N-Delta billion Naira projects under probe

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Usani, says no project embarked upon by the ministry under his predecessors was completed, explaining that the worrisome development forced him to raise a technical committee to audit the billion Naira projects awarded by the ministry so far. “The ministry is new and so much is yet to be done. Unfortunately, we assumed office to meet the budgeting process and the budget has just been passed; so you should expect more action now. I am, however, worried that no project has been commissioned or completed since the establishment of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs except a cassava processing plant in Ondo State, which we commissioned recently, and not being re-focused. But this jinx of non-performance I want to immediately break. Recently, I raised a technical committee to audit all projects awarded by the ministry so far. Though the committee yet to submit the full report, the preliminary report will shock you. I think that’s the way to begin. Know what job was awarded to who, how much and what has been done. Does the percentage of completion conform to what has been paid? If not, when was the job supposed to be completed and all that?”, Usani said while speaking to Sunday Vanguard on the activities of his ministry. The projects under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs include the N560 billion East-West Road, water programmes and road construction traversing the oil-rich region. On the involvement of his ministry in the resolution of renewed militancy in the Niger Delta, he said: “My ministry is deeply involved while the operational action is performed by the security Agencies. So the ministry of Niger Delta Affairs will continue to do what we have been doing before now, but I must say that the environment is ours and destroying it will not do us any good. Imagine the Ogoni reclamation is going to take 30yrs, yet we have not learnt. Rather than support President Buhari to do more, we are adding to the destruction of the environment, our ecosystem, fresh water and aquatic lives. It is a condemnable and unthinkable approach that should be desisted. Imagine of all leaders that this UNEP report has been made known to, in just one year in office, this President has implemented it. I can say that the Niger Delta region is benefiting more under this APC regime led by President Buhari more than it benefited from any other regime”.
Dismissing the claims that he was far from his people and did not accept people into the APC while he was the state Chairman and that he is not accessible as minister, he said: “I did welcome you into my private residence even when I did not know your mission. Didn’t I? When you came into my parlour, you saw all the people there or the ones I have attended to before. Didn’t you? I did say I wasn’t interested in all this because it is time wasting. You are journalists. There are questions you should have already scribbled down your answers before you came up here. I represent a people and I work for the entire Nigerians. So honest and good intentioned people can be sure that my doors, both in the office and at home, are open to them especially those with genuine problems and useful contributions as to how we can move the country and the affairs of the Niger Delta towards greater good. “On the second part of your second question, I had not become the Chairman of the APC when the membership registration took place. I only became Chairman during the revised congress and have since then followed the party guidelines to admit members into the party. Before the elections, I made deliberate and conscious efforts to woo some persons whom I knew we could midwife to victory into the APC but such persons, apparently feeling that they will be automatic winners if they got PDP tickets, rebuffed my overtures and went to wrestle it in PDP. Now tell me, are you talking about those who used all their might against APC? “I had at no point refused anybody membership of APC. Where a man comes because he lost election in PDP or any other party and begins to insinuate that there were no persons in APC, this is not fair to the foundation members of APC. As state Chairman of the party, I owe my party men a duty to protect them and fight for their benefits. How does it feel for a man who ate and broke the pot to immediately go to another man’s cooking and want to even be dished food ahead of those who have been patiently waiting and persevering starvation when the food has been prepared? I still maintain my stance, which is that benefits should be served first to those APC members who have suffered and worked because anything short of that will be a betrayal of the resilience and hard work of those who hoped when others scorned and some despised; this was also, the maiden pronouncement of the president after election. Let the so called “No names” be known. For example, I was PA and Commissioner before I became 35. It means there are many talents untapped in APC that we can harness, because, out of conviction displayed in their resilience, these group of people have the integrity to drive this government’s agenda and ideology. I tell you sincerely, strengthen a small name with character and watch him become a giant”.

The Nigerian Army said last night that remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in their numbers attacked troops location at Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State and that, after a heavy gunfire confrontation, 16 of the terrorists were killed. A statement by Col Sani Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, said, “The terrorists came with motorcycles borne improvised explosive devices (MCBIED), anti-aircraft guns and other weapons at about 5.00pm and the exchange of fire lasted for some hours before they were overwhelmed by the troops firepower.
Unfortunately, one of the suicide bombers detonated himself at a gun truck, killing the driver and the gunner. “The truck and the mounted weapon were also damaged beyond repairs. In addition, two soldiers were wounded in action while three others sustained minor injuries. “The troops killed seven of the attackers instantly while quite a number escaped with gunshot wounds. “During clearance operations this morning, the troops discovered nine more Boko Haram terrorists dead bodies in the surrounding areas. Therefore the total number of terrorists killed was 16. “The troops also recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun, Rocket Propelled Grenade, ammunitions and captured two of the terrorists alive. “The bodies of the two fallen heroes and the wounded in action soldiers have been evacuated to Maiduguri, while reinforcement was sent from Gomboru Ngala”.

