PDP GOVERNORS' FORUM

•suspends Obio/Akpor Council Chairman and his Deputy •grants waivers to different categories of professionals Following the violation of the market closure order, the Rivers State Government has imposed a dusk to dawn  curfew  on  Obiri-Ikwerre Junction( Ozuoba, Rumualogu)  to Choba and from Education Bus Stop to Agip Junction . In a Broadcast on Monday,  Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike said that the State Security Council reached the decision after it monitored compliance with the State Government's directive. He said: "With effect from  Tuesday March 31, 2020 there will be a dusk to dawn curfew from Obiri-Ikwerre Junction( Ozuoba, Rumualogu) to  Choba and from Education Bus Stop to Agip Junction, Ikwerre Road . " All beer parlours and public drinking joints are hereby closed because they have suddenly  become  an extension of night clubs that were earlier shut down.   "Any beer parlour or public drink...

By Admin Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Monday, directed officials of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to commence the immediate distribution of foodstuff in its warehouse. Speaking with newsmen shortly after inspecting the SEMA warehouse at Igbogene, Governor Diri said the distribution is to mitigate the effects of measures taken by the State Government over the COVID-19 pandemic on people of the State. A statement by his Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the Governor as emphasising the need for equitable distribution of the items to all the Local Government Areas of the State. Governor Diri urged the people not to despair in the face of the COVID-19 scourge as his administration would continue to do everything within its reach to assuage their suffering. While thanking the Federal Government for its relief donations in the past, he called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to support State Governments in...

... as Gov Diri orders payment of unpaid gratuities By Admin Bayelsa State pensioners are soon to smile to the banks as the State Government has released the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira to offset their gratuities which had not been paid for over twelve years. An impeccable source at the State Treasury hinted our correspondent that that the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, ordered the payment last Friday. The State Government under the last administration of Mr. Seriake Dickson made efforts to set aside N250million monthly to pay graduituties but reneged on his promise to the pensioners. Furthermore,  the erstwhile administration only set aside N1billion for four months and jettisoned the idea to continue with the savings for the elder statesmen. The erstwhile government was accused of paying  gratuities to retired Permanent Secretaries and Directors, whom they alleged were comfortable and well to do, before exiting the service . Our sour...

By Admin On the directive of the Governor, the Director General Cross River State Border Communities Devt. Commission and Alternate Chairman Monitoring and Evaluation Sub-committee of the State Taskforce on COVID-19, Mr. Noel Ugbong, teamed up with the Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State to shutdown the border between the two states. The Chairman, Paul Nwogha, commended the efforts of the Governor of Cross River State in seeing to the national directive of no interstate movement. A joint team comprising Taskforce members from both States alongside security agents, jointly man the border to ensure no movement across the border.. Earlier on, the D/G visited the Nigeria/Cameroon border, Mfum, to ensure compliance. The Immigration Surveillance Officer, Mr. Inah, confirmed as was visible from the locked gates that the border was closed from both the Nigeria and Cameroon axis. Right beyond border closure, the Port Health Officer, Vidal Asuquo, commends the S...

By Admin Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, on Tuesday, said the State Government had acquired 19 ventilators, monitors and other critical equipment for the management of COVID-19 cases if it occurred in the State. Okowa disclosed this in radio and television broadcast on the COVID-19 pandemic in the State, in Asaba. He announced that public gatherings, including burials, weddings, conferences and seminars, with over 20 persons in attendance should be suspended immediately. According to him, the ban is part of measures being put in place by the State Government to protect the people from contracting the deadly coronavirus which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Governor also directed that civil servants from Grade Level 1-12 should stay at home till further notice, and also suspended the application of biometric system for daily attendance of workers to work in the State till further notice. He, however, stated that workers on es...

…Cautions Tinubu, Others To Stop Pushing Pecuniary Interests By Admin The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charged President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately reduce the pump price of fuel from a cosmetic N125 per liter to an appropriate price that should not exceed N90 per liter. The party insists that given the fall of price of crude in the international market to below $30 per barrel, the appropriate domestic price for fuel should be between N80 to N90 per liter; a cost template that should be immediately implemented to ease the economic burden on Nigerians and further serve as palliative for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our party maintains that any further delay in the reduction of fuel price amounts to fleecing of Nigerians at a time government should rather concentrate on efforts that will immediately ease burdens and enable our citizens battle health and economic concerns worsened by the coronavirus disease. The party therefore urged agencies of government,...

