PDP GOVERNORS' FORUM

The PDP Governors Forum has congratulated Governors Udom Emmanuel and Seyi Makinde of Akwa Ibom and Oyo States respectively over the validation of their election victories by the Supreme Courts against the decision of the Court of Appeal. In a statement on Wednesday, the Forum, said the news of the apex court verdicts did not come as a surprise because of the massive support Deacon Emmanuel and Engr. Makinde received from the people and residents of Akwa Ibom and Oyo States as the case may be during the March 9th, 2019 Governorship Election. The Forum said the affirmation of the mandates clears the path for the governors to settle down in the enormous tasks of taking their states to greater heights without any further distractions. It described the victories as a testimony to the transparent, credible, democratic, free and fair election process that produced them and the other PDP Governors. The statement which was signed by the DG of the Forum, Earl Osaro ...

... berates APC chieftains, thugs for disrupting inspection of election materials The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has accused the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Monday Udoh, of violating the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal order on the inspection of election materials. Senator Diri said in defiance of the tribunal's order, the REC allowed the All Progressives Congress (APC) to inspect sensitive and non-sensitive voting materials used during the November 16 governorship election. The tribunal had granted the prayer of the PDP counsel to inspect the materials. However, instead of complying with the order of the tribunal, the REC allowed APC, which is not a party to the prayer, to be part of the exercise. Diri in a statement made available to newsmen described the involvement of APC in the exercise as a flagrant abuse of the tribunal's order. He accused the REC of parti...

By Pat PA Okon Nigerian political leaders from across the country, on Saturday, gathered at the Rivers State Ecumenical Christian Centre, Port  Harcourt, for the wedding of Sharon Secondus and Binundu Samuel.  Sharon Secondus is the daughter of PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, while Binundu Samuel is the son of Former  Rivers State Road Maintenance Agency boss, Mr. Samuel Agwo. On ground for the church wedding were: Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa,  Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed and Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha. Others included: Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator Sam Egwu, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinaya Abaribe, Senator Dino Melaye, Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside,  PDP National Working Committee, Federal and State Lawmakers . Mr. and Mrs. Binundu Samuel were joined in Holy ...

By Pat PA Okon Commercial Counsellor, Austrian Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Guido Stock, has stated that the Austrian Government through the country's private companies will invest in the manufacturing sector of Rivers State. Speaking after a meeting with the Rivers State Governor at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday, Mr. Stock said that the partnership with the Rivers State Government will yield fruits. He said: "Austria  would produce drinks and other beverages in Rivers State. We are not just interested in exporting  products to Nigeria, but also to produce locally". "So, we are exploring possibilities of bringing Austrian companies and manufacturers of drinks, food products to Rivers State in order to produce here. That is one of the topics we discussed with the Governor". He said that the Austrian Government would develop a profitable public private partnership for mutual benefits. "I am very pleased that your Governor knows my co...

By tony Okechukwu Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has described Bauchi State as a ‘failed State’ where nothing was working as at the date he took over the mantle of leadership on May 29th, 2019. The Governor made the expression when he presented the 2020 proposed budget tagged ‘Budget of Renewal of Hope’ as he assured: “I will convert weakness into opportunity and challenges into chances so as to ensure not only the survival of the State, but to take her to greater heights”. Bala Mohammed also used the opportunity to pledge equal opportunity to the citizens of the State without any bias to political, religious or tribal consideration just as he reaffirmed his desire to run a government that is open, transparent, all-inclusive and accountable. According to him, to justify the confidence reposed in him by the entire citizens of the State, his administration would come up with policies that will improve their lives in all ramifications. While speaking on gene...

By Tony Okechkwu Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed joy over the recent discovery of crude oil in Alkaleri Council Area, saying the development would boost the State’s economy. He said that his government would ensure that the firms working in the area enjoy friendly working conditions and maximum security. The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had earlier in the year discovered oil and gas reserves in the area. Governor Bala Mohammed while presenting the State’s 2020 budget to the House of Assembly, last week said, “We are optimistic that the oil exploration is becoming a reality, the recent pronouncement on oil discovery by NNPC has raised our hope that Bauchi will become one of the oil producing States in the country".

