By Isaac Olamikan  / Special Correspondent, Benin

The Minority Whip of the House of Representatives,  Samson Raphael Osagie, has refuted insinuations in some quarters that he is fond of hitting hard at President Goodluck Jonathan in his utterances.

He stated that what most people do not know is that he is concerned about ensuring that things work in the country, adding this informed his position on issues of accountability in governance.

He said his criticism of the President is constructive.

The lawmaker was speaking last Sunday on the occasion of the 2014 annual thanksgiving service of the Central Baptist Church, Benin City, Edo State. Osagie, who was the special guest of honour on the occasion, told  the congregation that being federal lawmakers is a rare privilege, adding that he will always give quality service to the people. He promised that he will never be found wanting in his responsibilities. He disclosed that he would initiate the setting up  of a branch of the church in his locality, Egba, in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state.

In his homily, Reverend Olu Aibinuomo, the minister-in-charge of the church, called on all faithful to always place all their desires  before God who is exceedingly able to handle all human needs.

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By Isaac Olamikan /  Special Correspondent, Benin

The chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  Ward 1 in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Igbinosun Oduwa, has described the conduct of the party’s congress on  Saturday in his ward as  free and fair.

“The conduct of the congress was peaceful and orderly. It was a family  affair. At the end of the process, three people two male and a female emerged as the ward delegates in line with the party’s constitution.

‘The three delegates will be the ones who’ll go and vote during the primaries for the party’s choice of the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate candidates,” he disclosed.

On the 2015 polls, Oduwa boasted that  from all indications the PDP remains the party to beat in the state  irrespective of the situation in the state  presently.

“It is obvious that the PDP is the party to beat at the moment. The  PDP will win all the elections in Edo State in 2015. The people of the  state have rejected the All Progressives Congress (APC). In the days  of yore, the GRA used to be a reserved area for the rich, however, the reverse is now the case.

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By Idongesit Ashameri  / Correspondent, Uyo

The marching order on the contractor handling the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Julius Berger, has finally paid off as a brand new, unique stadium has been completed and delivered to the people of the state, and like a bride adorned for her husband, the stadium is decorated and eagerly awaiting President Goodluck Jonathan for commissioning today.

It could be recalled that the state government, in its usual tradition of excellence, had given the contractors handling the construction of the stadium marching orders to spare nothing at delivering a world-class stadium with a timeline of 2014 delivery date, emphasising that Akwa Ibom deserves nothing but the best.

In compliance with the order, the contractors, Julius Berger PLC, spared no machinery, technology, detail and manpower to meet the deadline. The conceptual design of the architectural master piece was detailed and breath-taking and accommodated modern facilities to enable it achieve a 21st century sports complex.

The acrylic finishing of the stadium is unique, making it visually friendly. The question of its durability in a harsh tropical climate like ours became an issue but, Engr Etido Inyang, Special Adviser, Bureau of Technical Matters, a bureau saddled with the responsibility of ensuring compliance to quality and timeliness allayed any such fear with the assurance that the stadium is constructed with the best possible materials.

“The stadium’s architectural design is uniquely wonderful, the best in the country and probably Africa currently. There’s provision for 30,000 seated spectators watching football. We’ve got multiple entrances with good road networks, which would enhance easy evacuation of 30,000 spectators in just five minutes after a football game. It is a masterpiece.

“There is provision for eight-lane tartan track of IAAF standard for athletic events with training a pitch, which will come up in the second phase and the type of lighting devices are just fantastic. You can play any game in the night conveniently and you can also set up a massive stage for night events like an award ceremony or musical shows. There is provision for acrylic lighting devices round the roof of the football arena, which will glow in fantastic colours at intervals,” Inyang said

He further stated, “It is designed to be one of the best stadia in the world, with the ability to host sporting events of international standard and to pass whatever security and safety tests for such international competitions. It is located at the suburbs so that it would not lead to traffic congestion in the inner city. It is the best and meets all standard qualifications for a stadium of such magnitude.”

The construction of the stadium complex, which is sitting atop a massive 32 hectares of land, according to the Special Adviser involved a lot of work.  The main bowl, he explained, consists of a four-tier terrace seating arrangement, all covered with a capacity for 30,000 spectators. The training pitch, according to him, is equivalent in size with that in the main bowl.

“There are two parking lots and access; VIP and bus parking areas, VIP access and public access, coffee-shops, shops, restaurants, banquet-hall and many more.  “I bet you, this stadium will attract a lot of international sporting events to the country. Already, Super Eagles are meeting Ghana in a friendly match on Friday, the commissioning date.  The government made effort to realize this dream in just one and a half year,” he stated.

Further explaining features of the Ibom International Stadium, Inyang said the facility is enriched with 36 exits and that the main bowl is capable of draining out floodwater 20 minutes after a heavy downpour. The main turf is made of natural grass to conform with international standards, since artificial pitch is not desirable or acceptable.

Coming in three levels, the grandstand area, he further explained will accommodate the Very Very Important Person (VVIP) and Very Important Person (VIP) Lounges. Other facilities within the Grand Stand Area, especially level 1 are team changing rooms, collective changes rooms, offices, meeting room for team meetings, administrative and technical services as well as covered parking spaces. Essentially, the level also accommodates a natural ventilated entrance lobby for VVIP guest while Level II within the grand area accommodates the VVIP reception area viewing lounges, catering service and conveniences, while level III is dedicated for public spectators of grand stand west and their respective service facilities.

