PDP GOVERNORS' FORUM

Okowa Swears In Desopadec Governing Board, Local Government Service Commission and Auditor- General At Asaba . Delta State Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa today swore in the Governing Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, (DESOPADEC), Chairman and Members of Delta State Local Government Service Commission, and the Auditor-General of the State. Those sworn in are: DESOPADEC: Hon. Michael Diden - Chairman Chief Askia Ogieh - Managing Director Mr. Lucky Shedrack Agediga - Executive Director Hon. (Chief) John Nani - Executive Director Hon. Daniel Mayuku - Executive Director Leonard Anoka Esq. - Executive Director Mr. Giftson Omatsuli - Member Dr. Paul Oweh  - Member Chief  Okakuro Kent Akigho Okiemute - Member Hon. Joyce Overah - Member Arch. Anslem Nwokenye - Member Mr. Paul Bebenimibo - Member Mr. Ikechukwu Christian Akozor - Member Chief Vincent O. Oyibode - Member Ossai Ochonogor Vincent - Member DELTA STATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERV...

... State Collation Agent,  Emmanuel Enoidem, Esq. Tenders Unit Results By Pat PA Okon At the Gubernatorial Election Tribunal in Uyo, Wednesday, July 31 the 1st Respondent, Mr Udom Emmanuel, Governor of Akwa Ibom state has opened his case in the Petition filed against him by Obong Nsima Ekere, the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the March 9 Gubernatorial elections in Akwa Ibom State. The Petitioner had closed his case on Thursday, July 25, 2019 with the evidence of Obong Ekere where the petitioner, testifying for himself made a dramatic turn in his prayers, asking that the whole elections be cancelled and a re-run ordered against his initial prayer which was that the Tribunal should declare him the winner of the March 9 elections claiming that he won in 26 Local Government Areas. The 1st Respondent opened his case today. Mr Enoidem, who served as the state Collation agent for the People's Democratic Party was called as the first witness for the 1st Responde...

By Pat PA Okon Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has announced plans by the State Government to recruit 8,000 workers into the civil service. The Governor who made the disclosure on a media programme in Gusau on Wednesday, said that the government has saved money for the payment of the new workers. “Plans have been perfected by the State Government for the recruitment of 8,000 workers into the civil service". “On this issue too, I have made sure that the money that will be used in paying these additional workers have been secured for the next five months". “This class of workers do not, however, include the 1,400 youths employed but not being paid by the immediate past administration for over two years". “I have since directed for the screening of the 1,400 and immediately the screening is over, those who have not taken up other jobs or secured admissions to continue their education will be fully included in the State’s nominal role". The Governo...

By Pat PA Okon Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, and Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson on behalf of his colleague-members of the forum, has congratulated his Taraba State counterpart, Arc. Darius Ishaku as he turns 65 years on Tuesday, July 30. Governor Dickson in a statement issued from the Abuja Secretariat of the forum on Tuesday, acknowledged Ishaku as a great leader as well as a peace-loving Governor whose devotion to the cause of Taraba State and the nation is legendary. “Taraba State is so blessed to have someone who is full of knowledge like you. You are a beacon and pillar of strength to all Tarabans especially the young men out there; and your life experience has positively aided in leading and directing your people. “You have been steadfast in defending the gains of a successful struggle to attain the best economy in Taraba State, thereby paving the way for the socio-economic and political development of the North East Region; even a...

By Pat PA Okon The Zamfara State Government on Monday said it would employ repentant bandits in the State and give them money to set up business to end banditry and its resultant killings and abductions in the State. The State Government has also agreed to disband its 8,500 civilian Joint Task Force recruited by the former Governor, Alhaji Abdul Aziz Yari, as demanded by the bandits during a peace deal between the government and the repentant hoodlums. The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Alhaji Abubakar Dauran, said the Government decided to employ the repentant bandits and empower some of their illiterate members because they had embraced peace. He said most of the bandits were Fulani. Bandits have consistently attacked Zamfara towns and villages in the last five years. Yari had during a town hall meeting in Gusau, the State capital, in April said bandits had killed 3,526 persons in the State in the last five years. He had also said, “Over 13,000 h...