By Admin The Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, has ordered a total and complete closure of borders from today, March 28, 2020. This was made known by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu, who said His Excellency, Prof. Ben Ayade, approved the immediate closure of borders which coincidentally is one of the recommendations of Cross River State Covid-19 Ad-hoc Taskforce and Monitoring Committee saddled to coordinate response to the Coronavirus pandemic. No one is allowed to come into the State anymore! Security Taskforce has been deployed by the various agencies to the border. Our people are advised to adhere strictly. All residents of the State, transporters, taxi men, will also be expected to comply with a stay-at-home order while religious organizations, clubs, drinking joints, political gatherings, conferences, summits, burials, social events, town union meetings and any gathering of more than 5 persons remain prohibited. She urged the traditional rule...

By Admin Zamfara State Governor, Mohammed Matawalle, has dedicated his victory at the Supreme Court to God, assuring that he would deliver dividends of democracy to the people of the State. The Governor, in a broadcast on Friday after his victory at the apex court, said that the verdict has strengthened his commitment to deliver good governance to the people. “I dedicate this victory to the good people of Zamfara State who prayed day and night for this victory and all the victories we have had. This victory is therefore for all true sons and daughters of Zamfara State who desire its progress". “Today’s verdict has indeed strengthened our resolve and commitment to deliver good governance to our people. We shall continue with our current efforts of securing Zamfara State and transforming it in all facets of human life". “I appeal to our people to remain calm. As peace-loving, I appeal to you not to resort to any act inimical to peace and tranquillity of the State...

By Admin The Enugu State Ministry of Health confirms that two patients, who presented on their own, tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19). Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi, Permanent Secretary, Enugu State Ministry of Health made this release: "It is important to inform the public that the patients voluntarily contacted the Enugu State Ministry of Health on arrival from the United Kingdom (UK) and requested for the COVID-19 test which came out positive". "So far the patients have remained in isolation and the Enugu State Multi-sectoral Rapid Response Team has commenced contact tracing". "The Enugu State Government expresses her gratitude to these patients who reported to the Enugu State Ministry of Health following the announcement that all returnees from overseas in the last 14 days should  report for evaluation". "We still wish to encourage all those that returned recently from overseas to contact the Enugu State Public Health Department ...

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Friday, fired his Special Assistant on Digital Media, Mr. Muritala Olajide Adigun, with immediate effect over what was gathered as feeding the public with misleading information. This was conveyed in the termination of appointment letter issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, with a reference number: SP/S.662/2/Vol1/115. Part of the termination of appointment letter read: “I wish to convey the approval of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, on the termination of your appointment as Special Assistant (Digital Media), with immediate effect”. We reliably gathered that the sacked Media Aide carelessly posted unverified information on his Facebook page, which turned out to be false information. And this led to a series of backlashes on the government. He was alleged to have stolen the picture of one of the projects executed by the Lagos State Government, posted it on his Facebook page, crediting th...

By Admin Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved for immediate rehabilitation and reconstruction, a total of eight (8) road projects in various zones of the State. The State’s Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Professor Raphael Afonja, who revealed this development on Friday, said that infrastructural development remained a key focus of the present administration. A statement made available on Friday by the Commissioner quoted the Governor as saying that his administration was prepared to ensure the uplift of infrastructure in the State, adding that the government would ensure that adequate attention is given to road infrastructure that targets the economic expansion drive of the State. The statement further indicated that the determination to ensure infrastructural growth in the State informed the decision of Governor Makinde to devote a large chunk of the 2020 budget (23.93 percent) to that sector. It reinstated the decision of the administration to ins...

By Admin Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has assured the good people of the State and his other well wishers that he is sound, calm and in good spirit despite infection with COVID-19. In a message to his well wishers, the Governor assured that he is strong, capable and equal to the tasks. Governor Bala Mohammed who only regretted that his condition will not allow him to serve his dear people at this critical time of need, said by Allah's grace, the challenges are surmountable. The Governor thanked the well wishers for their concern and care, especially their prayers as well, and appreciated their love, encouragement and good wishes. "By the grace of God, we shall have  the courage, strength and faith to overcome all tribulations. Allah is the Greatest! He is Sufficient and Merciful. May these tests be the utmost expiation of our sins, limitations and inadequacies". "InshaAllah we shall overcome. With humility and gratitude, ...