Provisions for entrances to the East Stand and curves have also been put in place. The concourses include toilets, first aid stations and stairs to the upper levels. There are kiosks for spectators’ food and beverage facilities, facilities for the spectators for the upper tier seating including toilets and kiosks as well as a service concourse to the upper tier seating.

Enclosed by a white triangular shaped out skin that wraps around the entire stands area made of acrylic glass, the stadium’s façade of the Grand Stand, which is also of acrylic glass are of vertical panels. During matches or event nights, the façade of the Grand Stand will be illuminated in various colours.

Announcing the inauguration, Governor Godswill Akpabio says the stadium, billed for commissioning on 7 November will present to sport lovers a place to relish live international tournaments.

Reflecting on the economic value of the development, Akpabio said henceforth Akwa Ibom State will not be deprived of benefits anytime any tournament will be hosted by the Nigerian Nation as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have has confirmed that the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and South Africa will be played at the new Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo.

Impressed by the standard of the stadium, a representative of the CAF, Mr. Fred Crentsil, who was in Nigeria to conduct a tour of the facilities, congratulated Akwa Ibom on the achievement and expressed optimism that such development will further enhance transformation of the state.

“You guys have a wonderful facility here. It is one of the best I have seen anywhere around Africa and elsewhere. It is of the same standard and mould as Soccer City (in Johannesburg albeit) with a lower capacity. I am particularly amazed that there are provisions for the physically –challenged persons. Everything is taken care of here. I am hugely impressed.” Crentsil said.

In addition to economic enhancement through sporting activities, the stadium will also provide opportunities for human empowerment through sport development, as talents will be discovered in different sectors of Sport and become professionals, earning a living from their talents.  In the area of employment generation, the stadium, in addition to the over five thousand jobs for daily staffers, is also expected to provide two hundred thousand jobs during major tournaments.

The allowances provided by left over spaces around the stadium are said to be well calculated provisions for periodic expansion, the foundation of the site, as explained can be expanded to sixty thousand sitting capacity, indicating that every other department within the stadium can be expanded to double capacity.

As Akwa Ibom people roll out drums to celebrate this means of robust economic advancement, it is worthy of note that Akpabio has set an agenda worthy of emulation, especially as the present administration is at the threshold of winding down its activities

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By Francis Onoiribholo 

Bureau Chief, Benin

The people of Edo State, especially Edo Central Senatorial District, have been urged to remember the achievements of Governor the Adams Oshiomhole administration and the positive impact it has had on their lives in deciding who to vote for in next year’s election.

The Senatorial aspirant on the platform APC for Esan Edo Central, Prince Joe Okojie, stated this during his meet the people tour of Uromi and Ubiaja areas of the senatorial district to seek their support.

He advised the people to compare where they were before the advent of the Oshiomhole administration in 2008 and where they are now, saying that they are in a better place now.

Okojie said the only way to continue the good work of the governor in providing good roads, schools remodeling and quality services is to continue to vote the APC candidates in the forthcoming elections, pointing out that most schools in the area did not have toilets and conducive conducive for learning until Oshiomhole came on board.  He said if voted in as Senator representing the area, he will use his constituency allowance to empower the youths in the area and keep them out of drugs and crime.

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By Francis Onoiribholo

Bureau Chief, Benin

As tributes continue to pour in for the late member of Edo State House of Assembly. Peter Aliu, who died in early hours of Monday, the Speaker of the Assembly, Uyi Igbe, has described the deceased lawmaker as “a dependable co-constructor of the stable architect of democracy in the state.”

In a personally signed statement and made available to newsmen, he said, “ it is with immeasurable sadness that the Edo State House of Assembly joins the family of Hon Peter Aliu in announcing the passage of the distinguish legislator, who was a lawmaker with admirable devotion to Nigeria constitution.

“In some of the most trying times of the history of the Assembly, while others turned and twist with selfish opportunism, he proved to be a titan of principle and unwavering loyalty to his party.

“Indeed, as the Speaker, I must remark that he carried the appellation of “Honourable” with a sense of patriotic obligation and nobility of spirit.

“In his death, Edo State House of assembly has lost one of its most outstanding leaders in contemporary history; Aliu has left a vacuum which will be difficult to fill. We shall in the Assembly mourns and remembers him as a political giant of our time.”

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By Francis Onoiribholo 

Bureau Chief, Benin

An Onitsha-based industrialist and Chairman, Dozzy Group of Companies, Sir Daniel Chukwudozie, has called on the Federal Government to privatise federal roads across the country to facilitate their quick maintenance.

Chukwudozie made the call while playing host to the chairman and members of the Edo State 2014 Press Week Committee, who paid a familiarisation visit to his group of companies in recognition of his industry and contribution to the economic wellbeing of the nation.

He also decried the bad condition of roads especially those leading to Calabar in Cross River State from the South Eastern states.

Chukwudozie, who commended the Federal Government for privatising the power sector, however, argued that privatising federal roads will create job opportunities for the teeming youths.

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By Francis Onoiribholo 

Bureau Chief, Benin

A youth group based in Edo State, the Save Afemai Group, has vowed to stop the re-election of the incumbent senator representing Edo North in the Senate, Domingo Obende, over what they described as neglect of the zone and its people.

The group said that they have since found out that Obende collected over N2 billion as constituency fund from the Senate without projects to show for it.