By Pat PA Okon Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade has declared Tuesday, July 30th 2019, as public holiday to enable people of Cross River plant one million trees in the State. A press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ayade stated, “This is to remind Cross Riverians and all those who reside or do business in the State, that tomorrow, Tuesday July 30th, 2019 has been declared a public holiday by His Excellency, Senator (Professor) Ben Ayade". "The holiday is to encourage every Cross Riverian and residents of the state to take part in the Green Carnival during which about one million trees will be planted”, he said. Consequently, the Chief Press Secretary explained that individuals, schools, homes, churches, mosques, ministries, government agencies and departments, banks, hospitals and all business premises must plant trees.

By Tony Okechukwu Gov. Matawalle has declared that his State will adopt the Ruga policy to address the incessant farmers and herders clashes. Recall that the Federal Government had suspended the Ruga policy following stiff opposition from Southern and Middle Belt leaders. However, speaking to State House correspondents during the weekend, the Governor stated that it is a developmental plan for ranching which the State will soon adopt. He said, "In Zamfara, we will adopt Ruga in our strategy to address the herders-farmers crisis, it is a developmental project on ranching and we are ready for it". Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has said that northern Governors will soon convene a summit to address the widespread insecurity in the region. He spoke after the policy retreat with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He told State House correspondents that security and education will top the agenda of the summit. According to...

By Pat PA Okon Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, on behalf of his colleague-members of the forum, has condoled with the Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, over the passing of his father, Alhaji Umaru Badami. A press statement from its Abuja Secretariat on Monday, stated that the Forum which is deeply saddened by the news, equally commiserates with the government and people of Adamawa State in general on the passage of the deceased which it described as “humble, hardworking, generous, disciplined,  and a  God-fearing statesman” who dedicated his life to the service of God, stability and growth of the nation and the good of humanity at large, aside being a strong voice for his community. The Forum prayed the Almighty God to accept the soul of the departed and comfort those left to mourn him. Badami, 82, died on Sunday after a protracted illness, Mr Solomon Kumangar, Director-General, M...

…Says Oyo will launch own security system before 100 days By Pat PA Okon Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde said on Sunday that the Governors of the South West region have agreed to launch a new security architecture in August. Gov. Makinde, who was speaking at a special thanksgiving service in honour of his mother, Madam Abigail Makinde at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Yemetu, Ibadan, said that Oyo State will equally launch a state-wide security system before his 100 days in office.  A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted Gov. Makinde as saying that the Governors of South West states have been meeting to find lasting solutions to the security challenges in the region. The Governor said: “I and other Governors of the South West, have met on how to launch a new security architecture before the end of August 2019. The first 100 days of this government will be on the 5th of September and before the 5th of September, we will...

-Signs $1 billion MoU with Afrexim Bank By Pat PA Okon Over 300 persons kidnapped by armed bandits in Zamfara State have been released with no ransom paid, Gov. Bello Matawalle, said in Abuja on Saturday. According to him, for the first time in four weeks, there had been no report of any incident like kidnapping and killing of citizens following the negotiations between the Government and criminals. The Governor stated this during the signing of about $1 billion Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the President and Chairman, Board of Directors of Egypt-based African Export-Import Bank, Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah. The $1 billion, Afrexim Bank said, was for investments in Agriculture, Power, Solid Minerals and Manufacturing, Oramah said there was no reason why Zamfara State would not be able to produce cotton as Burkina Fasso, Mali or Republic of Benin which is presently the largest producer of cotton in Africa. Matawalle said, “Our administration is committed to givi...

By Tony Okechukwu Gov. Samuel Ortom is to attend this year's Mutual Union of Tiv in America, MUTA, and the Annual Convention of Idoma Association, taking place in Maryland and New York, United States, between the 1st and 4th of August this year. Benue State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Sir John Ngbede, the three Senators from the State, three House of Representatives members and three State Assembly members are also expected to attend the two events. The conventions organised by Benue indigenes living in America seek to chart a new course for greater unity among people of the State and its development in all sectors of the economy. Governor Ortom who is to leave for the United States tomorrow Sunday, July 28, will also take part in the Integrated Agriculture and Solid Waste Management forum at the University of Texas in Arlington.

By Pat PA Okon DELTA State Governor,  Ifeanyi Okowa has assured Deltans of his administration's commitment to developing Asaba as a State capital. Governor Okowa gave the assurance at the 28th coronation anniversary cum 95th birthday celebration of the Asagba of Asaba,  Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien in Asaba. According to the Governor, “Today, we thank God for the life of the Asagba; Your Majesty, in your time, Asaba has seen a lot of development". “Asaba is the fastest growing town in the nation and you have worked with your people to give us a peaceful environment for growth because, without peace, there will be no development", Governor Okowa said, adding, “You (the Asagba) have also given us room for partnership between the people of the town and Government since the State was created and I must publicly thank the people of Asaba for keeping the peace". He stated, “We have done a lot but, there is still much for us to do in Asaba; as a government, we wil...