By Admin The Bayelsa State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all land and sea entry and exit points into and out of the State. Governor Douye Diri gave the order on Thursday after he was briefed  by the COVID-19 Task Force in the State. A statement by his acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the Governor as also directing that all mortuaries be closed forthwith to ensure compliance with the earlier directive on the suspension of burial and wedding ceremonies in the State for two weeks. Diri said that the Implementation Committee would  liaise with all the security agencies in the State to ensure full compliance with the directive. He said that the additional measures are being taken to protect and safeguard every resident of the State from the coronavirus pandemic. The Governor had tested negative for the virus on Thursday.

By Admin While Buachi State Governor is under isolation after testing positive of Coronavirus, 20 members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) have perfected plans to impeach the Speaker Abubakar Y. Suleiman, our reporter says. The 20 APC lawmakers were said to be loyal to former Governor, M. A Abubakar. We have gathered that the lawmakers have agreed to impeach the Speaker of the Assembly any moment from today. Credible source from the Assembly told this medium that the plot to impeach the Speaker started on Saturday when the members attended the wedding ceremony of the daughter of a close ally of the former Governor, Alhaji Ali Kumo in Gombe. The former Governor it was learnt lamented to members of the assembly how the administration of Bala Mohammad is planning to use the report of its assets recovery committee to harass him. He therefore pleaded with them to rescue him by impeaching the Speaker who they accused...

By Admin The National Chairman of the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, has felicitated with the Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, on his victory at the Supreme Court on Friday, urging him to be a good team leader. Prince Secondus reminded the Governor and the party in the State that their victory came from God as he urged the Governor and his team to appreciate this fact and work hard to make a lasting mark with the mandate. The National Chairman in a statement from his Media Office in Abuja, signed and made available to newsmen, advised the Governor to unite the people and move quickly to tackle the myriad of challenges facing the State, most of which stems from bad governance witnessed in the State in the past. “God has designed this position for you for a purpose and you must do everything humanly possibly not to disappoint both the people and the Almighty who sent you there”, Secondus said. “Identify critical...

By Admin The Supreme Court has dismissed the application of the All Progressives Congress seeking to review the judgement on Zamfara governorship election. The apex court said that the application was a gross abuse of court, frivolous and grossly vexatious. It awarded N2m cost against the APC to be paid to the respondents 1-140.

By Admin Another person believed to have had contact with the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, has been confirmed to have tested positive to the COVID-19 making it two confirmed cases. While making the confirmation public during a press briefing, on Thursday, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Aliyu Maigoro Mohammed, declared that the new confirmed case is a 62 year old friend to the Governor  and had contact with him. He also disclosed that so far 45 blood samples have been taken to Abuja for testing and 39 of the samples have been confirmed negative Aliyu Maigoro, however, said that the two positive cases are presently doing well as they continue to receive adequate treatment from professionals in the field of medical care saying, “the Governor is responding to treatment very fast and as at the time I am briefing you, he has not shown any symptom of the virus and we have no cause to fear”. “The second case too has started receiving treatment and i...

By Admin Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has directed the Advisory Committee on Community Policing to commence screening and recruitment of individual citizens to serve as constabulary in the State. The Governor gave the directive  on Wednesday in Gusau while inaugurating the State Advisory Committee saddled with responsibility of overall supervision of community policing in the State. Matawalle said that Community Policing was a strategy of policing that placed emphasis on building relationships and working closely with members of the communities to bridge communication between community and security agents. The goals also aimed at building ties, relationships with the community through interactions with local agencies and members of the police, creating partnerships and strategies for reducing crime and disorder. Community Policing puts society and quality of living as a priority, as against the traditional policing which placed emphasis on arrest and prose...

By Admin No fewer than 27 persons in Bauchi State have been placed on compulsory self-isolation for a minimum of 14 days following contact with Governor Bala Mohammed who tested positive for Coronavirus this week. This was disclosed in a circular issued by the Disease Control Unit of the Ministry of Health in the State. It also indicated that isolation centres have been created at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Center Azare, Specialist Hospital Bauchi and Toro General Hospital. Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor, Senator Baba Tela, has ordered the closure of markets in the State. Addressing a press conference at the Government House on Wednesday evening, Tela said that the order takes effect from Thursday, March 26. Tela, who is also the Chairman of the Bauchi State Task Force on Outbreak Response Committee on Lassa Fever and COVID-19, added, “However, pharmacies, food sellers, supermarkets selling essential products, filing station...