Militants Take Over Two LGAs in Cross River

Armed militias have taken control of two local government areas in Cross River State and displaced virtually every civil authority in the area, THISDAY has learnt. The militia, generally believed to be members of Bakassi Strike Force, had been operating in the area for some time. But they recently seized control of Bakassi and Akpabuyo local government areas, displacing both civil and traditional authorities in the councils.

It was reliably gathered that the elected chairmen of the two local governments had fled the area for several month now, while the councillors hold their legislative sittings in Calabar. The secretariats of both local councils have also been deserted by civil servants for fear of being kidnapped or attacked by the militants.

To try to stem the slide into anarchy, the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to extend the activities of “Operation Delta Safe”, a security taskforce protecting oil installations in the Niger Delta, to Cross River State. Ayade said his state should not to be isolated in the battle to keep the Niger Delta safe. He also promised to increase the firepower of the state’s security taskforce, “Operation Skolombo.”

Militancy has gripped Cross River State for the past few months. And militants are being blamed for an increasing wave of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities, especially, in Calabar, the state capital.

But Bakassi and Akpabuyo local government areas, which share maritime boundary with Cameroon, recently became a lawless, anarchic zone in which militants rule. It was discovered that the militants collected rents and levies from people doing business in the council areas, which they termed “protection money”, a situation that has made many people to flee.
The militants are said to have also rendered the state judicial organs and the traditional institutions in Akpabuyo and Bakassi local governments impotent, as the militias now handle matters that should otherwise be handled by the conventional courts, village heads, clan chiefs, and paramount rulers.

A source conversant with the situation, but pleaded not to be named, said, “There is total anarchy there now, and people are actually running to Cameroon now for help. First of all, the local government chairmen in both places don’t go to office, and they have not gone to office over the past one and a half years. They have written, complained, begged, and appealed, to no avail.

“The legislatures in those places don’t meet at the local government headquarters. They hold their meetings in Calabar so as to fulfil the statutory requirements that they hold a certain number of meetings in a session.
“So, effectively, there is no governance in those areas.”

The source said the locals had made a failed bid to contain the armed men.
“The traditional institutions have tried to fight, but they can no longer sustain the fight. They don’t have guns, they don’t have money,” the source stated. “What we have now is that militants have set up a parallel government. They are the ones that resolve land disputes, they are the ones that resolve family disputes, and if husband and wife quarrel they go to militants. Of course, their methods are crude but effective.

“They rely on jungle justice, they cane people. Culprits pay fines of goats, drinks, and money.”
Though, as gathered, there are police posts and soldiers stationed in the areas, the security agents appear to be overwhelmed by the militants.

When contacted, the chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Mr. Patrick Ene Okon, refused to speak on the issue. But the chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area, Mrs. Edisua Usang Iso, admitted that militants were operating in her council area. She, however, denied that the activities of the militants were affecting the administration of the council. Iso said, though, the council had lost substantial revenue to their activities, the federal government should grant amnesty to them and incorporate them into the federal government’s amnesty programme for Niger Delta militants.

The Bakassi local government chairman, who spoke with THISDAY in Calabar, denied abdicating her duties and deserting the council secretariat, saying she goes to Bakassi whenever it is necessary.

However, confirming the occupation of the Bakassi area on Friday, when he addressed the press on the security situation in the state, Ayade vowed that the militants will be dislodged from the area.

The governor said, “The three kingpins, we have identified their homes, we have the coordinates of their armoury, we have a clear picture of their modus operandi and we are working on a massive attack. I speak as the United States would do. They let you know that they are coming for you and they will come after you.

“We are coming after them. We know all the militants who are now parading and taking full occupation of Bakassi. We would free the people of Bakassi. The people of Bakassi have seen enough pain. Lands taken, oil wells taken, reduced to want in spirit, body and economy, we cannot afford also to create a perilous nightmare for the same people.”

Addressing newsmen yesterday at the Peace Park, Calabar, shortly after a five-hour security council meeting, the governor, accompanied by service commanders in the state, as well as his security adviser, unveiled a new security agenda aimed at containing the emerging threat in the state. He added, “Cross River is known as the home state of tourism, Calabar is known as the destination for African hospitality. Anything that will impinge on the integrity, knowledge, wealth and values of the state must be resisted by Cross Riverians and Nigerians.”