Leader of the group, Blessing Agbomhere, who spoke with journalists in Benin on Tuesday, said at a meeting held in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area, last week, the group came out with the resolution to work against the aspiration of Obende due to what he described as the lawmaker’s record of failure.

“We concluded that Domingo is a failure and he cannot represent us anymore. Since he was elected, he has abandoned his people. You don’t even see Domingo because he doesn’t come home. He only comes home on social visit and our people cannot even approach him for anything.

“He has forgotten that he is representing a group of people as he has personalised his office. He has told us that we don’t have right to criticise him because he bought his way to office. So, he’s recouping his money. He has no moral justification to remain our senator. He’s banking on some people to get the ticket but we are saying that if APC presents Obende, we will vote out APC. Even if PDP gives him ticket, we will also frustrate him.”

However, the senator, in it’s reaction, said the group was being used and sponsored by an aspirant in his party.

“I’m not perturbed by their actions. Somebody is paying them and we know who is doing this. Obviously, the person sponsoring them does not know the definition of performance, irrespective of his education and political activism.

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By John Dugbe / Special Correspondent, Ughelli

Urhobo ethnic nationality have vowed to take their destiny in their own hand by ensuring that justice and equity prevail in 2015 governorship election in Delta State.

President-General, Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Chief Joe Omene, who made this declaration when he spoke to newsmen at his country home, Mosogar, in the Ethiope West Local Government area of the state, threatened that the over one million Urhobo population will vote for an Urhobo man who emerges as governorship candidate of any political party.

According to him, the Uvwiamuge’s declaration by the Urhobo nation to support any Urhobo person contesting the governorship election still stands, adding, “There is nothing that can change that position”.

He said Delta Central Senatorial District which is mainly Urhobo area with eight local government areas is being oppressed by other two senatorial districts.

Asked why the union decided to add the third political party which is Labour Party, Omene explained that initially both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were not forth coming until recently.

On why he was confident of Urhobo getting the governorship position in 2015, Omene noted, “Democracy or election is a game of number and Urhobo has the numerical strength”.

While pledging Urhobo people support for President Goodluck Jonathan in his second term bid the UPU leader noted that the President should also support Urhobo in their quest to rule the state.

“Urhobo sees Mr. President as their brother and son; we will soon organise a rally of solidarity for Mr. President because he has really achieved a lot for the people of this country,” stressed the Urhobo leader.

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By John Dugbe  / Special Correspondent, Ughelli

A pressure group known as Delta Initiative Forum (DIFO) has paid a visit to the Rebirth Group, also a pressure group initiated by Sam Esiso, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State House of Assembly aspirant in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

The DIFO team, which visited the Rebirth Group at Sam Esiso’s country home, Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South Local Government Area on Friday, was led by the DIFO Publicity Secretary, Precious Onome Ejenake.

Speaking on the occasion, Esiso thanked the group for the visit and asked the group to support him to get the PDP ticket and also support him to win in the general election come 2015.

According to Esiso, “it is time for intellectual rebirth and renaissance politics for better results. I am ready to use the DIFO ideas to achieve results in the Assembly.

Earlier, Ejenake told the Rebirth Group that the team was on familiarisation tour and to formally introduce the team to Esiso.

He said the group would also visit other PDP aspirants in Ughelli South Local Government Area to interact with them so that the group will be in better position to make right choice.

Among dignitaries present were. Reuben Omerua, Chief Jerry Ovwere, Godwin Soso Orhor, Engr. Kelvin Kpokpo Djagbo, Mr. Godwin Bayan, Mr. Philip Emuobosan, and Comrade Solomon Ogoron.

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By John Dugbe  / Special Correspondent, Ughelli

THE Institute of Administrators and Researchers of Nigeria (IARN) has lauded the achievements of the member representing Warri Federal Constituency, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, member representing Warri South Constituency at the Delta House of Assembly, Hon. Daniel Mayaku and Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Misan Ukuebieyinji.

National Coordinator of the institute, Mr. Otuedon Ometoruwa, in a statement in Lagos, said the trio of Reyenieju, Mayuku and Ukuebieyinji are distinguished fellows of the institute who are indigenes of Itsekiri nation and have meritoriously served the country in their various capacities in government.

He added, “especially from the unique way they have carried out their responsibilities toward the uplift of the Itsekiri and bringing the dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of their kith and kin in Nigeria and in Diaspora”.

Otuedon added, “the unique way and manner they have been carrying out the mandate reposed in them by the Itsekiri is wonderful and the institution will have no choice than to recommend them again or for higher positions”.

Otuedon stated further that the institute also acknowledged their commitment and achievement in executing President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s Seven-point Agenda.

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By John Dugbe /  Special Correspondent, Ughelli

Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has blessed Chief Eruteya Okumagba’s quest to succeed in the race for the Warri, South constituency II seat in the Delta State House of Assembly come 2015.

The Ijaw national leader gave the blessing when Okumagba. the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Delta House of Assembly aspirant for Warri South Constituency II paid him a visit at his country home at Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area recently.

The sage, who recalled that he and the father of the aspirant,  HRM Benjamin Okumagba of blessed memory, Orosuen of Okere Urhobo Kingdom, contributed to the prevailing peace in the Warri area, advised that the Warri South Constituency 11 House of Assembly  seat be rotated among kingdoms in the constituency. He remarked that there should be equity and fairness so that the people live together as a family.