By Admin The Nigerian Medical Association, Zamfara State chapter, has  told  Governor Bello Matawalle to  impose a two-week  curfew in an effort to stop the spread of Coronavirus. Speaking to journalists  in Gusau on Wednesday, the association’s chairman, Dr. Kabiru Musa, said that closing schools, ministries and parastatals was not enough to stop the spread of the disease. He  urged  the Governor to also restrict movement for two weeks. Kabiru stated that the State Government was supposed to have directed the people to remain at home  to avoid overcrowding.

By Admin Abia State Government says it is 100 percent above many States of the Federation in its readiness to contain the dreaded Coronavirus scourge should it manifest in the State.  Conducting journalists round the isolation centres located within Amachara Specialist Hospital, Umuahia, which is one of the three designated in the State, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Osuji, explained some of the features to include two doctor’s room, nurses room, laboratory designated to host the testing kits and run other tests, X-ray room, duffing room, five-bedded  isolation wards, each for males and females with conveniences, TV sets, respirators, oxygen canisters, store room containing 7,000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), treatment room, consulting room among others.  The Commissioner said apart from the two five-bedded wards, there is provision for one 100-bedded extension in case of patients overflow with additional 2,500 PPEs at the location. He expla...

By Admin Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed the index positive case of Coronavirus is a 19-year-old model, who recently traveled travelled to Italy, Greece and France before returning to Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The Governor said the government had begun contact tracing of all those the index case came in contact with and directing all markets to close from March 28. The Governor also directed that all civil servants from Grade Level 1-10 were to remain at home from Friday, March 27 until further notice. In a broadcast on Thursday evening, Wike said: “It is however, unfortunate that despite all the preventive measures we put in place, our State has recorded a positive case as confirmed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). “The positive case is a 19-year-old female model from Edo State who resides in Port Harcourt. Her travel history reveals that she travelled to France, Italy and Greece before returning to Port Harcourt on the 16th of March, 2...

By Admin Governor Udom Emmanuel's proactive steps to curtail the COVID-19 pandemic led to the setting up of an emergency isolation unit to handle highly contagious diseases at the Multi Specialty Hospital of the State. The Governor had in January this year, acquired four new ventilators and set up world class fully equipped isolated unit, in line with globally approved standards. The Isolation Unit has 3 automated beds and other support facilities. The four new ventilators bring to 19, the total number of ventilators in Akwa Ibom State, with 4 at the Uniuyo Teaching Hospital, 11 at the Specialty Hospital and 4 at other Government Clinics in the State.  An official of the State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Udeme Ekrikpo, accompanied by the State Commissioner  for Information, Charles Udoh, led newsmen round the facilities, and disclosed that the hospital is equipped by the Governor to handle emergency cases including the COVID-19 should the need arise.  He also...

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has tested negative for the Coronavirus, putting to rest the speculations and anxiety over his health status. The governor's acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said in a press release that the test result was obtained on Thursday from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)-accredited laboratory at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State. "The result showed that Governor Douye Diri had "no evidence of COVID-19 infection," he said. Officials of the epidemiology unit of the state Ministry of Health led by the State Epidemiologist, Ifiemi Iwuji, had on Wednesday conducted the test and the samples sent to the Irrua Specialist Hospital. Before the governor opted for the test, he had been inundated with phone calls and messages following speculations on the social media that he might have been infected. This was fuelled by his sitting next to a North East state governor, who later test...

By Admin In compliance with the proactive safety measures adopted by the Enugu State Government in response to the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) ravaging the world, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Local Government Council Chairmen in the State, have embarked on awareness campaigns across the State to enlighten the people on how to prevent transmission of the deadly disease.   Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Wednesday, addressed state residents on measures adopted by his administration to prevent the disease.  The Governor also announced additional proactive safety measures, following the escalating threat of the pandemic globally, and shut down all educational institutions in the State with immediate effect.  He directed all public officers/civil servants to work from their homes except Health workers, Forest Guards, Neighbourhood Watch personnel, Water Corporation staff, Waste Management operatives, staff of Enugu State Emerge...