He explained that as part of the new strategy, his administration had decided to increase the budgetary provision for security, saying, “We will provide additional 30 vehicles to cover Calabar city centre, increase the firepower of ‘Operation Skolombo,’ expand our security network and introduce Cross River State Homeland Security Service that will provide intelligence report to Operation Skolombo and other security agencies in the state.”
Ayade disclosed that a total of 47 criminals had been arrested in the wake of the recent security threats in the state capital, saying, “None of those arrested are Cross Riverians and that clearly underscores the fact that the culture, integrity, character and honour of the people of the state have not changed.”

On cultism, which the governor said was beginning to resurface, he warned, “We, as an administration, are going to take deliberate steps to ensure that any person who is in any cult and is in government is thrown out.”
Piqued by intractable communal clashes in the state, which have resulted in the wanton destruction of lives and property, Ayade ordered the immediate withdrawal of the certificates of recognition of traditional rulers in the affected communities.

He hinted that the state would be divided into 18 cells for purposes of security, saying, “Nine entry and nine exit points have also been identified.”

However, the Defence Headquarters at the weekend denied the takeover of any local government area in Cross River State by militants. The Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, in response to THISDAY enquiry yesterday, said such development was not true. He vowed that the military, in collaboration with other security agencies, will crush any attempt to temper with the territorial integrity of the country.

Abubakar said, “The information about parallel government is a rumour and a dream of those unpatriotic elements and is not true. The military and other security agencies will not leave any stone unturned in exploiting any necessary measure in ensuring the indivisibility of our nation.”

He assured members of the public of the commitment of the Nigerian armed forces to the safeguarding of “the territorial integrity of Nigeria, no matter what it takes us to achieve in a more professional manner.
“Our military activities will go on in all crisis identified locations and areas in line with our constitutional mandate and our rules of engagement.”

In a related development, Ayade and the service commanders in the state at the weekend embarked on “operation show of force” through major roads and streets of Calabar.
Briefing newsmen shortly after the exercise, Ayade explained that it was a deliberate measure to let the miscreants know that his team was in control of the security situation.

He said, “We are out here as a show of force to demonstrate that we are in absolute control and we are going to keep Calabar totally safe. We have done a complete surveillance of all the possible routes, all the water areas through which these criminals escape.

“We know who they are, the security and intelligence report has shown clearly the people who are behind all these activities and I can assure the people of Cross River State that Calabar is, indeed, peaceful and they should go about their legitimate businesses peacefully.”

On measures to sustain the exercise, the governor explained, “As a fallout of our security meeting yesterday (Friday) and today, we will make adequate budgetary provision, reduce some of our spending while transferring some of the overheads to guarantee sufficient ammunition as well as other security and logistics support.”
Commenting, the Cross River Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Ozi-Obeh, assured that his men will continue to protect lives and property in the state. “Those who have legal businesses should go about them peacefully, but those who have illegal businesses should run away,” Ozi-Obeh warned.

The state security adviser, Mr. Jude Ngaji, expressed the state government’s readiness to tackle the security menace, assuring, “In a couple of days, the security challenge being experienced in the state will be a thing of the past.”

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari’s fledgling war on corruption has reached a critical juncture. In a case that has generated outrage, the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has been accused of buying two houses in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, at a cost of $1.5 million. Curiously, the Nigerian Army has admitted that Buratai, indeed, owns the assets, saying, however, that he bought them with his savings in 2013. This is a major credibility test for the President’s campaign against corruption.

It’s a fact of life that corruption has decimated the efficiency and capability of the Nigerian military. The ugly imprint of vice could be seen in the arms purchase scandal, initially said to be $2.1 billion, but later estimated at $15 billion by the Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo. The money was meant to buy weapons to fight Boko Haram, but was allegedly diverted by senior military commanders and their civilian collaborators. Buhari should know that a corrupt military is highly unlikely to be able to defend the country from internal and external aggression. How will such a military hierarchy motivate the junior ranks?

The revelations from the Nigerian Air Force on how some former Chiefs of Air Staff embezzled funds left over from the funds released for personnel costs running into billions of naira require that our military commanders, starting with Buratai, be held to the highest probity standards. He must not be insulated from questioning. Like all other Nigerians answering questions before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the COAS must be subjected to the same thorough investigation.