- Begin Test run next Week - Over 1500 jobs up for grabs A flour mill with a capacity to process 500 metric tons of wheat daily is set to commence test production in Mkpok-Okat, Akwa Ibom State. The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner For Information, Mr Charles Udoh who disclosed this on Wednesday to newsmen in his office said that the company, Kings Flour Mill is one of the results of the public private partnership model adopted by Governor Udom Emmanuel to attract investors to the state. Udoh noted that the factory, which is one of the best of its kind in the country will create direct jobs for the teeming youthful population while also offering an expansive value chain for a lot more people. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel in May 2017 flagged-off the construction of a flour mill in Mkpok-Okat with the assurances that when the mill begins production, it will have the capacity to employ more than one thousand five hundred youths in the state. Speaking to newsmen aft...

By Pat PA Okon The Bayelsa State Governor, the Honorable Henry Seriake Dickson, has restated his earlier position that the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party has not endorsed any aspirant for the candidature of the party. A statement by the Special Adviser, Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, quoted the Governor as having called on Bayelsans to discountenance aspirants  claiming to have his endorsement. The Governor said that he would commence intensified consultations with aspirants and critical stakeholders at the national and state levels of the PDP with the conclusion of the sale of the gubernatorial nomination form for the next election. Governor Dickson also promised to work closely with the party leadership to ensure the conduct of credible, free and fair primaries in Bayelsa. According to the Governor, "while the aspirants who have picked the party’s nomination have the right to pursue their ambition, the leadership of the party would watch and inde...

By Amina Yahaya Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has advised Yobe State students to shun drug abuse, indecent dressing and take up trades that will make them self reliant. The Governor, made this call at the graduation of 175 women trained by National Union of Yobe State Students (NUYOSS) in Damaturu. Governor Buni, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, said the State Government will continue to improve in education and socioeconomic development for the youths to be self employed.     The policies of the government will continue to tackle youth restiveness through agricultural initiatives and entrepreneurship. He commended the sponsors of the training for making a strategic move that will relieve government of employment burden. Buni also appealed to the beneficiaries to make best use of the equipment provided to them and take full advantage of the skills they learnt. The chairperson, Women Affairs Committee of NUYOSS, Hafsat Yusuf Ibrahim...

By Pat PA Okon Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara says the State has space to cater for six million livestock in furtherance of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP). A statement issued by Alh. Yusuf Idris, Director-General, Media to the Governor on Thursday in Gusau, quoted Matawalle as saying this when he visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Governor, who expressed his administration’s determination to resuscitate the livestock sector in the State, said it would serve as a component of the presidential initiative on the NLTP. He said that the State, which would be a forerunner in the implementation of the NLTP, had enough land, livestock and skilled manpower for the scheme. “The State also has a very favourable ecology that is suitable for the programme, including 36 existing grazing reserves, 16 forest reserves, one game reserve, two lakes and one reservoir where an estimated six million livestock could live. If supported, ...

By Engr. Osita Kalu Ugoji                                                                                           Umahi, the Governor of Ebonyi State clocked 56, particularly with his commanding heights of achievements in government which make his reputation go before him. His story is that of a man of uncommon life history and his testament on how he overcome all odds to become what he is today is inspiring. Purposeful governance introduced by Governor Umahi has undoubtedly wiped away tears and shame from the eyes and faces of Ebonyians. It is still like a dream to many that today, the story is different. It is evident that the Ebonyi State Government under Umahi is driven by a singular commitment to enhancing the welfare and well being of the people ...

By Tony Okechukwu In line with his administration's commitment to the speedy industrialization of Delta State, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa has assured prospective investors in Kwale Industrial  Park of quick return on investment, ROI. Gov. Okowa spoke  yesterday in Asaba when the management of Temple Energy and GasInvest, joint consultants to the project briefed him on the level of progress made on the project.  According to him, “I am glad that you have made appreciable level of progress in the development of the industrial park; from the analysis given, all is set for investors to come in and I am confident that from the materials available and the conducive environment for industries to thrive, potential investors will get a quick return on their investments". “As a government, I want to reassure you (the consultants) of our commitment to the fast take-off of the industrial park; I want to guarantee that we will be with you every step of the way for the best results t...

