might have been made for it in the 2012 budget.

Other spending from the Excess Crude Account which Melaye questioned also include the construction of Trans-Warri-Ode Itsekiri Bridge and access road at the cost of N800 million, award to members of Delta State Contingent to Eko 2012 at the cost of over N330 million and hosting of Senior Course 35 participants of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, at over N37 million, among others.

He said that while the chunk of the money was spent on fictitious projects, some others were bogus and over bloated.

“The desperation to consume the said over N9bn is unparalleled in the history of the University of Corruption. No tangible social amenities or infrastructure considered. This is a pattern in Delta State,” the former lawmaker added.

On the choice of Delta State, Melaye said he had no personal interest in the affairs of the state, insisting that “the only agenda Anti-Corruption Network has is to stamp out corruption at all the levels of governments, be it at the federal, state or local government areas.

He maintained that his group had begun investigations into the books of some other states, adding that the findings would be made public after it might have gathered sufficient information.

According to him, the fight against public graft is one of no retreat, no surrender.

ISOKO SOUTH LGA: WHO TAKES THE SEAT OF CHAIRMANSHIP?

Article

It is appalling that nobody can envisage the exact date that the Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan would conduct elections into the 25 local governments in the state. Late last year, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan fixed a date of conducting elections into the local governments which many political aspirants were vigorously jostling for the position of chairmanship in their various local governments, only to change the date of fixed election and hurriedly inaugurated Transition Caretaker Committees that would help to pilot the affairs of the Local governments pending when the state government is ready to conduct free and fair elections into the local governments

It is obvious that there are three formidable political parties in Isoko south which are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) and Labour Party (LP). But Labour Party is popular in Uzere community and others. The leadership of the PDP cannot be comparable to other political parties in Isoko South. In the re-run election

of Uduaghan in 2011, Isoko South abysmally failed to secure large votes due to the opposition party called the DPP under Great Ogboru's leadership but only power of incumbency that made Uduaghan narrowly secured the total victory of the election in the State. Since Isoko South LGA was created on September 23rd 1991 after Delta State creation in the same year, only few infrastructural developments could be seen from preceding governments. Some past Isoko South local Government chairmen injected projects to ameliorate the sufferings of the people within the local government but massively looted the funds of the council. Isoko South is one the Delta State local governments that receives the highest revenue from the state government on monthly basis, yet no formidable projects could be sited except few ones and nothing else. Political corruption is more pronounced in the council despite the previous presence of EFCC and ICPC never prevent the menace of the deadly disease of corruption in the system. The immediate past government of Chief Askia Ogieh was accused of nefarious corruption, yet he still controls the council in all ramifications.

Come to think of those chairmanship aspirants and candidates for Isoko South LGA but not knowing the exact date of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan conducting elections into the local governments in the State. Some of these professed aspirants are mere posters or card carrier politicians who do not have business with political leadership rather want to make their names without useful manifestoes to convince the electorates of their ambitions. Even Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) is not left out in Isoko South but only DPP is waxing stronger to wrestle power from the almighty PDP. If not Prof. Attahiru Jega, the INEC chairman that scrapped some of the non- performing political parties in Nigeria, Isoko South would have been flopped with several political parties.Isoko nation is having only two local governments while Isoko North was created out of Isoko South due to population and infrastructural developments, In 2011 precisely, Many people came en mass to contest for Isoko South chairmanship but could not see the light of day since anointed fixture of candidate or aspirant is no longer relevant in Delta politics.

Assessing some of the political aspirants vying for Isoko South chairmanship indicated that some are mere noise makers without political preparation to face the task of becoming a council chairman. One of the recent PDP aspirants, Hon Raphael Okelezo who based in Lagos intended to contest for the office of the chairmanship without adequate preparation rather waiting for one outdated politician to anoint him into the office. To the extent that some school of thought assumes that the newly appointed Transition Caretaker Committee chairman would have been him as anointed son of the soil. Even some of the aspirants are mere face book campaigners without real preparation for the Isoko South LGA election. Though, Hon. Raphael Okelezo living in Lagos would deter his political ambition as the next chairman of the council if elected. He does not have the financial power to win such competitive election except High Chief Sergeant Uredi sees him through if the need arises as the case may be. He has not contributed largely to the political development of Irri community but highly educated to the core. He should be advised to resort to his hospitality business in Lagos and allow Isoko South politics to lies. Hon. Evans Egbo also coming under the platform of the PDP as former Isoko South legislator , Board member of the Delta State Sport council and Isoko United Football Club to contest for the office of the chairmanship of Isoko South. Though he is well educated and knows the nitty-gritty of Isoko South politics can easily win if he is in the good terms with his political godfathers in the land. Although, Isoko South Local government is usually zoned to all Isoko South communities that have not benefited from its leadership since its formation. Even the office of Vice chairman is also zoned together with the council legislators as the case may be.

