PDP GOVERNORS' FORUM

By Pat PA Okon There are reports that the missing ballot boxes and electoral materials that were snatched last night by hoodlums, have been discovered. The materials were found by locals last night close to the residence of one of the candidates in Patani in Delta State, hometown of one of the aspirants. The discovered materials which they initially suspected to be explosives, said it was later confirmed by security agents in Patani to be INC electoral materials. In a similar development, more electoral materials have also been discovered by the Bayelsa state security agents in the estate opposite the venue of the election in Yenagoa. Security reports also reveal that as a result of this convention, the state has witnessed an unpresidented influx of youths from other states, who are suspected to have participated in the disruption of the elections.

By Pat PA Okon The Bayelsa State Government has condemned in strong terms the disruption of the National Convention òf the Ijaw National Congress by hoodlums in Yenagoa on Saturday night while counting of votes was going on. The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said in a statement on Sunday the hoodlums struck with the devilish intent  to frustrate the inevitable victory of the candidates who were in clear lead during the election. He described as unfortunate the brazen acts of the hoodlums who stormed the Izon House Venue òf the election to disrupt the process. The hoodlums had attacked the generator house, cut power supply to the venue before going for the electoral materials to disrupt the process when the votes were being counted on after the election. The Government’s Spokesman  called on the police authorities and other security agencies to investigate the incident and arrest those behind the heinous act with a view to...

-As Queen's School Enugu USA Alumni donates solar power supply system to Alma Mater - Gov. Ugwuanyi reiterates commitment to quality education By Tony Okechukwu Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has reiterated his administration’s commitment towards raising the standard of education in the state through recruitment of more qualified teachers, construction, renovation and equipping of schools. Gov. Ugwuanyi, who spoke during the inauguration of solar energy supply system sponsored by Dr. Theodora Kay-Njemanze in collaboration with Queen’s School Enugu Alumni, North East Chapter, United States of America (USA), added that his administration’s renewed commitment was demonstrated by the renovation and re-equipping of facilities in the school and over 500 schools in the state. The Governor commended the old girls of Queen’s School Enugu for contributing to the enhancement of quality and welfare of their alma mater, calling on other well meaning citizens to emul...

By Tony Okechukwu Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State has directed the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to with immediate effect construct classrooms at a primary school in Nasarawa village in Alkaleri Local Government Area. The Governor gave the directive when he stopped his convoy at the school where he met about 300 pupils taking lessons in an open space. While some of the pupils were receiving lessons under the surrounding trees, others were taking their lessons in makeshift structures. The Governor expressed concern over the conditions of the public schools in the state. He said the directive became necessary in order to ensure provision of qualitative education to pupils. The Governor added that inadequate public schools and infrastructure across the state are part of the reasons the state is having  the highest number of out of school children in the country. He therefore appealed to development partners and donor agencies to suppor...

By Tony Okechukwu Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has announced that the State Government will henceforth bankroll the form fees for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board(JAMB) for all indigenes and non-indigenes in the state. Governor Wike said  that the gesture  of the Rivers State Government  will commence with the 2020 UTME to be conducted by JAMB. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Registrar of JAMB at the Government House Port Harcourt on Thursday,  Governor Wike said that the Rivers State Government is committed  to ensuring  that less privileged  students are not denied  the opportunity  to sit for the examination. He said: "From 2020, UTME forms for indigenes and non-indigenes will be paid for by the Rivers State Government.  It is important  for us to ensure that children  of the less privileged don't bear  this burden. "...

By Pat PA Okon Bayelsa State Governor, Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, has assured that the Restoration Cup football tournament would be sustained beyond his tenure. He made the pledge on Thursday in Yenagoa during the formal draws ceremony of the Third Governor Henry Seriake Dickson Football Tournament and presentation of kits to representatives of the 160 participating teams. The Tournament Director, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, who is also his Special Adviser  on Public Affairs, quoted the governor as calling on participating communities and organisations to exhibit sportsmanship during and after the competition. He also charged the youths and leaders of the various communities to be peaceful during the games, noting that no one is a loser as the idea of the tournament is to come together to foster unity, brotherly love and friendship. Governor Dickson, who described the Restoration Cup as a football talent development programme, commended the organisers, the Commissio...

