PDP GOVERNORS' FORUM

. ..Urges Nigerians to Emulate Shagari's Simple Life Style  The Governor of Bayelsa State, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, has described the death of former President Shehu Shagari, as a major loss to the country. The Governor who expressed shock and his heartfelt condolences over the death of Nigeria’s first elected President described Shagari as a compassionate leader and decent politician who was considerate  of the peculiar challenges of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw Nation in particular. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media Relations, Mr Fidelis Soriwei, the governor said that Shagari passed on at a critical time his vast experience and wise counsel was needed in the country. Governor Dickson urged Nigerians to learn from and emulate the simple, decent and peaceful lifestyle the former President lived. He condoled with the Shagari family, Alhaji Muktar Shagari, former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Hon. Aminu Shagari, a former me...

Posted By Tony Okechukwu Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has implored youths to be wary of criminals and cultists masquerading as politicians ahead of 2019 elections. Dickson said the sole motivation of such unscrupulous characters was to destabilise and subvert his administration’s achievements. The governor, who spoke at a media chat in Yenagoa, advised politicians not to overheat the polity with their campaigns, insisting that people should be free to campaign for and vote candidates of their choice. He said Bayelsa was one of the safest and most stable in the country because his administration invested in security. Dickson urged parents and guardians to monitor their wards as the government had intensified the campaign against cultism and drug abuse. The governor commended the security services for their determination and commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizenry. He said: “Bayelsa remains one of the safest and most stable states in this regio...

…Gov directs payment of Dec. Salary before Christmas …Offers special Christmas bonus to workers …To pay outstanding one month salary arrears in January The Bayelsa State Government has declared receipt of N13.6BN as allocation from the Federation Account for the month of December, 2018. The Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Maxwell Ebibai, said in a statement on Saturday that the Governor, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, had issued a directive for payment of December salary and allowances to workers before Christmas. According to the Commissioner, the Treasury Department has commenced the process of carrying out the Governor’s directive with a view to ensuring that the workers get their salaries and allowances before Christmas. He stated further that the Governor also approved the payment of a special Christmas bonus to all categories of public servants which would be paid according to cadre in appreciation for the support for its programmes. The commissioner add...

By Tony Okechukwu Over the years, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, has like old wine, mature into a rare and fine specie of those endowed with grace and are living gracefully. Onaiwu, though a man of many parts, lives the conviction of his belief, one reason he has weathered not a few storms to remain a near-permanent feature of Nigeria’s political and social space. A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Edo state was born on December 23, 1958 in Benin City. A scion of educator parents reputed for their disciplinary streak, he attended Ogbe Primary School and Baptist High School, Benin City, Auchi Polytechnic majoring in Mass Communications and have attended several executive courses. Onaiwu is not only a successful business man but has a rich political resume, which started in the Second Republic. In 1983, he was appointed Special Assistant on Special Duties to the late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, the famed former Governor of Old Bendel State...

Posted By Admin Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku has demonstrated his administration’s support to the tune a Hundred Million Naira for the establishment of a rehabilitation centre at the Taraba State Specialist Hospital, Jalingo. He made the pledge at the foundation laying ceremony of the centre which took place in Jalingo the State capital. Governor Ishaku revealed that the spate of drugs and other related banned substances abuse was having devastating effect on the youths and the vulnerable in the State and stressed that his administration would do the needful to curb the menace. “I have said it over time that my administration will not leave any stone unturned in ensuring citizens of Taraba enjoy sustainable health benefits. This Government is committed to meeting one of its cardinal objectives which is affordable health care services for all in the State”. He assured that the Government would make the earmarked sum a part of his administration’s 2019 budget. ...

Posted by Admin Governor Samuel Ortom has charged Benue people to embark on massive cultivation of Cassava so as to benefit from its multipurpose usage. He spoke during a courtesy call on him by the Federation of Benue State Akpu Dealers, Transporters, Potters, Multipurpose Cooperatives Union Limited. The Governor identified the multipurpose use of Cassava for food and nonfood products, saying the demand for it continues to increase on a daily basis. He charged the dealers to form viable cooperatives that could enable them access loans for the establishment of factories for the processing of cassava which he noted could easily be exported. Governor Ortom commended the zeal and determination of the Akpu dealers stressing that his administration would give them the necessary support to achieve maximum result. President of the union, Comrade Soso Ihyev, noted with delight, the resumption of full supply of Cassava in the state due to the ban on Open Grazing, pointing out th...

