BAYELSA 2019: Delta Ijaw Political Machineries ( DIPM ) headed by Hon. Stanley Garry Congratulate Chief David Lyon on his Election Victory.

BAYELSA 2019: Delta Ijaw Political Machineries  ( DIPM ) headed by Hon. Stanley Garry Congratulate Chief David Lyon on his Election Victory.

- Says Delta State is next to Join the APC Transformation Train.


WARRI ______  A Group known as Delta Ijaw Political Machineries has Sent a congratulatory Message to the Governor Elect  of Bayelsa State His Exellency Chief David Lyon on the just Concluded November 16th,  2019  Bayelsa state Governorship Election.

This was contained in a Press Statement made available to newsmen at  Warri  today 18th November, 2019 and signed by a Chieftain of the Party in Burutu LGA in Dalta State, Hon. Stanley Garry,  He said the victory of David Lyon during last Saturday polls is the consensus wish of Bayelsa people, stressing that Bayelsans will experience massive infrastructural development, as well as human capital empowerment in the coming APC led new administration in the State.

According to him, said; " God has answered the cry of Bayelsans over bad leadership in the past 8 years. We had been in a captivity under People's Democratic Party- PDP Rularship  of Bayelsa State. But we DIPM want to thank God today because, God has send the peoples mandate, Chief David Lyon to light up the Jerusalem of Ijaw Nation.

We  want to say a very big congratulations to the APC family and the good people of Bayelsa state for taking this Bold Decision.

We thank bayelsans for voting David Lyon and APC ,making it possible for Bayelsa to join the league of next level in National affairs.

We Thank GEJ for been partisan in the election despite the enormous sympathy,Support  his party has for him. That is a sign of statemanship for non interference in the mucky political waters of his home state.

We also appreciate the good people of Southern ljaw for standing by their son. The results of Southern ljaw is a testament that your  massively support and voted for your brother Despite the fact that Bayelsa is a PDP Dominated State.

Bayelsans will never regret it for given David Lyon a chance to serve them. I pray God to give our incoming governor the wisdom, strength and power to serve the good people of Ijaw Nation. I also use this medium to charge Bayelsans to support our amiable governor elect, because it is our support that will spur him to deliver the dividends of Democracy to all Bayelsans, Hon. Stanley Garry stated."

Much thanks to the APC National working Committee for integrating Bayelsa to the main stream politics of Nigeria

 **Signed*

Hon. Stanley Garry
National Chairman,
Delta Ijaw Polical machineries ( DIPM ).

CONGRATULATIONS GOVERNOR ELECT, CHIEF DAVID LYON. -- AMB. IGALI.

CONGRATULATIONS GOVERNOR ELECT, CHIEF DAVID LYON. -- AMB. IGALI.

My family and I, and indeed, the members of the 'PROJECT BAYELSA'' team felicitate with you on your well deserved  landslide victory at the just concluded Bayelsa State Governorship Election, held on November 16, 2019. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced, but the people of Bayelsa have spoken in very clear tone. More importantly, we realize that this is the work of God from whom power comes and we join to say, to HIM be all praise, glory and worship.

We specially, congratulate also, Deputy Governor Elect, Senator Eremieyun Degi, your families, our former Governor and Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, your campaign team and all members of the All Progressive Congress, especially in Bayelsa State. They have,  clearly, worked very hard and with indescribable diligence to bring you thus far.

From the outset, I urge you, as a true Christian and Ijaw patriot to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship in seeing the victory as a friendly game within the family. As the word of God says in Ecclesiastics Chapter 3, verse 1 "there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.....".

Open your heart wider and larger than you have ever done, and reach out to all other candidates across political parties. Rightfully, they have all invested in diverse ways in this political process which has produced you as the Chief Servant of the people and a first amongst equals. In particular, are the candidate and leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), your closest contenders. You must reach them; embracingly. You must also ensure that all from all parts of the state, from this moment feel the warmth of your of love and inclusion.

Finally, even as I recommend you take a few day to get some rest from the strain and rigours of campaigns, also ponder deeply on the journey ahead. As I had mentioned severally to you, I perceive that God who has lifted you so high is setting you up to take our people through great years of monumental progress and development. God's way are deep and He's sure set to use you.