By Tony Okechukwu Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has approved the constitution of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board as follows:. 1. Venerable Fyneface Akah (Chairman: Obio/Akpor LGA) 2.Mr Cyril Hart (Member: Bonny LGA) 3. Mr Precious Baridoo (Member: Khana LGA) 4. Chief Faith Amaso: Member: Ogu/Bolo  LGA). The reconstituted Board will be sworn in by the Rivers State Governor on Friday 28th June, 2019 by 2pm  at the Executive Council Chamber of Government House Port Harcourt. The members  of the board  are expected  to be seated  at the Executive Council Chamber  by 1.30pm.

By Pat PA Okon The official draws ceremony for the third edition of the Governor Seriake Dickson Football Tournament, otherwise known as the Restoration Cup, will hold Thursday, June 27, 2019. The venue is the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa and the ceremony would commence from 8am. The Tournament Director, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, who disclosed this in a statement, said the Special Guest of Honour, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, would personally grace the event. Other top government functionaries, political appointees, all local government chairmen, football and sports stakeholders in the state as well as one representative of the teams participating in the competition are expected at the ceremony. Highpoint of the event would be unveiling of the tournament trophies,  presentation of kits to the participating teams as well as the Restoration Starlets that emerged third at the Africa Youth Cup in Cape Verde. Alabrah said with 160 communities and teams ...

By Tony Okechukwu The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for the salient achievements his administration has recorded in promoting human rights in the state. The Commission also lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for being gender-sensitive through active involvement of women in the governance of the state, as well as implementation of programmes and policies that improve the living standard of the people, especially the children and vulnerable. Speaking when a delegation from the Commission in Enugu paid the governor a courtesy visit at the Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday, the state coordinator, Dr. Valentine Madubuko, added that the signing into law of the Child Rights Act and subsequent establishment of Family Courts by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, as well as the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Enugu State, are eloquent testimonies to the governor’s laudable achievements in the state, especially in the sect...

By Pat PA Okon Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the State Government will not permit the proliferation  of vigilante groups,  stating that youths interested in helping  to build the state's security architecture should join the State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency. This is as traditional rulers of Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local  Government Areas submitted  arms retrieved from repentant  criminals  in the area,  after a local amnesty programme. Speaking  at a brief ceremony where he received the Ekpeye Traditional Rulers Council from Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas at the Government House Port Harcourt on Tuesday,  Governor Wike said that this decision became necessary  after OSPAC from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area started over stepping  their boundaries. He said: "I am being very careful  about vigilante groups  in all the local government ...

By Amina Yahaya The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has alleged that his predecessor, Mohammed Abubakar, spent N2.3bn to buy materials for burial in the state. But Abubakar has dismissed the allegation, describing it as laughable. The governor, who spoke through his spokesperson, Dr Ladan Salihu, in an interview with journalists in Bauchi, said the funds were spent between January and May, 2019. He explained that over N900m was spent on the purchase of white cloth used for wrapping corpses while over N1.4bn was used to buy the wood for lacing the graves after burial. According to him, the government discovered issues of corruption, venality, daylight robbery of the commonwealth of the people of the state. Ladan alleged, “This money which ought to have been appropriated by the state House of Assembly before expenditure, all of a sudden emanated from our treasury books. How could you imagine that a state government, within five months, that is, between January and Ma...