Again, Hon. Micheal Ugbuku was once Isoko South Local government chairman and many people are persuading him to recontest for the office of the council chairman due to his immense contribution to the developmental progress of the council but some school of thought assumes that new breed politicians should be elected into the council rather than old fish politician. Rev Jerry Eziomano Odugala is another vibrant politician with journalistic background and intimidating credentials vying for Isoko South LGA chairman. He is well-educated and had foreign experiences in politics and writing skills. The question many people are asking, does he have any reliable and trustworthy godfather in Asaba? Has he collected any divine blessing from Dr Uduaghan to contest? He has what he takes to win Isoko South chairman if all things work together. Hon Malik Itiako Ikpokpo who once contested for Delta State House of Assembly in 2011 and later stepped down and he is also vying for the Isoko South chairman which probably the anointed candidate and son to win the election. He is in the good books of his loyal fathers like Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Comrade Macaulay Ovuzourie and Hon Solomon Ogba. He is a gentle man with cerebral uprightness. He is a great philanthropist to the core. The chances of winning Isoko South chairman is in hands and nothing else. Other opposition parties are also jostling for the council chairman with high profile criticisms on the immediate past chairman of the council. Chief Askia Ogieh, rumors making the round that he might recontest but he is not presently at the good books of Isoko politicians and people but his political boys are now being inaugurated into the council as Transition Committee chairman and Vice chairman by Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan.He is presently pursuing State appointment from Uduaghan. Hon Osiga Oghale, former ACN Federal House Representatives candidate intends to contest under the same platform of ACN if all things work together. She might win but feminine would equally deter her from victory. Some of these Isoko South towns and villages are Emede. Irri, Aviara, Olomoro, Uzere, Ivrogbo, Ada, Uro, Idheze, Igbide and others. Hon Obi Eneruvie , the Isoko South PDP chairman must examine some of these aspirants properly before given them pass mark to contest.. Though the anointed candidate will emerge in the means of many candidates that would take Isoko South to the Promised Land. Hon Benjamin Essien of DPP also influencing DPP candidate to take over Isoko south but only Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan will decide when election would be conducted into the 25 local government in the state.

BY GODDAY ODIDI PUBLIC AFFAIRS ANALYST, Lagos. 08058124798.

Cross River gets $1m from Bill Gates Foundation

News

Bill and Belinda Gates Foundation has donated One Million dollars to Cross River State for emerging as the best performing State in the South-South Geopolitical Zone Nigeria Governors’ Leadership Challenge Grant.

Dr. Hajo Sani, Grant Administrator of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, announced the donation in Calabar during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the implementation of the Nigeria Governors’ Leadership Challenge Grant Cross River State. 

In the Foundation’s estimation, they were satisfied at the state’s level of commitment and implementation of the programme.

 It described the state as a pacesetter in the zone, pledging its readiness to sustain the programme to reduce infant mortality.

Governor Liyel Imoke who was visibly happy at the donation said the initiative would significantly improve the effort of the State towards family health.Imoke reiterated the commitment of the state at attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) which would ensure that the poor and the vulnerable in the state will have access to medical healthcare.

He said the State would work with the Foundation to attain greater heights.

The Special Adviser on Community and Primary Health, Dr. Iyam Ugot, said the prize would enable the state achieve its MDGs 2,5,6 and 7 as well as reduce its indices from maternal health care which also covers infant mortality.

Obuh Calls for the revival of Reading Culture among Children

Press Realese

The Permanent Secretary Government House and Protocol Mr. Anthony Obuh have charged Nigerians to cooperate so as to revive the ailing reading culture among children.

Mr. Obuh who gave this charge in Asaba during the unveiling and presentation of a book titled “A Thing Never Seen Before” said that   the reading culture among children  has depreciated  and there was the need for all Nigerians especially parents to join in the effort to revive this reading culture.

Continuing, he said that “The ‘Bring Back the Book’ initiative of the Ave Maria Books is a step in the right direction as it will bring back the reading culture among children in the country”.

He commended the author of the book, Barr. Teresa Mary Ozowa for the initiative stating that the book would not only engage children but it has a lot of moral lessons which would help them grow in their everyday life.

“The unveiling of this book is for the benefit of our children and for the growth of the society. It will revive the folklore genre where stories with morals and mores of the society are told to children so as to guide them through life”, Mr. Obuh stressed.

The book reviewer, Mr. Ubaka explained that the book “A Thing Never Seen Before” is a children’s literature which portrayed the theme that individuals cannot run away from their responsibilities especially socio-cultural responsibilities to the community.

He said that the book actually brings back folktale and reading culture to children and has all the elements of a short story.