By Tony Okechukwu Delta Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has called for cooperation from Deltans in tackling environmental challenges in the  State capital territory and its environs.  Governor Okowa made the call during an inspection tour of ongoing storm water drainage and road construction projects around the State capital. The Governor inspected  the storm water drainage projects at the Asaba General Hospital, Okotomi Quarters, as well as the road projects at the Ralph Uwechue Way, Lady Ginika Monye, Prince Ikechukwu Iyeke Way, Ejiro Adegor Street, streets adjoining Asaba/Okpanam Road, Asaba/Okpanam Dual Carriage Road, internal roads and parking lots within the premises of the Asaba General Hospital, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Secretariat, Asaba. Governor Okowa stated that due to the level of construction work being executed daily, there was the need to ensure that the environment remained clean. According to him, "Going through the Stat...

... Law shows we are ready for probity, he says ...'We won't witch hunt anyone' Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has signed  the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Bill 2019 into Law. The Governor, who assented to the bill passed last week by the State House of Assembly, said that his assent was a signal that his government was ready to enforce probity and accountability. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, confirmed that Governor Makinde, immediately after his assent, transferred the law to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo, for further administrative actions. The Governor had, as part of initial declarations upon assumption of office, declared that the State under his watch would establish its own anti-corruption agency to ensure probity, accountability and good governance. While signing the bill into law on Wednesday, Governor Makinde said: "We have just signed the anti ...

By Pat PA Okon Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State, on Wednesday, assigned portfolios to 19 commissioners and 30 special advisers. This is contained in a release signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bala Bello Maru and made available to journalists in Gusau. The commissioners and their portfolios include: Suleiman Tunau (Information and Culture), Aminu Suleiman (Agriculture and Natural Resources), Abdulkadir Buhari (Youths Development and Sports), Junaidu A. Muhammad, (Water Resources),  Muh’ammad  Maiturare (Special Duties) and Zainab Lawal Gummi, (Women, Children and Social Development). Others are Jamilu Zannah (Education),  Nura Isah (Environment and Solid Minerals), Rabi’u Garba (Finance), Sufiyanu Yuguda, (Commerce Industry and Tourism), Ibrahim Jibo (Budget and Economic Planning), Yahayya Chado (Local Govt and Community Development), Yahayya Kanoma (Health) and Tukur Sani-Jangebe (Religious Affairs). The rest are Ibrahim Isah Mayan...

The PDP Governors Forum has congratulated its member-Governors who were honoured Tuesday at the MUSON Centre, Lagos during the Tribune’s Platinum Awards Ceremony. A press statement from its Abuja Secretariat on Wednesday and signed by the DG, Earl Osaro Onaiwu said in part: “We are deeply touched by the development whereby out of the 15 eminent Nigerians or more rightly put, five governors; who have distinguished themselves in the service of the country to merit the Tribune @70  Awards, four are members of this revered forum. This goes a long way to show that their meritorious services to their people and the nation in general are not only outstandingly visible and impactful but can be rated in flying colours. “We congratulate Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto); Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta); Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo), for the honour Tribune has done them and the entire PDP Governors Forum. It shows that members of the forum have distinguished themselves in pub...

The PDP Governors Forum has condoled with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, the government and people of the state, on the death of their foremost son, elder statesman and former Secretary of the Federation (SGF), Obong Ufot Ekaette, who will be laid to mother earth this weekend. A press statement from its Abuja Secretariat on Wednesday, signed by the DG, Earl Osaro Onaiwu said: “We are deeply saddened by the news and we commiserate with the Ekaette Family, people of Onna Local Government and Akwa Ibom State in general on the passage of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Obong Ufot Ekaette, a consummate administrator and bridge-builder who gave his best in the service of his country.” “He was a devoted statesman and devout Christian, 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 and stickler for dedication to duty and discipline in a disti...

By Pat PA Okon For effective implementation of all health-related projects in Bauchi State, the World Bank has renewed its support to Bauchi State Government so that the citizens will access quality health care services. This was disclosed by the Team Leader for the Joint World Bank Support Mission from the Federal Ministry of Health on the implementation of the Nigeria State Health Investment Project, Fatima Mustapha, when she led members of the team on an advocacy visit to Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed. Fatima Mustapha said that the move followed the successes recorded in the ongoing implementation of the Nigeria State Health Investment Project in the State expressing satisfaction that the implementation of the project has improved healthcare delivery in addition to other achievements recorded in the health sector. The Team Leader who said that the project is to be ended in June 2020, noted that the World Bank has invested a huge amount of money in the health sector in...