Its important therefore that you look across party lines, all strata of society and put together teams of men and women with good character and temperament and with requisite experience and skills to support in drawing up a roadmap for you.. This transcends manifesto of the APC and your campaign team to include the hopes and aspirations of the greater people of the state. The best journeys undertaken in life are often those commenced with clear roadmap and compass.

I sincerely wish you the best and will continue to pray for your success and wellbeing.

Godknows Boladei Igali, OON
(IBETARIOWEI OF IZON)

A word for chief DSP alamieyeseigha today on your 67th posthumous birthday.

A word for chief DSP alamieyeseigha today on your 67th posthumous birthday.

By: Ambassador Boladei Igali

Today, November 16, 2019, is the anniversary of your 67th birthday and the day, we your beloved people of Bayelsa State are going to the polls to elect a new Governor. How sacred, how nolstagic, how foreboding. Alas, you are neither here to celebrate, as usual with us or lead us to queue up before the ballot boxes and chart a way for our future.

Like the proverbial candle in the wind, four years ago, on October 10, 2015, you left us untimely, unexpected and unthinkably rushed to join the saints triumphant.

ALAMS, you were a man of many celerious parts and callings. A distinguished Air Force Officer who once adorned the Nigerian colours with greatest patriotic zeal and fervor. A thorough Administrator of our Oil and Gas assets at NAFCON. A financial guru, who repositioned the once prided, PABOD Finance Ltd – Old Rivers State’s ace holding conglomerate. A successful Businessman and Investor.

The best of you, like the best wine at the wedding feast at Cana, came towards your end. You yielded to the calls and cries of our people of the Ijaw Nation across the creeks and rivulets to lead the ‘the Glory of all Lands’, their own Jerusalem. You yielded an became the pioneer democratically elected Governor of Bayelsa State. Bayelsa was a late comer state in the Nigerian political constellation, with almost nothing on ground! Daunting but worthy challenge, wasn’t?

Like most great nation builders, you united the people to better appreciate one another and resonate our common Ijaw identity. From Ondo, through Edo and Delta over to Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, you animated our common ancestral credo and the spirit of peaceful coexistence with our neighbours. No wonder “Odidigborigbo” – James Ibori was like you younger sibling from same womb. At home in the state, you redrew the political architecture and added 24 Rural Development Areas, for political inclusion and participation of all.

DSP, Beyond that, realizing that, nation building is about raising men and women out of ignorance, you built and built schools, even the vintage Niger Delta University, School of Basic Studies, etc. Still on education, more than any other Nigerian Governor of your time and till date. You sent hundreds upon to the best of schools abroad; scholarships fully paid.

You built hospitals, you built health centres. You built major roads, bridges and public structures. You started to turn our Yenagoa to a modern city. Yes, you built Government House, Gloyland Chapel, Gabriel Okara Cultural, the expansive Opolo Commissioner Quarters, the Azikoro Road Assembly Quarters, the Okaka Housing Estate, the Ijaw House, Government House Castle (now Royal Tulip Hotel), the only Yenagoa Stadium (now Sampson Siasia Stadium), etc.

Big Bros, you acquired Gas Turbines and provided uninterrupted electricity for our people. You built up the Bayelsa Palms into modern agricultural estate. We had been shut out of the oil and gas on our land for nearly 40 years. But you came, fought and secured the Atalla Oil Fields – the first state in the Niger Delta yo do so.

ALAMCO, you conceptualized the three Senatorial Roads, each terminating on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. You envisioned the Tower Hotel, which though continued by your successors remains odiously incomplete like a silhouette over the sky of Yenagoa.

You even left the shores of Bayelsa to implant IZON WARI – Ijaw House, uniquely in the precincts of the choicest ‘Three Arms Zone’ of our national capital, Abuja. You erected the spacely Gloryland Court in Wuse 11, continues to house your children as they arrive and transit Abuja; even though some have overstayed. You acquired Old Chelsea Hotel, the only state government with an investment of it’s ilk at the time.

You were proudly Ijaw, committedly Niger Deltan and truly Nigerian. More than all your peers and contemporaries, you built bridges and tied knots of brotherhood and friendship across the country. Though you were celebrated popularly as Ganduwa Katsina, from east to west, north to south, you received the most vaunted of accolades and titles, all deserving of a separate reckoning.