Okumagba had earlier informed Clark that he came to receive blessings for his ambition even, as he expressed appreciation to his host for the warm reception.

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OLOROGUN Jaro Movudu Egbo is one of the House of Assembly aspirants running for the Ughelli North State Constituency II seat into the Delta State House of Assembly. He has held several political appointments in the state before now. In this interview with SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, John Dugbe, Egbo said his decision to run was informed by the need to give his constituency adequate representation. He also spoke on the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration.

The principal business of a legislator is to make laws, so how do you intend to carry on with these projects you have mentioned?

You see, the principal business of a legislator is to make laws but the budget is the biggest law; the budget of the state is a law. And then you can only influence that if you have a strong network with your fellow legislators. The budget is done in the House; all you need to do is to work with the economic planning. You write your projects out in line with the vision of the government. If they are going to do ten roads, make sure your roads are included, if they are going to build schools make sure as a legislator you work with planning so that by the time the draft budget comes to the House your people would have been effectively taken care of. It is a lazy legislator that goes there to say he wants to make law.

The budget is a law and it is when you are able to connect with the people involved; you are able to talk to the Governor, the Governor is your ally because of course the budget is not an island, the budget for the state is for different constituencies. So it depends on how you are connected; it depends on your network, that is how you are able to influence it. Of course government will build roads, government will build drainages, government will provide for agriculture, agricultural loans, government will provide water, government will provide electricity. So where are those things going to be cited? So my own is to make sure my constituents enjoy or profit from the citing of those projects. So that is my own.

No doubt you have been in politics for quite some time now, although you have not held any elective position, how have you affected the lives of your people as a politician?

Well, I have not held any executive position. First I served as the Special Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties for three years; then I was the Special Assistant to the Secretary to the State Government, before my recent appointment as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on NDDC matters.

First when I started, when we had opportunity to employ people, we were able to influence employment to our people; our people were gainfully employed. When it was also time to cite projects, within our small power, we were able to bring some here and when I got into NDDC, we were able to give out transformers. And there are areas where we ensure that jobs around our areas are properly done by contractors. Then we also influence payments for them so that the contractors can get paid.

For instance, contractors like S. O. Olotu, we were always working with him, we were always seeking his understanding to finish the projects that he has started in our area. For example the Otokutu-Agbarha road is an example of the synergy of the work we did. There are other people too where we got jobs, some we influenced, we got contractors to employ them. I myself in my own small way, because I like education so much, quietly I’m supporting some indigent students in my area and other people. So these are ways I believe I have contributed to the society. But I believe I can do more if I take a higher office. That is why I seek to represent my people in the House of Assembly, and I know if I’m elected, by the grace of God if I’m there I will do more than what I have been doing and my people will feel the impact positively that somebody is representing them.

How will you assess the government of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan?

The new word now is that he is ‘finishing strong’. The evidence of finishing strong is everywhere. You see our airports, you see our health institutions, you see our schools, then recently our roads; you see flyovers, another airport is now springing up in Warri. Those are things that despite the meager resources now allocated to the government he has been able to carry on well. So I will give him an excellent pass mark and I believe before he hands over on May 29th, some of the projects would have been completed for the benefit of all Deltans and someday Deltans will come to say that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is one of our best Governors and indeed his name will be written in gold.

What are some of the projects he will be remembered for?

Like I just mentioned, there are several roads. The other day I was going to Asaba from here and it took us just an hour twenty minutes between Ughelli and Asaba. That dualisation is a very good thing, and you know people don’t know why that road is being dualised. The vision is when we get our Warri Seaport working; when you are taking goods to Onitsha, you can go with a dual carriageway, and that same road also links to the airport in Warri. So it is really this Delta beyond oil foundation that he is laying now, but people won’t really appreciate it for some time until some years to come. So it is a vision; rather than offload your cargo in Lagos, you can offload in Warri which is shorter; you take your goods from Warri to Onitsha at the instant market. Then there is a cargo airport in Asaba as well, so whichever way, you know that commerce is going on well. Then you talk about our schools, just take a drive round our schools, go to St. Patricks, go to Nana Collage, that is how schools should be run. You see modern facilities there and things are going on. So the children who are learning there, they are going to remember Uduaghan the way they remembered Awolowo that indeed during our time, we had the best in our time and someday when they become professors, governors, they will look back and say our time was a golden era.

He will be remembered for all that. And then you know the peace that existed between us, you know how it was before now, the Itsekiris and Ijaws, the Urhobos, Isokos and others; we have been able to maintain the peace in the state. All these happenings are as a result of well thought out plan. You can sleep now with both eyes closed. For some time the issue of kidnapping was very rampant people were afraid but those are things of the past. Those are things that you cannot place premium on, people cannot place premium on security but if you cannot sleep you cannot rest; your business will not grow; people will be afraid and that will affect the economy and affect us individually. Those are the areas I think he has done very well and has continue to do well and I look forward that the man who will take over from him will continue in that direction so that we will continue to enjoy our peace and let our business grow.

Finally, what will be your message to Deltans in view of the 2015 general elections?

My message to Deltans is that they should continue to vote PDP; they should continue to support Mr. President, particularly my people here in Urhobo, we don’t want to be in opposition, we want to be in mainstream politics. This opposition thing is new to us. In the First Republic, we were in mainstream, we joined hands with NCNC to form the national government, in the Second Republic, we were in NPN, in Third Republic, we were in SDP, now we are in PDP.