By Pat PA Okon Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that his administration will continue to partner with the church for the development of the State. Speaking on Sunday during the Lord's Chosen Crusade with  the theme: "God has the power to do this or that" at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike attributed his political survival to the support and prayers of the Christian community. He the forces of darkness invaded the state and attempted to rob the mandate of the people, but God stood firm. "We saw forces, but the greater force, God Almighty came. With this crusade.  Rivers State will be abundantly  blessed. "I repeat once again without apologies,  Rivers State is a Christian State.  That is why nobody  can touch us. When it mattered most, the Christian community prayed and God heard your prayers. "I will continue to support the activities of all Churches. This Government will always partner with t...

.. as literary icon laid to rest ...State Government donates N25M to Okara Foundation  By Pat PA Okon Bayelsa State Governor the Honourable Seriake Dickson over the weekend flayed the political class for their  inability to identify with the people they seek to govern in times of need. A statement by his Special Adviser on Media on Media Relations, Fidelis Soriwei quoted the   Governor as having made the remark at the commendation service and burial of literary icon and international Poet, Dr. Gabriel Imomotimi Okara in Yenagoa on Friday. The Governor expressed displeasure that such group of Bayelsans are only interested in imposing themselves on the people rather than identify with them particularly the passage of such a great literary icon who God used to bless the Ijaw nation.  Governor Dickson noted that honouring both the living and the dead has been an essential component of his restoration government since 2012, expressing r...

By Pat PA Okon The Governor òf Bayelsa State and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governor’s Forum, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson has condemned the Police raid on the residence of the Governor òf Taraba State, Arh. Darius Dickson Ishaku on June 11, 2019 Police operatives led by a Deputy Superintendent òf Police who claimed to have been deployed with a warrant from the Presidency’s Special Investigation Panel had broken into the Governor’s Abuja residence to conduct a search on it. The Governor òf Bayelsa State  condemned the Police action in a statement by his Adviser, Media Relations, Fidelis Soriwei on Thursday. Governor Dickson called on the Inspector General òf Police and other relevant bodies to investigate the illegal invasion of the governor’s residence with a view to identifying the culprits for necessary action. The Governor also urged the National security establishment to adopt appropriate measures to protect Governor Ishaku, members of his fam...

By Amina Yahaya Wife of Zamfara State governor, Hajiya A'sha Matawalle, has declared her resolve to tackle street begging, especially by women in the state. Mrs Matawalle made this known while briefing journalist in Gusau on her pet project focusing on the "Girl-child Education." I will ensure that my office as the first lady of the state works closely with that of my husband's, the executive governor so that we can find ways of empowering the women. This measure will surely bring to the barest minimum the number of female street beggars, and it will also boost school enrolment among young girls since parents will be supported, she said" A'sha said that she had a blueprint  under the girl-child project that would encourage the girls to go to school. Happily, my husband has already declared free education and health care services for women and children, and I believe this is the right step in the right direction in saving our womenfolk, especiall...

…Says all issues now resolved …To commence comprehensive work on runway soon By Tony Okechukwu The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has expressed its “profound appreciation and gratitude” to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for fulfilling his promise to address  the identified challenges that hitherto posed a threat to the safety of air travelers at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. Speaking during the inspection tour of the airport and its environs to ascertain the level of compliance by the Enugu State Government and other relevant institutions to the request made by FAAN, the Managing Director, Capt. Hamisu Rabiu Yadudu, told Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was present at the exercise, that they were satisfied with the interventions made so far by his administration, such as the relocation of the Orie Emene market, abattoir, and the dismantling of the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Radio/TV Mast, which the Managing Director, Mr. Chukwuma O...

By Tony Okechukwu The  chairman of the South East Governor's Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State Engr David Nweze Umahi has called on herdsmen operating in the zone to always respect the culture and traditions of their host communities to foster unity and understanding. He  made the call while declaring open South East Security summit held in Enugu. The summit which was organized by the South East Governor's Forum in collaboration with South East chamber of commerce, Industry,  mines and Agriculture is aimed at achieving effective policing of the South East zone for improved business environment. The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor Dr Kelechi Igwe said though insecurity has remained a national problem,  leaders at all  levels should evolve strategies that will improve security of lives and property across the country. He said his administration has consistently interacted with the national body of the miyetti Allah to brainstorm on...