The Adamawa Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has said that his administration will pay the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) examinations fees for all Senior Secondary School (SSS) students in the State. Governor Fintiri made this known while addressing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters at the party’s campaign rally on Thursday at Mahmud Ribadu Square, Yola. The campaign rally was organized for the forthcoming Local Government elections slated for December 7, 2019. The Governor said that his administration declared free primary and secondary education, as both levels of education remained compulsory for every child in the State. “Government is going to pay WAEC and NECO examination fees for our students, who are sitting for the examinations". “I have directed the Commissioner for Education to meet with the coordinators of the examination bodies in the State for the modalities of registration and payment of the ...

The PDP Governors Forum has condoled with the government and people of Akwa Ibom State on the passing away of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s father, Late Elder Gabriel Emmanuel Nkanang.  In a press statement from its Abuja Secretariat on Thursday signed by the DG, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, the Forum said it is deeply saddened by the news. The statement described the deceased as a complete gentleman; a devoted statesman and devout Christian who dedicated his life to the service of God, stability and growth of his people and the good of humanity at large. The Forum prayed the Almighty God to accept the soul of the departed and comfort those left to mourn him. The sad event occurred on Sunday, December 1st, 2019. He was aged ninety (90 years). And according to a family source, after due clearance from the head of the family, Pastor Edo Ekim (The father of the celebrity Nollywood actress, Ini Edo), the first son of the departed patriarch, Mr. Gabriel Nkanang (Jr.) was authorized to make...

.. INPECTS OMUMA MINI STADIUM PROJECT By Pat PA Okon The lawmaker representing Omuma Constituency in Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, praised Rivers State Governer, Barr. Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike, for fulfilling his campaign promises to Omuma people. He said that Gov. Wike is not just Mr. Quality Projects, but also a promise keeper. Hon. Kelechi Nwogu stated this while inspecting the 17km Defri Road project being constructed by the Wilke-led administration in Omuma. He expressed satisfaction with the work done so far and urged the people of Omuma to be cooperative with contractors handling the project to ensure its speedy completion. Hon. Nwogu also enjoined his people to continue to support the government of Barr. Wike to attract other meaningful development to Omuma. Hon. Kelechi Nwogu also inspected the on-going Omuma artificial turf mini stadium project. Following his initial directive to contractors handling the project to expedite the construction pro...

...As Okowa, Ishaku, Ihedioha, others win various award By Tony Okechukwu Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has emerged Business Day Governor of the Year for the 2019 States Competitiveness and Good Governance Awards. The Chairman of the South East Governors' Forum was named winner of this year’s Business Day Annual Governorship Award, on Wednesday, at an elaborate ceremony in Abuja, which had in attendance, Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State, who was the special guest of honour, Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity as well as His Royal Highness, Yahya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Traditional Council, who was the royal father of the day. Governors, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State won Business Day Governor of the Year - South, Darius Ishaku of Taraba State got award for the Most Improved State in Social Empowerment & Poverty Alleviation, while the Fastest Growing State Economy award was carted by Emeka Ihedioha, of I...

By Tony Okechukwu The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended the screening of Governor Nyesom Wike’s nominee, Sylvanus Nwankwo from Etche Local Government Area, as a commissioner-designate. The House stopped the confirmation of Nwankwo after the member representing Khana Constituency II, Prince Mgbor, pointed out that the nominee failed to provide his tax certificate. The observation by Mghor stired other lawmakers to kick against Nwankwo’s confirmation, after he said that his tax was deducted from source when he served as the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affiars during Governor Nyesome Wike’s first tenure. Ruling on the arguement, Speaker of the Assembly, Ikuinyi Owaji-Igbani asked Sylvanus Nwankwo to provide and submit his tax certificate to the Leader, Martin Amaewhule. “We are a responsible Assembly and our role here beyond lawmaking is also to ensure that we approve for the Governor, those who are worthy in character and truth to serve in the State...