Though nature endowed you with greatest of physical and comely attributes, you were dovely in conduct and humbly in disposition. You were fearless and lion hearted and strongly outspoken about convictions and ideals of fairness and justice. Per contra, you were softly in expressions and speech. Though your hours of travail and passion were excruciating and most debilitating, you were quick, with chidlike piety to forgive, forbear and move on. You were distinctly kind, generous, and perhaps even unintendedly indulgent.

Binaowei, be assured, that despite the antics of few sons of prediction, over 99.99% of Bayelsans, the Ijaw nation and Nigerians of goodwill and fair spirit cherish your memory. Don’t worry, we stand day by day with our Mother General, Margaret, Tombra, etc

Governor General, today we go to the polls to pick another of your successors, but we remember you fondly. Olotu of Olotus, Igbirigbi keme, Kuro Keme. We sure that Bayelsans will not disappoint you today.

Continue to Rest in Peace.

BAYELSA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION: LET PEACE & FAIR PLAY REIGN! Amb Igali

BAYELSA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION: LET PEACE & FAIR PLAY REIGN! Amb Igali.


Bayelsa State--- Former PDP Governorship Aspirant Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, PHD Ibetariowei of Izon, was with Ijaw Newspaper (Ekpegha T.) yesterday, Stressing that election is not a do or die affair bayelsans.

According to Godnews B.Igali he started that, as we get set to travel to various locations around our beloved state to cast our votes to elect a new Governor for Bayelsa State on November 16, 2019, I want to call on all Bayelsans to do so in an atmosphere of peace, fraternal love and true kinship which we all share.

Amb Igali alleged that in all modern democracies, elections have become necessary aspects of our social existence and experience. So there is nothing exceptionally new about Saturday, November 16, 2019. This election, which is indeed local, must therefore be seen and appreciated as a healthy contest within the wider family. We must remember our age old Izon adage which says "binaotu anda, ongbo yainghamini" - a wrestling bout between siblings must not result in broken bones.

This election is a routine game within the family which must come and go. We must therefore eschew wild desperation to hold on to power and influence or uncontrolled fight for office. Worse still is the rising spirit of hostility and easy resort to intimidation and violence. The crescendo of accusations and counter accusations must be halted immediately. Oh Bayelsa Leaders and Politicians, let's bridle our tongues and season our words!

The sanctity of the lives of our youths and vulnerable groups must be upheld and protected. Let all take heed and remind others of our Ijaw inevitable retributive justice of DUWEIYAI!

The shameful blight of undue money politics, financial inducement and open vote buying in our relatively backward state must be shunned and resisted.

We must imbibe the spirit of fair-play, mutual forbearance and equanimity. After all we are the home and "Jerusalem" of the Ijaw Nation and all closely knitted together in one spirit.

Let us remember that by end of the day, only one winner will emerge. Let us not forget, that the "Day After", we will still live together, go to same churches, attend same social functions and still have a state to collectively build. Let us not be carried away to believe that the great challenges confronting us and the battles which we must fight to leave an enviable legacy for our children in this complex polity in which we find ourselves are over. Conversely, remember that we need one another, the more, even after the election.

Though we are small, but because of our strategic importance, the entire world is watching us. This is to the extent of several countries and organizations  sending hundreds of very precious persons to be with us, on our soil and in our creeks and waterways in the next few days. We must show them great welcome, hospitality and protection. We must fully cooperative with our electoral umpire INEC and its service personnel, especially NYSC volunteers as well as the respective law enforcement agencies and try the best to ensure their full safely and well-being, even as we pray they carry out their tasks dispassionately.

May God Almighty grant us peaceful elections in Jesus matchless name.

Onuaa! Adoo!! Aluaa!!!

Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, PHD
Ibetariowei of Izon.

Published by Ekpegha T.

NDDC Has collapsed Gov. Wike Beg interim C'ttee To Revives The Commission.

NDDC Has collapsed Gov. Wike Beg interim C'ttee To Revives The Commission.

Justice T.

Rivers State--- Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has collapsed, losing its capacity to deliver development to the Niger Delta.

Speaking during a Courtesy Visit by the interim management committee of NDDC to the Government House Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Governor Wike said that the NDDC has degenerated into a cash cow for politicians
“Those who fought for the establishment of NDDC will weep that the Commission has deviated from its mandate . NDDC has collapsed. NDDC has become a cash cow for politicians.