Posted by Tony Okechukwu Traditional Rulers in Enugu State on Thursday commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his exemplary leadership and the manner he has been piloting the affairs of the state for the benefit of the people. The Royal Fathers, who had earlier unanimously endorsed Gov. Ugwuanyi for a second term in office, said they are delighted that the governor has entrenched peace and good governance in the state and has continued to accord them their due respect as custodians of tradition. Speaking during an interactive meeting with Gov. Ugwuanyi held in Enugu, on how to improve their status and move the state forward as revered stakeholders in the development of the state, the Monarchs applauded the governor for his commitment to participatory democracy. They disclosed that “no past government has carried us along like your administration”. The Traditional Rulers while hailing the governor on his remarkable feats in infrastructure, education, rural development, peac...

Posted By Admin Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, one of the staunchest advocates of restructuring Nigeria, will be the keynote speaker at the public presentation of the book, We Are All Biafrans, written by journalist and rights activist, Chido Onumah, on Friday, December 21, at Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja. Mr Dickson will be joined by notable public intellectuals, Hussaini Abdu, Country Director, PLAN International;. Sam Amadi of the Faculty of Law, Baze University, Idayat Hassan, Executive Director, Centre for Democracy and Development, and Isaac Osuoka, Executive Director, Social Action, to discuss “Federalism, Restructuring, and Nation-building.” The discussion will be moderated by Patrick O. Okigbo III, Founder/Principal Partner, Nextier. We Are All Biafrans is a collection of essays focusing on issues of good governance, democracy, federalism and nation-building. Published by Premium Times Books, the book draws on the debate two years ago by public intellectuals on...

Posted By Admin The Enugu state government has disclosed that it will soon post specialists and consultants to its district hospital to further improve health-care delivery in the state. This statement was made by the state’s commissioner for health, Dr. Ekochin Fintan after the inspection of some district hospitals in Enugu North-Senatorial Zone. The hospitals inspected by the commissioner are; the Enugu Ezike district hospital, Nsukka district hospital and the on-going United Bank of Africa (UBA) sponsored college hospital in Nsukka, GRA and was certified fit to continue with its medical provision. Dr. Ekochin while inspecting this college hospital built through the corporate social responsibility of the UBA, assured that the Governor Lawrence Ugwuanyi, led administration is moved to ensure that health care in the state are up to standard practices and urged medical practioners in Nsukka district hospital and Igbo-Eze north district to d...

  …Asks residents to return   Posted By Admin  Bayelsa State government has said it will investigate the recent violent skirmish between neighbouring communities of Amatolo and Okumbiri in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.   It also asked residents who fled the communities to return as it has taken security measures to ensure their protection and safety.   Governor Henry Seriake Dickson gave the assurance on Monday evening in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Daniel Alabrah.   Governor Dickson expressed concern that the communities, which had a long tradition of keeping the peace, allowed the crisis to degenerate.   His words: "I strongly condemn reports of violence between Amatolo and Okumbiri communities in the state. I am even more concerned knowing that these communities have been known to have a long tradition of keeping the peace.   "I have consequently directe...

Says Bayelsa International Airport Ready for Operations... By Ere-ebi Agedah Bayelsa State Governor Henry Seriake Dickson has stated that plans have been concluded to open the Bayelsa state International Airport to local and international passengers before the end of the year. He stated this while speaking as a recipient of the Africa Value awards 2018 in Abuja for Effective Leadership and Economic Development alongside other top influential personalities across Africa. The governor who was represented by his Head of Media and Events Mr Ono K. Akpe, added that under the Restoration Government of Governor Dickson, there has been great transformation in the state which has accorded the state local and international recognition. While noting that the Bayelsa state government was elated at the recognition, Akpe added that the Dickson led administration has pledged to do more in placing the state amongst leading states in the country which will be visible to both resi...