By Tony Okechukwu Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared  that the State Government will support  the Train 7 project of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited  because of its potential to create about 15000 jobs and enhance  the economy of the state. Governor Wike said  that Rivers  people  are happy that the Train 7 of the NLNG will  soon come on stream,  because  it is key to the growth of the state. He spoke  at the Government House Port Harcourt on Wednesday during  a Courtesy Visit by the Management of the NLNG.  He said: "The Train 7 is very key to the development of Rivers State.  We are glad that it will  soon take off. I am happy  with  the  quantum of jobs that the train 7 will create in the State. "However, these jobs  should not  be  cleaners and unskilled workers.  I want the NLNG  to ensure that qualified  Ri...

By Joshua Ebiegberi On February 14, 2020, the only Valentine's Day governor in Nigeria would bid farewell to the Creek Haven seat of power in Bayelsa State. That day, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson would have completed eight remarkable years as governor of the most riverine and deltaic state in Nigeria known as the Glory of All Lands. Without doubt, the towering figure commonly called the Countriman Governor would be leaving not only very big shoes for his successor but also an oversized bowler hat. Apart from his hugely successful and impactful developmental strides across the state, his oratorical prowess would also be difficult to match. The governor's zeal and passion to change the narrative about the state has stood him out. Today, Bayelsa's story is intertwined with that of a man who bestrode the state like a colossus; not only transforming it but equally changing the governance culture. In every facet of the state, the Dickson imprint is indelible...

By Patrick PA Okon The ultimate measure of true success is first, the ability to reinvent. When the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, suffered a setback in the 2015 General Elections, pessimists gave the party slim chance of a quick recovery. For the PDP Governors Forum (PDPGF), a political and policy think tank whose members are state governors affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party, it was as if, the long night was not going to be over soon. However, the party’s astounding performances in the 2019 General Elections have added springs under the foot of the PDPGF. Formed on February 24, 2013, with the aims of providing a platform for governors to interact and exchange knowledge, ideas and experiences about how to move the party forward, as well as to better coordinate programmes and policies in their various states, the Forum has once again found its voice because of the assemblage of men of immeasurable pedigree. As Napoleon Hill noted in his famous book, “Think...

By Tony Okechukwu Seyi Makinde, Oyo state Governor has approved the renewal of tenure of Bishop Ademola Moradeyo as the Chairman of the State’s Pilgrims Welfare Board (Christian Wing). He has also appointed Mr. Akeem Azeez as Personal Assistant I to the governor. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Taiwo Adisa, said the Governor has also appointed Samson Adejumo as Personal Assistant II and Miss Ololade Adejumo as Special Assistant on Special Duties. Similarly, the governor has also named Pastor Layi Adisa as Chaplain of the Government House, while Pastor Emmanuel Folayemi Akanmu was appointed as Deputy Chaplain. Bishop Moradeyo, whose tenure was renewed by the Governor, is currently the Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria Diocese of Ogbomoso. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from the Lutheran College of India, and had served as a President of the Ibadan Progressive Union. He is also the current Chai...

By  Fidelis Soriwei It is the albatross of many a leader, that when they are relieved of political control, they simply stroll into the waiting arms of obscurity. The makeshift popularity simply vanishes into thin air as they hand over to the next person. Even their most fanatical supporters and defenders would be tasking their mind to scratch a favorable place for them in the court of posterity. They are readily confined into the trash can òf political antiquity having lacked the requisite quality to hoist their quest for continuing political relevance. But the situation is different with the Great White Shark, the Countryman Governor, Seriake Dickson. In February 14, 2020, when the governor of Bayelsa State finally hands over the reins of governance to his successor, he would be remembered for so many things. It is a fact that he has set a new standard for governance in Bayelsa having initiated and completed many programmes under his watch. Those who exerci...