“NDDC is now a political institution. NDDC stole our money. There was an agreement for the Rivers State Government and NDDC to collaborate for the construction of the Mother and Child Hospital. NDDC refused to pay her counterpart fund. Even the N800million paid by the Rivers State Government, the NDDC only paid N400m to the contractor and diverted N400million. “If they don’t pay our money, we will Institute a legal action NDDC to retrieve our money “, he said.

He said the immediate past Board of the NDDC expended N10billion during the 2019 Election to stop him from getting second term, but they failed. “After the former Board released N10billion to remove me from office and they failed, they came here for a Courtesy Visit. I asked them why they refused to partner with states for the Development of the Niger Delta “, he said.

Governor Wike informed that it was Niger Delta Governors that demanded the Forensic Audit of the NDDC because of the massive rot at the commission.
“Niger Delta Governors asked for the forensic audit of the NDDC when we met with the President. We also asked for the setting up of the Board of Governors for NDDC.

“I urge the interim committee to carry out a proper Audit. You will meet obstacles, but be determined to do a thorough job “, he said.

He urged the people of the Niger Delta to work in unity to develop the geo-political zone.
On the leadership of NDDC, Governor Wike said that appointment of officials is strictly a function of the Executive Arm of Government. He said no other arm of Government can determine who runs the NDDC.

While congratulating the Acting Managing Director of NDDC and members of the interim committee, Governor Wike said he never be party to any plot to remove a Rivers person from a position of responsibility.

He said despite all the funds pumped into NDDC, the commission has accumulated huge debts with no meaningful projects across the Niger Delta. He regretted that the NDDC has also refused to patronise reputable contractors for projects.

Earlier, the Acting Managing Director of NDDC, Gbene Joi Nunieh said that the Commission is determined to partner with Niger Delta Governors for the development of the region.

She urged the Rivers State Governor to forget the past failures of NDDC and partner with the commission.

The Acting Managing Director sought the assistance of the Governor in the areas of health and education. She said some cottage hospitals completed by the NDDC, have been illegally occupied.

Obiano: Security Icon West, Central Africa---Ikenna Aniagboso

Obiano: Security Icon West, Central Africa---Ikenna Aniagboso

The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has won the Security Icon in Governance in West and Central Africa award at the 16th Africa Security Watch Awards in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The governor received the award during an event organized by Security Watch Africa in recognition of efforts by individuals, institutions and governments in Africa towards ensuring the security of lives and property.

Anambra state set the pace yet again during the award ceremony which was themed: Celebration of Africa's best in security, safety and governance, as it swept away five awards in different categories.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr, John Abang won the Best Crime Bursting Police Chief in West Africa award while the Chief Security Officer to Gov. Obiano, Mr Chinedu Aniagboso, a Chief Superintendent of Police, received the Best Executive Protection Security Officer in West and Central Africa award.

The police public relations officer of Anambra state police command, Mr Haruna Mohammed, a Superintendent of Police, received the Most Outstanding Police Public Relations Officer in West Africa award while Mr Williams Oduma, a Chief Superintendent of Police, won the Best Police Operations Officer in Nigeria award. Mr Oduma is the Anambra state police operations officer. To cap it all, the Anambra State Police Command won the award for the Best Crime Bursting Police Command in Nigeria.

Presenting an address titled:Crime Prevention, Control and Fighting in an Emerging Economy – The Anambra Case Study (Global Security Outlook: Challenges, Impediments and Prospects for a Secured Africa) at the award ceremony, Gov Obiano, represented by his Special Adviser on creative security, Air Vice Marshal Ben Chiobi rtd., remarked that Anambra state like most states, had had it's fair share of security challenges. He stated however, that his administration made a choice to take a definite stand against crime, recognizing of course, that no developmental plan can work efficiently without provision of adequate safety and security.

Obiano's commitment to security was a deliberate choice as it was an effort conscientiously made in addition to a presence of mind consistently needled to up the tempo in crime fight.
His first major step was recognizing that every developmental plan of his administration must be anchored on a robust and integrated security system - a system without which every effort would have been either frustrated or whittled down to the point of losing desired impact or worse still, end in futility.

His resolve to articulate ideas and develope a master plan became evident in the organization of Nigeria’s first International Security Conference which was put together shortly after he was sworn in as governor of Anambra state. As confirmed in the address, "our first step was to organize Nigeria’s first International Security Conference and hire an Israeli security expert to facilitate it. Several hours of brainstorming on the peculiarities of the Anambra security scenario led to the drafting of a blueprint that became the famous Anambra Security Architecture".