Don’t let anybody deceive us that there is something somewhere that will bring something to us as opposition; they will only end up in misery. So my advice to Deltans is that they should support Uduaghan to finish strong and continue to vote PDP and I believe that the dividends of democracy will be for all of us.

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By Emmanuel Nzomiwu  / Correspondent, Enugu

A middle-aged man identified as Paschal Anukwu of Eziama Afam Mmaku town in Awgu Local Government area of Enugu State was reported to committed suicide on Saturday.

It was gathered that the deceased trekked to Enyinwomu Forest in the early hours of the day and hung himself on a tree.

People going to farm reportedly raised the alarm when they discovered his lifeless body dangling on the tree on which he hung himself with a rope.

They loosed the rope tied around his neck and then rushed him to a nearby hospital where the doctor confirmed him dead.

Police spokesman in Enugu State, Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the report, said investigations into the matter have begun.

Amaraizu said the man’s dead body has been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.

In a related development, operatives of the No 3 Police Mobile Force Enugu on stop and search duty at Ozalla point along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway on Saturday morning nabbed one Emmanuel Njoku, aged 70 years, from Amanato Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State for being in possession of 20 live cartridges.

The suspect was resides at Agu-Uwani Akwuke Enugu State allegedly concealed the cartridges under the drivers seat.

It was gathered that the eagle eyed operatives had stopped one red coloured Volvo Wagon with registration no Al 599 Akl and in the course of the search conducted on the car, a bag containing the 20 live cartridges of bullet hidden under the drivers seat was discovered.

The police spokesman also confirmed this report, saying investigations have begun in full scale.

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By Francis Onoiribholo  /  Bureau Chief, Benin

Programme Director, Community Research and Development Centre (CREDC), Godfrey Ogbemudia, has disclosed that due to epileptic power supply in the country, Nigerians spend over N796.4 billion annually on fuel to power their electric generators for their own electricity.

This figure, he said, represented Federal Government’s budget of N796.7 billion for the capital expenditure for the 2009 fiscal year for 36 states of the federation.

Launching the Nigeria Renewable Energy for All Projects in Benin, Ogbemudia lamented that in spite of the various government policies to revive the energy sector, many Nigerians still get as low as four hours of electricity supply per day, hence the need for Nigerians to embrace solar as a viable source of power.

He said CREDC has been playing a key role in the deployment of renewable energy to rural communities since 2006, part of which was the installation of stand-alone solar systems for no fewer than 550 households in Edo State.

The programme director further explained that the solar project, also known as Nigeria-REAP, was aimed at improving access to sustainable and uninterrupted electricity supply using renewable energy in collaboration with Schneider Electric.

Nigeria-REAP, according to him, was also targeted at individual homes and corporate bodies who require regular and improved electricity power, compared to the current rate of supply.

He, however, urged Nigerian electricity consumers to take advantage of solar power as the most economically viable alternative to generate their own electricity.

Among other advantages is, solar power, as a renewable energy would save the consumers the burden of paying electricity and maintenance bills, a benefit, he noted, was inescapable when using the conventional means of power supply.

“A 2009 study on electricity distribution among the six geo-political zones in Nigeria shows that some Nigerians enjoy only four to six hours of power supply.

“Also Nigerians spend about N796.4 billion on fuelling their electric generators to provide themselves with electric power.

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By Francis Onoiribholo / Bureau Chief, Benin

No fewer than 400 of the 788 registered fish farmers in Edo State have been captured in the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) Scheme of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) being executed by the Federal Government in collaboration with the state and local governments across the country.

Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Recourses, Abdul Oroh, who disclosed this at the flag-off ceremony of the 2014 Fisheries GES in the state, said each of the 400 farmers will be entitled to free 500 catfish juveniles and five bags of feeds after paying N12,500 which amounts to 50 per cent subsidy of the cost of feeds.

Urging farmers in the state to take advantage of the opportunity, Oroh explained that all payment modalities and redemption centres will soon be made available to benefiting farmers through their telephones, adding that the redemption period covers only two weeks.

“The scheme is a Federal Government initiative being executed in collaboration with Edo State Government and it gives us joy for the continuity of the scheme in fisheries subsector of Agriculture.

“The first from which 300 artisanal fishermen in Edo State benefited was in 2013.

“While Edo State Government applauds the sustainability of this scheme, it is our desire that the fishermen in the artisanal value

chain also be considered this year in order to substantially increase fish production in the state,” he said.

The commissioner also disclosed that he was duly informed that submission in respect of the demand has since been forwarded to Abuja for consideration.

He enjoined fishermen and fish farmers in the state to duly register with the Department of Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in order to be captured in this Federal Government GES programme.

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By O’yigho Dugbe, Ifeoma Obiri, Jennifer Okuse and Ogheneovo Omoni, Warri

A GROUP, All Main Markets Political Forum, has commended the electorate for the re-election of Matthew Mofe Edema as chairman, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, saying his re-election will bring about consolidation on his giant strides during his first term in office.

Chairman of the All Markets Political Forum, Dickson Odjo, in a statement at the Warri Main Market stated that the re-election of Edema by the electorate will spur him (Edema) to do more for the people.

He said: “The Hon. Edema-led leadership will provide good roads, food security, schools, infrastructure and enrichment of standard of living of the electorates because he did it during his first term in office, so we have no doubt in our mind that he will do more for us”.