                                           - Says we applaud your contributions to humanity By Pat PA Okon The PDP Governors Forum has congratulated the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi, who clocks 56, today, Thursday, July 25, 2019.                                                                                                                    In a press statement issued at the Forum's Secretariat in Abuja, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson, on behalf of his colleague-members said:            ...

...Directs Senators to work for his Confirmation By Pat PA Okon The Governor òf Bayelsa State, the Honorable Henry Seriake Dickson, has directed Bayelsa Senators to support the confirmation of former Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva as a minister of the Federal republic. The Governor also congratulated Sylva, his major political opponent in Bayelsa in the past ten years on his selection as a ministerial nominee in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, on Wednesday, He said that he had to call on the senators to support Sylvia’s nomination as minister in the interest of Bayelsa as the Governor of all citizens of the state irrespective of political differences. The Governor recalled that he congratulated former Minister òf Agriculture, Mr. Heineken Lokpibiri, and canvassed similar support for him, when his name was forwarded to the senate in President Buhari’s first tenure. He said that by Sylvia’s nomination, President Buhari displayed ap...

By Tony Okechukwu Following the Bauchi High Court, Monday order restricting the National Assembly from interfering in the leadership crisis in the Bauchi State House of Assembly, the PDP Governors Forum has advised the hierarchy and the entire membership of the National Assembly to abide by the court order and stay away from interfering in the affairs of the House. . In a press statement from its Secretariat in Abuja, Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Seriake Dickson (Executive Governor of Bayelsa State) on behalf of his colleague-members called on NASS to comply with the court order: “We also call on the National Assembly to walk back the culture of impunity and lawlessness that is hardening its bite on the polity, and show more respect for the rights of the people.” “Acting otherwise or delaying in respecting the order would represent a direct and serious affront to the rule of law in a democratic government and a dangerous abuse of power; which Nigerians would see as “steadil...

- "Don't touch drugs....he advises By Tony Okechukwu Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Monday, received Super Eagles Striker, Samuel Chukwueze, at the Government House in Umuahia, the state capital. The Governor, flanked by some of the state government officials, including the member representing Umuahia East Constituency in the  Abia House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo, welcomed the Umuahia Ibeku-born footballer, who was on a courtesy visit upon return from 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt. Ikpeazu, while speaking during the visit, urged young people who were blessed with talents to remain humble and hardworking, opining that pride is the virus that destroys talents. He warned him to avoid being misled by a momentary feeling of triumph but focus on building a career that will last long and become successful. According to the Governor, “You are a young man with prodigious talent. But you must know that talent can showcase you but you need to...

By Pat PA Okon The Bayelsa State Government has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to all gubernatorial aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party, the All Progressives Congress and other political parties to comply with the rules and regulations guiding the erection of  campaign posters in the state. The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ebipade Apaingolo, directed the relevant agencies to pull down all such campaign posters adorning the streets of Yenagoa without complying with the laws of the state within 48 hours in a statement on Monday night. He said that it was compulsory for all the aspirants aspiring to govern the state without any exception to show good example by obeying the laws of the state. He said that those who must erect campaign posters in conspicuous spots in the city and other parts of the state should approach the relevant agencies such as the Development Control to fulfill the requisite conditions prescribed by the existing laws. Apaingolo was reacting to ...

By Pat PA Okon The Bayelsa State Government has uncovered an evil plan by desperate politicians to plant arms and ammunition in the farms and compounds belonging to the State Governor, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Mr. Boma Spero-Jack said in a statement on Monday night that some politicians who are desperate to hijack political control of the state were behind the criminal plot. He said that any attempt to tarnish the good image of the Governor would fail as Bayelsans and indeed Nigerians are clearly aware of the brand of politics and reputation of the governor as a politician of conviction and not violence. He therefore advised all politicians in the state to focus on their political campaigns rather than engaging in underhand tactics which he said do not win elections. He advised all politicians to avoid such desperation and unfortunate tendency towards violence. He said that the security agencies should ta...

By Pat PA Okon Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has assigned the following portfolios to the eight Special Advisers who were recently sworn in : (i) Comrade Mike Okeme - Labour Matters and SERVICOM (ii) Chief Edwin Uzoh - Peace Building/Conflict Resolution (iii) Hon. Daniel Yingi - Environment/Marine Transport (iv) Ernest Ogwezzy, Esq. - Petroleum Resources (v) Hon. Johnson Erijo - Project Implementation (vi) Chief (Mrs.) Mary Iyasere - Entrepreneurship Development (vii) Prince Kelly K. Penawou - Local Government Affairs (viii) Hon. Pascal Adigwe - National Assembly (NASS), NDDC and Niger Delta Affairs. This was released to news men by his Chief Press Secretary.