...Says former President redefined Nigeria's democratic ethos, left indelible marks Bayelsa State Governor, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, has paid glowing tributes to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, saying Nigerians remember him as a leader that led by example. The Bayelsa Governor, in a congratulatory message on Dr. Jonathan's 61st birthday, said the former president redefined Nigeria's democratic ethos and left an indelible mark that his country men remember his presidency with nostalgia. Governor Dickson in a press release signed by his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, noted that Jonathan laid a very strong foundation for the democratic development of the country by creating a level-playing field for all parties to thrive as well as conceding defeat and handing over power to the opposition in a peaceful transition, a development the governor averred was novel in Nigeria. "I celebrate Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as he attains 61 years. He ...

  By Admin ...another testimonial of uncommon leadership ------ Iworiso-Markson  The Bayelsa State Government has congratulated Governor Henry Seriake Dickson for the award of Best Governor of the Year on Good Governance given to him by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company, publishers of New Telegraph Newspapers. The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson in a statement said the award is most auspicious in proper evaluation of not only the merit behind it but also the implication for a better society. He said awards like the New Telegraph award when undiluted, showcases and duly celebrates extraordinariness in leadership and performance, reflecting the critical factor of vision and courage in leadership. Iworiso-Markson stated that, Governor Dickson deserve to be recipient of such award because of the difference he has brought to governance and his style of leadership that has today made Bayelsa a leading state in Nigeria. T...

By Omoh Aliyu …JOHN JONAH ATTRIBUTES NEW RATING TO GAINS RECORDED IN DEVELOPMENT OF SMEs Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), on Wednesday said the recent ranking of Bayelsa, as first in the Ease of Doing Business in the South-South zone of the country by the World Bank was attributable to the successes recorded in the development of Small and Medium Scale Businesses, (SMEs) over the years. Rear Admiral John Jonah stated this in Yenagoa, while declaring open the maiden edition of the Business Linkages Forum with the theme, "Promoting Economic Development: Business Linkages In Focus." Describing members of the state's investment team as world class, the Deputy Governor applauded them for their diligence and hard work in investment promotion activities, which has to a large extent, earned the state its new status in doing business. He said, Bayelsa has in the last couple of years achieved some milestones from hosting variou...

By Omoh Aliyu The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris to stop further deployment of police commissioners to the state in order not to raise unnecessary tension. The lawmakers say the incessant deployment of police commissioners to the state is worrisome and necessitated its emergency sitting last Saturday. Chairman of the House Committee on Security, Colonel Bernard Kenebai (rtd) stated this on an audience participatory radio programme in Yenagoa. Kenebai who was joined by his colleague, Hon. Salo Adikumo described the incessant change of police commissioners as sinister and an attempt to enthrone instability in the state. The lawmaker who also condemned plans to scrap the state's special security outfit, Operation Doo-Akpo said it will be an open invitation to anarchy. According to him, Operation Doo-Akpo is an important security component of the state's security architecture and disbanding it...

...another testimonial of uncommon leadership ------ Iworiso-Markson  The Bayelsa State Government has congratulated Governor Henry Seriake Dickson for the award of Best Governor of the Year on Good Governance given to him by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company, publishers of New Telegraph Newspapers. The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson in a statement said the award is most auspicious in proper evaluation of not only the merit behind it but also the implication for a better society. He said awards like the New Telegraph award when undiluted, showcases and duly celebrates extraordinariness in leadership and performance, reflecting the critical factor of vision and courage in leadership. Iworiso-Markson stated that, Governor Dickson deserve to be recipient of such award because of the difference he has brought to governance and his style of leadership that has today made Bayelsa a leading state in Nigeria. The Information C...

By Aisha Aliyu Another set of projects undertaken by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel through the Inter-ministerial Direct Labour Committee of the Ministry of Finance is set for commissioning any moment from now.                                                                                                 The projects are part of the resolve by the Governor Emmanuel-led-Divine Mandate administration to rewrite the aesthetic and architectural story of facilities development in the state especially in the health and education sector.                                                         ...

By Tony Okechukwu                                                         Media Aide to Mr. Ayodele Fayose, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Lere Olayinka has advised the State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi to face governance and stop lamenting, saying; “Fayose has left office and the legacy projects done by his government can be seen by the people of Ekiti, he (Fayemi) should rather use the few months he will spend as governor to redeem his image as a prodigal governor, who used Ekiti heritage, including shares to obtain N5 billion loan from Eco Bank illegally.” Olayinka, who was reacting to Fayemi’s accusation of Fayose’s government of not properly handling the projects he left behind in 2014, said; “As a temporary governor, he (Fayemi) should know that he has a very limited time to spend and should devote his time and resources...