Odjo, who said he has explicit confidence on Edema that he will perform in his assignment, explained that he (Edema) has been a grassroots man who has always identified with the problems facing traders at all times, said his administration will be the beginning of good things to come to Warri South Local Government area.

While thanking all who voted for him at the poll, Odjo called on the people of Warri South Local Government area to give the administration of Edema the maximum support and cooperation it needed, so as to bring dividends of democracy to their door step.

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Isaiah Osifo is a former chairman of Uhunmwode Local Government Council of Edo State. In the 18 months that Prof Oserheimen Osunbor was the governor of the state (between May 2007 and November 2008), he was the Chief of Staff of the Government House. In this exclusive interview with Special Correspondent Isaac Olamikan, the erstwhile council chairman, who is now gunning for the Senate in 2015 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), speaks on the need for accountability in governance and the need for local government autonomy in the country.

Excerpts:

The recently concluded National Confab has advocated the creation of more states. What is your view on this?

You cannot stop people from agitating for their interest. It is one thing to agitate for the creation of states based on the conviction that if a state is created, it is going to enhance opportunities in the locality but it is another thing to actualize it viz-a-viz the due political configuration of our country. You are aware that Nigeria is a heterogeneous society and the creation of a state in a particular region will lead to other regions, even when they are not qualified, to equally ask for the creation of a state. And that is why it has been very difficult to create any state in successive civil administrations because when a particular region is asking, they may be qualified in terms of the resources and other factors that are taken into consideration in the creation of states. Other regions that do not have the qualification also make their demands. I think right now that agitation for the creation of more states may be difficult to realize under this present dispensation because no region will fold its arms and allow states to be created in other regions. Some (of the demands) are not viable in terms of the parameters for the creation of states the size of the area; the population of the area; the human resource capacity; material resources etc. If all these things are not there and you now start asking for creation of states, your demand will be seen as unreasonable. Those that have these parameters that make them qualified are of course still agitating. The confab also recommended part time legislative system.

Do you support part time legislative system?

Part time legislative system does not make sense. People are thinking of politics as a secondary responsibility. They do not want acknowledge the importance of politics. They believe that politics is for loafers, jobless people, professional hypocrites etc. In advanced democracies, politics is the most important job. In human development and civilization, after God politics is the next important assignment. Therefore, you cannot take an arm of government that is responsible for the enactment of laws; that is responsible for the initiation of policies and programmes for the development of the state; that is responsible for the oversight of responsibilities of the other arms of government etc. such a sensitive job will require concentration. Let me give you an example of an American parliamentarian. He has a retinue workers and that is why when you are listening to an American parliamentarian speaking, you will think that they have a full residue of knowledge. They speak authoritatively and exhibit full knowledge on issues because they have experts in all these departments that are working with them on full time. A parliamentarian should sit down with his workers in economics, in politics, in geography etc. and they’re expected to formulate a policy that is expected to be implemented by the executive arm of government. It takes so much time. If as advanced as America is they are not contemplating part time legislature, I do not see why a developing democracy should be talking of a part time parliamentary system. You need a full time parliamentarian that will be committed to the development of his constituency in particular and the nation in general. And the only way to have it, you need a lot of time, workers and experts. Unfortunately, we see a lot of politicians who go about drinking, uninformed, hustlers, who are just interested in taking money to build new houses and buy new cars. Why won’t people talk about part time legislative job. But if people see a legislature that is knowledgeable, engage in research etc, they won’t be asking for a part time job for parliamentarians.

There is also the debate on what should be the right amount to be devoted as allocation for environmental degradation and derivation?

You see, the truth is that, as a man from the South-South geopolitical region, if you ask me, I will say give us 100 per cent derivation. But we have already agreed that we are all Nigerians. How did America become United States of America?  You have people from different ethnic nationalities in America. When people agree to come together you, just have to accept that we are now one country, one brother, one sister. And what does that mean? You must care for the others. There may be advantage in this aspect. We should not stretch this issue of derivation too far. Rather we should talk of accountability. If the money goes to the centre, how is it spent? How is the money disbursed to the entire 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The 23 per cent you are getting, how are you spending it? People play to the gallery. Have we as South-South leaders or politicians called the South-South governors to account for the 13 per cent derivation that they are getting? So, which peace are you going to enjoy if you take100 percent in the South-South and the other man takes zero and the yare living in penury, poverty and frustration? Today we are talking about Boko Haram. What is the origin of Boko Haram? For many years young men where abandoned on the streets of Maiduguri and other North East towns.  In 1989, I went to see a friend who was a youth corps member in Maiduguri. I saw young boys roaming the streets, scavenging refuse and all that. I was told that they were almajiris children whose parents handed them over to Islamic teachers and were made to beg under the guise that they were in Islamic schools. Nobody cared for them. Now, what happened to the government  local, state and federal? Nobody catered for these young boys. Today they have grown into adults and that is why you see that the Boko Haram has a large reservoir of those recruited into this terrorist sect. Why is America bothered about what is happening in Iraq? Why are they interested in what is happening in Syria etc?  The effect of any part of the world that is dysfunctional can spill over to other parts of the world. The cause of the problem in Nigeria can be traced to Somalia and Mali. It is now easy for militants to move from Mali to the northern part of Nigeria. They have weapons and they have training. If we went to Mali or Somalia to stop that crisis it would have been in the interest of  Nigeria. If you do not take care of your brothers and sisters, the problems that they have will tomorrow become your problems. So, while we are stressing derivation, let us not overstress it. I think that the first thing that we have to have done as patriotic citizens of the South-South is to ask for accountability of the 13 per cent that we have been getting. Why are Nigerians in America, France, UK etc? They come on holiday to the country and they proudly declare they are based abroad. Is abroad your country? They are living there and raising their family because the place is peaceful, developed and secure. Go to the international airports during the summer holidays you will marvel at the amount of money Nigerians spend to cater to their journey overseas. Why is travelling overseas for holiday an investment?