The blue print was implemented to the letter as the governor upgraded security equipment and facilities in the state. He donated operational vehicles and launched several security operations to combat crime in the state. The progressive efforts eventually led to the launch of a security operation codenamed operation Kpochapu - a joint task force with the Governor's mandate to intensify the fight against crime. Operation Kpochapu has evolved into a digital security and surveillance systems in its second phase. It marked the advancement of Anambra state into a new level of digital security.

On October 11, 2019, the governor shocked Africa with an unprecedented deployment of mobile security surveillance systems in Anambra state. He complemented this with the donation of 111 smart cars and 71 motorbikes to security agencies in the state. This shows the commitment of Gov Obiano in ensuring that the crime- fighting-apparatus in Anambra state is consistently updated to world standards in response to fast evolving crimes.
This rejigging/ updating, provision of modern equipment and operational vehicles, and enhanced incentives for the personnel, has aided immensely in crime fighting in the state and in positioning her(Anambra) as the safest state in Nigeria.

Investments and businesses opportunities have increased going forward. What is more, Anambra has become the fourth largest economy in Nigeria with the lowest poverty rate and a GDP of $11.83bn and a per capita income of $1,615. Today the state is home to the first indigenous Vehicle Manufacturing Company in Nigeria, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, Nnewi. Investments in agriculture have grown massively over the years with many sons of Anambra as well as others investing billions of naira in the sector. Examples are Coscharis Farms, Lynden Farms, Stine Rice Mill, Josan farms among many others. The hospitality business has also grown with new, world-standard hotels springing up in the state.

The engagement and empowerment of youths in government and other skill development initiatives have seen to a sharp decline in youth restiveness. Through the Anambra State Business Agency, ASBA, many youths have secured loans to support their businesses thus ensuring rapid growth in youth entrepreneurship. The light-up Anambra project - the installation of street lights across the state to complement the strides in security - on its part, has ensured a considerable extension in business hours in the state. It can be said without doubt, that Anambra is gradually edging towards having a 24 hour economy. All these were achieved because a solid foundation of security and safety was laid.

It is therefore not surprising that Gov Obiano's commitment to safety and security has continued to earn him awards and recognitions. He has won many awards in the past on account of his developmental strides in every sphere of the state's economy and more for his relentless effort in crime fighting. It would be recalled that Gov Obiano won the award as the Best Governor/Premier On Security Architecture in West and Central Africa in Banjul Gambia during the 15th edition of the Africa Security Watch Awards.

Recently, on October 28, 2019 precisely, the Nigeria Police Force honoured Gov Obiano with Best Governor Award in Supporting Security Architecture in recognition of his tremendous support to the Anambra state police command. In October 2018, Obiano won the Presidency award as most outstanding governor on worker's welfare. This buttresses the fact that Gov Obiano does not joke with the renumeration of workers, including security personnel. Since the inception of his administration, Obiano has paid salaries as and when due. In 2016, Obiano won the prestigious Zik prize for leadership award for his stellar performance and visionary leadership just after two years in office. In February of the same year, he was crowned the Sun man of the year by the Sun newspaper awards. Obiano also won the Silverbirds man of the year award in 2016 for tremendous achievements in education, massive infrastructural development and prudent management of resources among many other awards.

There is nothing more reassuring to a people than the knowledge that the person they elected into office has made a choice to protect their lives and property. Apart from the fact that the fundamental concern of every human being is security and safety, it is reassuring and gratifying when a leader does just that. While many nations and states grapple with issues of security, others are proactively making choices to always stay one step ahead of criminals and ensure the safety of lives and property.

Gov Obiano was decided when he chose security as a topmost priority in his government, especially in regard to the current realities in a constantly evolving world, that his people may live safe and live free. This was captured succinctly in his concluding remarks. "The world is united by one anxiety – the challenge of securing lives and property; the challenge of living in a society where our freedoms are not limited by fear. Ladies and gentlemen, humanity today is united by the decreasing boundaries of freedom forced upon us by an increasingly unsafe world. But in Anambra State, we have chosen to live safe and to live free, the statement add.

African Youth Day Celebration: Governors Mai Mala Buni, Seyi Makinde, and Abdulrahman Abdulrazak Bag 2019 Pan African Youth Award of Excellence.

African Youth Day Celebration: Governors Mai Mala Buni, Seyi Makinde, and Abdulrahman Abdulrazak Bag 2019 Pan African Youth Award of Excellence.