By Pat PA Okon                                                             The remains of Mrs GoldCoast Dickson, the mother of the Bayelsa State Governor,  Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, will be lowered to mother earth on December 8, 2018 in Toru- Angiama in Delta State.                                            According to a statement signed by Governor Dickson on behalf of Nanaye Dickson family  of Toru-Orua of Sagbama Local Government of Bayelsa State and the Enimieye Compound of Toru-Angiama of Delta State, there will be service of songs on Thursday, December 6 at the Ecumenical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State by 5:00pm.                        ...

Posted by Admin Uyo-based NPFL side, Akwa United, have appointed Brazilian coach, Rafael Everton, as their new Technical Adviser. He replaces former Head Coach, Abdu Maikaba who left his post after the expiration of his two-year contract with the Promise Keepers and has since teamed up with Plateau United. Mr. Everton who has a three-year work experience in Nigeria has signed a one-year contract with Akwa United and was presented to the public during a brief ceremony in Uyo, Monday, November 5. The light-skinned Brazilian has had previous NPFL stints at Abia Warriors as well as FC Ifeanyi Ubah where he won the 2016 edition of the Aiteo Cup. Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of Akwa United FC, Elder Paul Bassey, expressed confidence in the abilities of the football tactician while Mr. Everton also pledged to bring his wealth of experience to bear so much so as to win trophies for the football club. The event was attended by an NFF board member, Mr. Emmanuel Ibah,...

Posted by Pat PA Okon                                                         South Sudan Minister of Energy and Dams, Dr Dhieu Mathok has commended Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for the infrastructural development of the state, saying that he deserves a second term. Speaking after a meeting with Governor Wike at the Government House Port Harcourt on Monday, Dr Mathok expressed happiness with the level of development attained under the leadership of Governor Wike. He said: "I have never come this way,  but what I have seen this morning is very amazing . I have seen developmental projects going on. "This is a sign of stability. You know when there is no stability in a certain state or country,  development cannot come up. I will like to commend the governor for the good work that he is doing. I heard there is going...

Posted by Pat PA Okon Rivers State Deputy Governor Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo has re-echoed the need for the various communities of the State to live in peace in order to foster development.  Dr. Banigo stated this while inaugurating the Etche Local Government Area Boundary Committee at the Council Secretariat Okehi on Monday. Represented by the Secretary of the State Boundary Commission Mr. Lucky Atangsi, Dr. Banigo said the Local Government Boundary Committee was inaugurated in consonance with the National Boundary Establishment Act of 2006, which empowers the State Boundary Commission to inaugurate Local Government Boundary Committees in a bid to resolve Boundary disputes at Local Government levels. The Deputy Governor, who reaffirmed Government’s commitment to continue to create a business friendly environment for investors across the State, urged members to work in synergy with the Council to promote peace. Responding on behalf of members of the committee,...

By Pat PA Okon Sources close to about five governors say some Nigerian governors under the aegis of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, are set to meet within the week with the singular purpose of nominating one of them as their chairman. The position has been vacant with the elapse of the tenure of former Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, who vacated office on October 14, 2018. As has always been the practice, the chairman of the forum is supposed to have been nominated about two months before the end of the incumbent chairman, but this was not the case at this instance. However, the sources added that the most ranking governor, Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, though ably qualified, has been ruled out, being a Regional Coordinator of the PDP Presidential Campaign Team, aside being from the same zone with the party's presidential candidate, Alh. Atiku Abubakar. As it stands, more than nine governors, we were reliably informed have settled for...

By Pat PA Okon            Before now, most of the facilities especially in the Education and Health sectors of the economy were an eyesore.             Today, within three and a half years, the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led-Divine Mandate administration has rewritten the story to reflect modernity and digital conceptualization through the initiation and execution of over 4,000 people-oriented and impactful projects handled by the States' Inter-ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee.                   These are the pictorial details of some of the projects that were delivered last week.