The author of the book Barr. Ozowa noted that the initiative of publishing children books was to revive the reading culture of our people especially the younger ones and key into the state government education campaign tagged “Bring Back The Book”.

She explained that the initiative “Bring Back The Book” was a laudable one that should not be left to government alone and called on all to join in the campaign of reviving the reading culture among children.

“Let us encourage our children to read for pleasure by always giving gifts of good books. This will encourage them to acquire knowledge generally, not looking for shortcut to pass their exams by engaging in malpractice”.

Barr. Ozowa commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for his support he gave her when she started the publication of the literary series.

PRESS UNIT
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ASABA

MARCH 14, 2014

National Confab: Crisis rocks lists of delegates in Delta

News




By Adewole Martins, Asaba.


The lists of delegates to the proposed national conference released two days ago by the Federal Government has triggered crisis in Delta state.
 
The popular Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) did not only reject the list but called for immediate inclusion of the forwarded
delegates of the council.
 
The conference was billed to kick off by March 17.


The group threatened that any attempt to shove out its delegates would be resisted.
 
According to the group, the non-inclusion was not only deliberate but “a calculated attempt to deny Ijaw youths
from the Niger Delta region from presenting their position on the age-long struggle for Resource Control and Self
Determination at the National Conference.”
 
A statement by the group’s spokesman, Eric Omare, a lawyer, and made available to teemipluse2.blogspot.com said that “the IYC views the exclusion as a deliberate attempt to deny Ijaw Youths and by extension Niger DeltaYouths from presenting their aged long struggle for Resource Control and Self Determination at the National Conference.


“It is on record, that the IYC has been one of the most consistent advocates of a National Conference to discuss the future existence of Nigeria.
 
“Indeed”, it continued, “a National Conference is one of the foremost demands of the IYC as enshrined in the historic Kaiama Declaration.
 
“Therefore, for the IYC, the umbrella body of all Ijaw Youths, worldwide, the fourth largest ethnic group in
Nigeria to be excluded from a list that has a total of twelve (12) nominees from Youth organizations is totally unacceptable.


“The IYC agreed to participate in the National Conference because we believed that it offers us an opportunity to
correct the age long marginalization of the oil rich Niger Delta region and to advance the cause for resource control and self-determination which the IYC has been advocating all these years.
 
“We therefore call on the relevant authorities to correct the exclusion of the IYC from participation in the National
Conference without delay.
 
The group therefore vowed to convene an all Ijaw youth conference similar to the now celebrated “Kaiama declaration” to brainstorm on the injustice and come out with a position on the nation's national conference.

“The Ijaw Youth Council (Worldwide) would in the coming days hold an all Ijaw Youths Conference to take a common position to be presented at the National Conference which
 would kick off in the nation’s capital, Abuja, 17, March,2014.


“The all Ijaw Youths Conference which would take place at Agudiama Ekpetiama in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State would have in attendance Ijaw Youths from home
and abroad”
 
“The conference would be similar to the conference of Ijaw Youths which gave birth to the historic Kaiama Declaration.

All Ijaw Youths from all the Clans of Ijaw Nation from Ondo,
Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States of Nigeria are expected to be in attendance”.

Delta Speaker clears air on N27bn alleged fraud

News

By Poju Ademola , Asaba. 

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon.Victor Ochei, has exonerated himself from the allegation of fraud rocking the state’s Independent Power Plant (IPP) project.

A whooping N27 billion was alleged some years ago to be missing from the total money earmarked for the project and the Speaker was fingered.

Last year, the matter constitutes front burner following the warning of the foremost Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, asking the Speaker not to join the governorship race in 2015 until he clears his name from the mess.

The Speaker who spoke to teemipluse2.blogspot.com during an interview in Asaba, said the fact of the matter would soon materialize.

Referring to Clark as “my elder statesman”, he explained that although he is no longer involved in the project execution but the firm he once had“interest” in, he was sure that the project has reached its advance stage.

He decried the speculation making round the state that the project site had long overgrown with weeds, with nothing on ground to show for the money expended so far.

According to him, the account was concocted to discredit the present administration of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan whose blueprint for the development of the state had impacted positively on the people of the state.

He said, “I challenge members of the fourth estate of the realm to visit the project site and then come back to ask me questions. This is a Governor who is doing selfless services for the state, whose three point

agenda and his ‘Delta Beyond Oil’ policy has taken the state to the next level of development, yet, few insatiable group, whose eyes are blind to what is good, are dissipating their energy on campaign of calumny against him.”

He said time would vindicate him on whether he actually embezzled the IPP money,saying “people should not expect project of such magnitude to be completed within a short space of time. Such project should not be

politicized. It takes a lot of time, resources and energy to complete. By the time the project comes on stream, the fact will speak for itself.”