Commissioner for Youth Political Participation in Africa, Pan-African Youth Union (PYU), Ambassador Oladele John Nihi, has sent a congratulatory message to  Nigerian and African youths in general on the occasion of the 2019 Africa Youth Day Celebration.

While felicitating with youths across Africa on the celebration of the Africa Youth Day, the Commissioner urges them to uphold the dignity of their motherland, and honor the struggles of their heroes past. He stated that the right foundations have been laid by the past heroes, positioning Africa on the right path in economic, human capital, and all-round development.
We are therefore left with the responsibility as youths to uphold and dredge the path for Africa,s growth and development

The theme for this year’s celebration, "1 Million by 2021: Count Me In!" is not only appropriate but also timely by acknowledging that young people are at the very heart of Africa’s development agenda.
 The 2019 Africa Youth Month (AYM) theme is a clarion call to all youth development stakeholders - governments, international organizations, development partners, private sector, civil society, and all African youths on the continent and in the diaspora to up their game.

The 1million campaign objective is to create direct opportunities for One million young Africans in the areas of Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Engagement (4Es) by 2021.

"I am urging young Africans between the ages of 18 and 35, to key into the 1million by 2021 campaign, and look out for opportunities to get stabilized in the areas of the 4Es. As the Africa Union will be committed through the course of the month, fixing and positioning ready youths across the continent.
 I wish you all a memorable Youth Day Celebration, and please ensure you get actively involved" Amb. Oladele John Nihi admonished.

This year's Africa Youth Day Celebration will feature the First Youth Economic and Political Empowerment Summit where three of Nigeria's Executive Governors will be honored as Pan-African Youth Role Models, for their role In National, Continental and global impacts. And for following the global trend of youth political participation in politics, by giving youths a chance to serve in their cabinets and be part of nation building.

The award ceremony which is to take place on the 22nd of November 2019, would commemorate with the Africa Youth Month (AYM) lined up activities, to mark the 2019 Africa Youth Day Celebration. The Governors to be honored are; Governors Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State,  Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq  of Kwara State.

Wishing youths across Africa a memorable and fulfilled celebration.

"1 Million by 2021: Count Me In!" Get involved.

Long live Africa
Long live the youths.


Signed:
Kelvin Oluseyi Eleta,
Special Assistant New Media, to the Commissioner (PYU)

Niger Delta leaders urge support for Buhari, laud Bichi

Niger Delta leaders urge support for Buhari, laud Bichi.

Niger Delta leaders on Sunday examined the various internal security challenges confronting Nigeria, describing the role played by the Department of State Services in the last one year as excellent.

The leaders also praised President Muhammadu Buhari for revamping the country's security apparatus and curtailing pressures.

 The leaders in a statement in Abuja commended President Buhari for his maturity in using the judiciary to handle sensitive matters in the country.

Signed by the Convener, Delta Enlightened Forum, Engineer Bestman Odibo and Publicity Secretary, Mr Christopher Orushani, the leaders praised the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi for his robust and reform minded leadership, deep sense of public service, prodigious intelligence, professional excellence and precision.
‘’We salute you for the service rendered to the country and in particular your concentration on the agenda of the administration and the serious task of building the economy, stamping out insecurity and fighting corruption’’ the statement said.
They hailed Bichi for tailoring all his activities in the line of patriotism and stability.

"We are inspired by your wisdom, courage and passion for excellence" the leaders said.

They commended Bichi for creating greater security for the citizens, particularly key government officials in the country.

"We praise you for promoting peaceful co-existence and mediation as it concerns all spheres of life. We thank you for taking the Department of State Services to an all-time high level since 2018"

The leaders said Nigeria should count itself as blessed for producing somebody like Bichi.

 "We laud your selfless commitment and the excellent role played by the Department of State Services in addressing the internal security challenges confronting Nigeria in the last one year.

Stressing Bichi's qualities, the leaders thanked him for using his humility, great intellectual base and incomparable understanding of the environment to power the country to greater heights.

"We praise the positive attitude of DSS officials and the commitment of the agency to due process rights for the accused"

The leaders described Bichi  in glowing terms such as having offered high quality service in one year and his being a pride to  Nigeria.