By Pat PA Okon The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Monday, flagged off the construction of five major roads to open up the township of the State capital. Works on the five roads, spanning over 10.2km, will cost the State Government about N5 billion. The projected amount is just about half of what the past Government of the State allegedly spent on “burying dead persons” in one month. Gov. Bala Mohammed, who vilified his predecessor for spending so much of the taxpayer’s money on such frivolous enterprise, said his administration would rather concentrate on projects that will make life meaningful to the people. At an elaborate occasion, Gov. Mohammed cut the tapes for the construction of the five roads which comprised two bye-passes that were conceptualised since the creation of the State. Gov. Bala Mohammed described the five road projects as a “historic development for the people of Bauchi". The new roads comprise Gombe-Maiduguri bye-pass; Laura – Jos Roa...

By Pat PA Okon Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Qatar Charity Home for the construction of 15 Mosques,15 Motorized Boreholes and 20 hand pumps across the State. The signing of the MoU was held at the Governor's residence in Asokoro, Abuja. Gov. Matawalle signed on behalf of Zamfara State Government while the Executive Director of the Qatar Charity Foundation, Mr. Hamdi Mohammed signed on behalf of his organization. Immediately after signing the MoU, Gov. Matawalle commended the Qatar Charity and assured of his Government's readiness to partner with Charity organizations across the world for the purpose of developing  Zamfara State, educationally, socially and economically. Matawalle added that the  world's current system of development is through partnership with charity  and donor organizations. On his part, the Executive Director of the Qatar Charity Mr. Hamdi Mohammed commended the Government ...

By Pat PA Okon                                                             The PDP Governors Forum (PDPGF) has expressed its joy as the Supreme Court on Monday, rejected the application by the All Progressives Congress (APC), seeking a review of the May 24  judgement of the court on the Zamfara Governorship Election. In a press statement issued from its Abuja Secretariat, the Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Seriake Dickson (Executive Governor of Bayelsa), on behalf of his colleague-members threw its weight behind the five-man panel of justices, led by Justice Bode Rhodes-Viviur, that unanimously ruled that the application was incompetent and lacking in merit.                                                  ...

By Amina Yahaya Feelers are beginning to emerge on why Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governors allegedly  abandoned the party’s presidential candidate in the 2019 general elections, Atiku Abubarkar ,at the Tribunal. It was gathered that the battle for the soul of the PDP presidential ticket for the 2023 general elections was the major reason why the PDP governors abandoned the former vice President. Although few of the governors are not happy with the development, a source close to the governors, who spoke with our Correspondent  , Disclosed that the governors spearheading this battle are from the North-west, South-South, and South-East. The source said there was already a struggle to control the PDP Governors and national lawmakers ahead of 2023. Few of the governors, who are not on their side, source said, have started kicking against the move and have drawn the battle lines to resist the plot to control the governor’s forum and the lawmakers. The source said...

By Tony Okechukwu Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, has begun moves to revive farm settlements established when Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the Premier of the old Western Region. The Governor said the nine farm settlements located across the State had ranches, pigsties, ponds, poultry pens apart from the large expanse of land to grow crops. Speaking to our correspondent in an interview through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, Makinde said the farm settlements would be resuscitated to increase the food production capacity of the State and to boost its economy. The Governor said that the farm settlements didn’t belong to Oodua Investments like some people think, saying they were property of the State. He said, “Oodua Investments is not the owner of the ranches. Western Region owned the farm settlements. They are not ranches but they are farm settlements owned by the State where they are located". “We have nine of them in Oyo State and they are going to b...

By Tony Okechukwu  Zamfara State Governor, has finally  secured the approval of N1 billion intervention fund from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for improvement of education system in the State. This was made possible when the Governor personally led a delegation to the TETFund office and met with the Executive Secretary, Prof. Suleiman Elias Bogoro in Abuja. Gov. Matawalle, had during the visit expressed his unflinching desire in reorganizing and restructuring the education sector of the State for the attainment of world best practices especially in teaching and learning.  Matawalle who took time to praise the leadership of TETFund under Prof. Bogoro and how the fund has been impacting on the improvement of the standards of tertiary institutions in the country, noted that with more support from the fund to the State, the State owned institutions of higher learning will most certainly meet all the necessary standards. He noted that TETfund provide...