Why can’t we go to Mubi on holiday? Because the environment is threatening. So, what we should be talking about is how do we use our resources to equitably develop this country so that we can be one united Nigeria. The issue of derivation is a good one but I think the first step we should take is let the governors account for the 13 percent that they are getting; let us task the federal government that ‘please, the resources from oil, let us judiciously use them for the development of the entire country if because we are selfish, all the problems in other parts of the country can become our problems if they are not assisted to equally develop along us.

There is also the call for the autonomy of local government councils. As a former local government council boss, what would you say about the _suggestion?_

Yes, even before I became a council chairman. I have always subscribed to the principle of autonomy of local government councils. As a student of comparative public administration, I look at why is_ administration in Japan more effective than administration in Hong Kong as the case may be. And if you trace the success of public policy implementation and successful public service, it is traceable to the _development of local government councils. Nations that do not have developed local governments cannot have an effective public policy implementation. All policies, no matter how global and international, are implemented at the localities. I give you an example, recently you heard the Security Council unanimously passed a vote that the crash site in Ukraine, international inspectors should have access to it. This decision was taken in New York at the UN Security Council meeting. But is the decision going to be implemented in New York? It is going to be implemented at the crash site. That crash site is in a locality. If you like it is in a local government area. So, the effectiveness of the international inspectors will depend upon the attitude of those local people around. If the pro-Russian militants are still resisting them and are being harboured and supported by the local people those inspectors cannot go there. So, you need local input to implement international decisions. You need effective local government administration to implement federal government policies._ You see, many of the state governors, because they are selfish, do not know the importance of council autonomy. You need strong local government autonomy to implement state policies. For instance, we talk_ of agriculture; we do not even have Ministry of Agriculture in the local government areas. Everybody is in Ring Road, Benin City. Do you farm at the Ring Road? You talk of health, you are building a sky_ scrapper or whatever you call it at the Ring Road. How many people will come to Benin for healthcare? A good government should decentralise health policy so that people in Ehor do not need to _travel to Benin for medical attention. Irrespective of the challenge_ of the ailment, there should be physicians; psychiatrists etc in Ehor_ General Hospital. Same in the remaining 17 local government councils; we will now have an effective and performing governor. What we have here _is showmanship, deceit. Until policies and administration are decentralised we cannot develop. It does not make sense for a governor who is getting 26 percent of allocation to be interested in_ the other man that is getting 18 percent. Many governors today are getting into trouble because of council funds. They finish their money and they dabble into council funds. I was watching the proceedings in the House of Assembly the other day where they asked the local government councils and the Commissioner for local government to come and account for what they have been getting. Delay is stealing. If a council is supposed to get its allocation on the 20th of the month and you keep _it until the 30th you have stolen the money. Who are they going to deceive? If you delay N400 million in any commercial bank we know the _interest that is accruable to it. You have stolen their money. You are trading with their money. The 1994/95 Constitution that was supervised by Abacha regime but is not in use is the best constitution for local_ government councils in Nigeria. I did a research on it. In that constitution how a local government council chairman can be removed was well spelt out; not for any irresponsible governor to sit in his _office and say that he has removed an elected council chairman. I am happy that the Supreme Court has ruled on that.  Governors were removing council chairmen arbitrarily. Councils were getting their money through the central bank. I was a chairman of council during that regime. Abacha administration is the best that local government councils have ever had. I listened to Hillary Clinton talking the other day. She said “In the United States of America, because of our level of development, the state is the laboratory of democracy.” I _borrowed from her words I said ‘In Nigeria, because we’re evolving, local government councils are the laboratory of democracy. Until you have democracy in the local government councils where chairmen and councilors are elected by the people and their removal is determined _by the people and the funding is not interfered with, you’ll not have sustainable democracy in Nigeria. Autonomy will not only promote _development it will promote democracy. But unfortunately, the council_ chairmen you have today in Nigeria are selected and appointed by the _governors.

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By Emma Arubi  / Snr. Correspondent, Warri

DELTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has stated that the country will overcome her current political and security challenges and called on Nigerians to pray fervently for the unity of the country.

He also called for prayers for the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, to enable him achieve success as he pilots the affairs of Christians in the country.

The Governor gave the admonition at the Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, on Sunday at the flag-off of its annual “Jubilee Word Festival” celebration of the church.

“Nigeria would overcome the current political storm gathering momentum towards the 2015 general election. We must continue to be hopeful for a better Nigeria now and beyond 2015”, he stated.

Pastor Oritsejafor, in his brief speech, declared an eight-day prayer for the nation and thanked the Governor and his entourage for honouring his invitation.