"We thank you for the feat recorded in deepening and widening the intelligence gathering and conflict management capacity of the Department of State Services”

The leaders who lamented the bad image being given to Nigeria by some of her citizens praised Bichi for surpassing the expectations of Nigerians in such a short period.

"We know that posterity will be on your side for the good work you are doing in the country" the leaders said.

They urged critics of the government to guard against utterances and acts capable of precipitating violence.

"They are at liberty to approach the courts for redress".

The leaders also appealed to them to stop heating up the polity by threats of revolution.

"Combative style, explosive statements and embarrassing measures are against existing frameworks of cooperation. They contribute nothing to unity, stability, good governance and prosperity"

"Only an atmosphere of peace can guarantee development. And without peace, the future will remain uncertain" the statement said.

 Ending the statement, the leaders said ‘’congratulations on a job well done’’.

Ebireri Henry Ovie Mobile: 2348036977194.



Ebireri Henry Ovie Mobile: 2348036977194

NDDC: Asari Dokubo Blow Hot to Buhari, Akpabio -John Owen Nwachukwu.

NDDC: Asari Dokubo Blow Hot to Buhari, Akpabio -John Owen Nwachukwu.


Port Harcourt- A former leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, has issued a strong warning to President Muhammadu Buhari, urging him to strictly follow the year 2000 Establishment Law of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to avoid anarchy.

The ex-militants leader spoke to journalists in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Friday.


Dokubo kicked against the constitution of a new Interim Management Committee for the Federal Government’s interventionist agency – NDDC.

Godswill Akpabio, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs had on October 29, inaugurated in Abuja, NDDC’s three-member interim management committee: Acting Managing Director, Dr. Joi Nunieh (Rivers state); Acting Executive Director, Projects, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh (Delta state); and Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration (EDFA), Chief Ibanga Bassey Etang (Akwa Ibom state), while the then Acting Managing Director, Dr. Akwagaga Enyia, handed over to Nunieh on October 30.

Akpabio said during the inauguration that the members of the interim management committee would be in office until the conclusion of the forensic audit of NDDC from 2001 to 2019.


Dokubo-Asari said: “NDDC is an interventionist agency to remedy years of deprivation of the people of the Niger Delta from the resources beneath their land and the effect is enormous. The commission came to ameliorate the problems and to try to find small palliatives, but people have been playing politics with NDDC.

“NDDC has a law that established it. Disrespect for due process is a major problem. Everybody is trying to stab the other person and they say we are in control. You are in control where? How can President Buhari transmit a letter to the Senate, thereby submitting names of qualified people to be screened and a minister (Akpabio) under him, whose role even the law does not recognise, because NDDC is under the President, decided to illegally appoint another acting interim management committee, why?

“President Buhari must put his house in order. He is supposed to be President of the country. He has the power of control over all the people working under him. President Buhari must abide by the laws setting up all the agencies because what is happening in NDDC is very regrettable. So many people fought to make the Commission to come to reality, but right before their eyes, NDDC is being destroyed. Putting in place the interim management committee is a very big insult on the Presidency. It is so shocking.


“If I meet with Akpabio, I will tell him that there is no legal provision for what he has just done in NDDC. He is a lawyer. We were all together at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) in Cross River State. He should know that the interim management committee is illegal, but today the law does not mean anything any longer. So, anybody can do whatever he likes. President Buhari transmitted a letter to the National Assembly, nominating people to be screened and confirmed. So, what is the big deal about setting up another interim management committee?

“Akpabio is my very good friend. I know him and he knows me. I am not a member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or All Progressives Congress (APC). Any of our people that stray to the wrong ideological camp, associating with such a person becomes difficult.

“The way forward is that people should have a conscience. If there is a new board that represents all the states, that should take precedence over some handpicked people. I know the people that are there now, as members of the interim management committee of NDDC. Maybe I will benefit, but I should not put my benefit over and above the interest of the generality of the people.


“Since 2015, I have not gone to NDDC. Anything that is associated with these people, I do Ben Johnson. I do not want to be involved. Let the right thing be done. There is a new board that represents all the stakeholders and the members have been screened by the Senate. So, needful should be done.”

The Law establishing NDDC states that the chairmanship must rotate among the nine crude oil and gas producing states in alphabetical order, with Cross River state just concluding the tenure, making it the turn of Delta state to produce the next chairman, but the chairmanship has been moved to Edo state, through the list sent to the National Assembly by President Buhari, with the nominees already screened by the Senators.