By Tony Okechukwu Abia State Governor and Visitor to Abia State University, Uturu, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has rewarded the state-born first class honours Law graduate of the university, Oluchi Okala, who also earned the same fist class honors at the Nigerian Law School and was among those called to the Nigerian Bar, Tuesday, in Abuja. The reward according to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka, includes N1 million, appointment as graduate assistant in the University’s Law Faculty and State postgraduate scholarship up to Ph.D level. Ememanka said that elated by Okala’s feat, the Governor quickly directed the university’s VC, Uche Ikonne, to effect the award with immediate effect. The Governor noted that in this case of Okala, “her academic feats have put, not only our State University, but our State in positive light. She is the reason why our school’s name appears on the list of universities that produced first class graduates of the Nigeria Law School this se...

By Tony Okechukwu Imo State Governor, Emeka  Ihedioha, has emphasized the importance of sports, saying it is a tool for social development, unity and peace in the country. Speaking before kicking off a football competition organized in his honour by the Nnaemeka Anyanwu Foundation for Youths in the Aboh Mbaise Council Area of the State, Tuesday, Ihedioha said that his administration was committed to uniting the State through sports and would invest hugely in the development of the sector across all levels. The Imo Governor, represented by the Council Interim Management Committee Chairman, Jonathan Onyeneke, disclosed that he would also employ sports to fight crime in the State, and urged the youths to shun crime and join hands with his administration towards rebuilding the State. Also speaking, the donor of the cup, Nnaemeka Anyanwu, said that he was inspired to organize the competition as a way to meaningfully engage the youths of the area, especially during the yuletid...

By Tony Okechukwu Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has declared that the State Government's investment in Oil Mining License (OML) 11 is aimed at promoting the interest of host stakeholder communities and ensure peace for the operation of the oil facility. Speaking during a solidarity visit by the Ogbakor Etche on Tuesday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said that the efforts of the Rivers State Government are geared towards ensuring that the communities get the best from the acquisition of OML 11. He said: "What Rivers State Government  wants is for the interest of our State to be protected. Whoever that is coming to take over will have the interest of the communities protected". "When the communities are part owners of OML 11, there will be peace. But some people sit down  and engage in unnecessary propaganda". Governor Wike said that the acquisition of OML 11 is the height of resource control struggle. He urged Og...

 By Pat PA Okon The outgoing Governor of Bayelsa State, Honourable Henry Dickson, has expressed confidence that Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed will justify the confidence reposed in him by the citizens of Bauchi State. Gov. Henry Dickson was speaking when he paid a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Council Chambers, Government House, Bauchi. The Bayelsa State Governor assured people of the State that Governor Bala Mohammed will meet their expectations because of his political experience. He acknowledged the achievements so far recorded by the Governor in the last few months of his administration and emphasised the need for citizens of the State to renew their support to the Governor. Gov. Henry Dickson who was in Bauchi State to congratulate Governor Bala Mohammed over his victory at the Court of Appeal, described his election as well deserved. Responding, Governor Bala Mohammed who expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa State Governor for the visit, applauded him...

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has approved the appointment of 15 Special Advisers to the Governor. They are: 1. Mr. Sunny Wokekoro 2. Alabo George Kerley 3. Barr. Okiri Aribitonye 4. Barr. Erastus Awortu 5. Hon. Sylvester Mgbor 6. Hon. Victor D. Ekaro 7. Hon. Innocent Paddy Wali 8. Barr. George Ariolu 9. Hon. Deima Iyalla 10. Barr. Emma I.  Utchay 11. Engr. Nkem Nwaribe 12. Hon. Harvey Azuka Ideozu 13. Mr. Andy Nwanjoku 14. Mr. Austin Sor 15. Barr. Otonye Briggs The Special Advisers  will be sworn in by the Rivers State Governor on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt by 12 noon.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has declared that with elections effectively over across the country, the focus should be on governance for the good of Nigerians. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, at the Government House Port Harcourt on Monday,  Governor Wike said that politics should be de-emphasized at this time. He said: "We are here to assist.  We are not fighting with anybody.  We are here to complement the efforts of Government". "Politics has come and politics has gone. We have won the  election here, they have lost. But they have won in other places.  Politics has ended and we are now talking about governance". Governor Wike decried the situation where corps members device different schemes to ensure that they are posted back to their home state. He said: "We should try and discourage the idea that you must serve in your State....