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 By Emma Arubi  / Snr. Correspondent, Warri

SUNDAY, October 9, would forever remain indelible in the minds of all indigenes and residents of the Itsekiri ancient town of Koko, the headquarters of Warri North council area of Delta State. That day, the community’s masquerade called “Ipi” was out, displaying the rich Itsekiri culture and custom and entertaining the community elders and youths, including girls, children and women who usually engage the masquerade in a hot rat-race that evokes joy, fear and laughter at once, depending on the angle you get tangled with the Ipi.

That Sunday outing turned out a not too pleasant one for the entire Itsekiri nation and Koko community in particular. While the masquerade was performing, a soldier in mufti left his beat and went into the community for unknown reasons and was accosted by one of the masquerade and trouble started.

The soldier in mufti was alleged to have fought the masquerade, an action that was not only unacceptable to the Itsekiri culture but also abominable to the people. The practice is for everyone to run away from it so as not to incur its wrath.

In spite of being cautioned to run away by other persons, the soldier was alleged to have stood his ground and engaged the masquerade in fisticuffs and also manhandled the masquerade.

When the soldier left the scene, he went straight to his base and returned in a van filled with soldiers armed to the teeth and succeeded in whisking away two of the masquerades to their base where they were allegedly unmasked with a female soldier interrogating them and taking their photographs with her GSM phone while they masquerade were lying flat on the bare ground at gun point.

The community elders and youths did not take it lightly. They mobilised to the military base and got the masquerades released while the identity card and other items taken from the soldier were returned by an elder of the community to the military boss.

For the community, this singular act of arrest was criminal, sacrilegious and unacceptable in the tradition and custom of the people. They said the community must be cleansed by the soldier involved by way of sacrifice to the gods of the land. They also said the cleansing must be done because a female soldier unmasked the masquerade.

In the Itsekiri custom, things of the shrine and masquerade are not allowed to be touched and seen the womenfolk. So after settling the matter with the military and they in turn released the masquerades, the cleansing processes commenced in the night throughout the community.

However, the soldiers again allegedly came to stop the community and prevented them from passing through the main road of the town.

This act angered the youths again who were now prepared for a showdown with them until the elders and wise counsel prevailed to avoid bloodshed.

It would appear as if the soldiers were out to foment trouble in Koko community. Early morning on October 10, the soldiers again came and barricaded the only access road to the town and prevented free movement in and out of the community and also arrested some elders and youths and took them to their base, thus setting the tone for another round of fracas.

Speaking to Daily Independent on condition of anonymity, a youth leader, whose father was among those arrested and was given corporal punishment, said: “The soldier who came into the community in mufti came to look for trouble intentionally. Instead of giving way for the masquerade, he stubbornly stood his ground and waited for the action of the masquerade. Does he not have culture from wherever he came? Are these soldiers not Nigerians? Don’t they respect other people’s traditions wherever they are posted?”, he queried in anger.

Another resident, who spoke on the same condition, said “Policemen know the culture here and bide by it year-in-year out. In fact, we do not want these soldiers here again; they are arbitrary in most of their actions in Koko and they take delight in harassing our girls and youths in the community for selfish reasons. What we want here is a Marine Police Base in the river. Their excesses have gotten out of hand.”

The Warri monarch was in Koko on Tuesday to see the community head, Chief Victor Nanna, for possible way out of the quagmire.

Similarly, the military High Command in the state has stepped into the matter and was in Koko for discussion with the community leaders, even as the lady soldier involved in the alleged sacrilege has been redeployed.

The member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Dan Reyenieju, has also taken up the matter with the Commanding Officer, who promised to diligently handle the case to calm frayed nerves.

The Koko community elders were also at the palace of the Olu of Warri on Wednesday to brief His Majesty on the ongoing efforts to resolve the matter even as Chief Victor Nanna emphasised the need for the soldiers to respect other people’s culture.

When contacted on the issue, the Koko Divisional Police Officer, Joseph Aba Omajade, declined comment even as the state Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, would not pick up her calls.

Whatever is the case, the security agents must respect the cultural practices of any community they find themselves as all tribes in Africa have traditional practices, not minding the Christian posture of individuals.

According to Mr. Ajurenmisan of Koko town, “after all their guns and uniforms were bought with taxpayers’ money and, therefore, should not be used to harass or intimidate the common man in his own community”.

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By Igoniko Oduma  / Correspondent, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has restated the determination of his administration to completing the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road to link up communities in Bayelsa West Senatorial District to Yenagoa, the state capital.

Dickson declared this while presenting cheques worth N2.6billion to three contracting firms handling various ongoing projects in the state at Government House, Yenagoa.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa.

He said the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road was part of his administration’s strategic plan to hit the Atlantic Ocean from three flanks with the three senatorial roads.

While N1.5billion was paid to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the continuation of construction work on the fly-over bridge, dualisation of Isaac Boro and Opolo-Elebele roads, Van Oord Dredging Company received N600 million for the sand-filling of the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road, while Sadogi construction firm got N500 million for the completion of the Tower Hotel, Yenagoa.

Dickson disclosed that the N600million was the first installment payment for the dredging of the Sagbama-Ekeremor road and expressed hope that the sand-filling job on the road would be completed by February next year.

“We are already doing the stock piling along the Sagbama-Ekeremor road but that is not fast enough for the time frame that we have given to ourselves for the completion of that critical road.

“We are committed to hitting the Atlantic Ocean from three fronts. It is our expectation that between now and the end of February, we would have finished sand-filling from Ofoni to Ekeremor”, the governor said.

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