Indeed, Buhari’s avowal to rid the country of graft will gain traction or falter by the way he handles this case as Buratai himself has not denied owning them. His defence that the revelation is a smear campaign by some groups that are not comfortable with the military’s successes against Boko Haram extremists in the North-East evades the issue. His defence does not add up. A military commander is defined by his actions and conduct on the battlefront and in public service.                                                                                                                                  But the Army says, “The allegations contained in the write-up are baseless and not correct. It is a fact that the Buratai family have two ‘properties’ in Dubai that were paid for by installments through personal savings three years ago. These, along with other personal assets have consistently been declared by (General) Buratai in his Assets Declaration Form as Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force, and as Chief of Army Staff.” This defence line appears weak and spurious. The underpinning question is how a serving public officer can have the financial means to acquire assets worth $1.5 million. What is his source of income? Buratai must provide answers to these posers.The onus is on him to prove that the assets were not acquired with the proceeds of corrupt enrichment; it is not the job of his so-called “adversaries” to prove that he has lived above board.

The military requires rigorous discipline and high ethical standards to perform optimally. Not even the fact that a commander is running a successful military campaign is enough for Buhari to overlook the allegations against Buratai. In the United States, several top officers have been sanctioned for violating its code of conduct for the military. David Petraeus, a general described as one of the best of his generation, having served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and as head of the Central Intelligence Agency, was fined for divulging classified information to Paula Broadwell, his biographer. He resigned in 2012.

Petraeus was not the only one. Another US general was fired for receiving gifts from foreigners; a former commander in the Africa Command, William Ward, was demoted for treating himself and his wife to a $750-a-night Caribbean hotel suite, and Michael Harrison (also a general), was demoted and removed from his post in Japan for not properly investigating a colonel accused of sexual assault. In 2014, Jeffrey Sinclair, then a brigadier-general, was demoted to a lieutenant-colonel after admitting to having an amorous affair with a subordinate. He was equally fined $20,000. A major-general who headed the US military’s counter-terrorism force in the Horn of Africa, Ralph Baker, was demoted to a brigadier-general in 2014 for drinking and groping a senior female official in his car. We assume that these cases are not as serious as buying two houses overseas for $1.5 million.

At the height of complaints against US military commanders, President Barack Obama warned, “We expect the nation’s senior military leaders to demonstrate the highest standards of ethical conduct.” This is the way to go for Buhari. The moral burden of the Buratai case is heavy on the President; he must discharge it appropriately, no matter the weight. The late President Lee Kuan Yew cleaned up Singapore, once notorious for corruption, by moving against his ministers and close allies who flouted the rules. So far, Buhari has not lived up to expectation by not moving with the urgency the case requires. The allegations are enough for him to ask Buratai to be investigated, cleared or be made to face the music.

Buhari convincingly sang the anti-corruption mantra on his way to office: now that the campaign has entered a decisive phase, and against one of his trusted lieutenants, he should take action. The President should end his silence. We hold him to his declaration that he would not spare any corrupt official. We demand untrammelled accountability in governance, and reject the hasty clearance issued to Buratai by the Ministry of Defence and the Army.

This messy episode offers the Buhari administration a golden opportunity to institute lasting reforms in the Armed Forces on procurement, discipline, finances and accountability. There have been persistent allegations of commanders hawking government ammunition, purchasing sub-standard equipment and fleecing soldiers on the warfront of their allowances. The Nigerian military is in crisis because the top guns get away easily with violations. To regain their verve, the military must make every officer accountable.

Grandson hacks grandfather to death

THE people of Umuoke Otulu Ahiara Auton­omous community in Ahiazu Mbaise Council Area of Imo State are still in shock, weeks after 22-year-old Chukwuebuka Umunna allegedly hacked his grandfather, a centenarian, to death.
Umunna committed the horrible and abom­inable act on June 11, 2016, because his grand­father, Anusiem Umunna, had reprimanded and advised him to be of good behaviour.
As Sunday Sun learnt from Chigaemezu Umunna, younger brother of the murder suspect, trouble started when the deceased instructed Chukwuebuka to fetch bamboo sticks to support yam tendrils in their farms on that fateful day.
Chigamezu said that the suspect ordered him to leave the house or he would deal with him severely. To avoid a confrontation, he left the house, but when he returned, Chigaemezu said that he found their grandfather dead on his seat with deep machete cut on his head with blood oozing from his nose and his mouth. Instantly, he raised the alarm, which attracted neighbours who rushed in to witness the sacrilege.
Father of the suspect and second son of the deceased, Mr. Julian Umunna, disclosed that his son dropped out of secondary school and subsequent efforts made by the family for him to acquire vocational skills or learn a trade had failed.
His words: “Chukwuebuka has been uncon­trollable and stubborn and he smokes Indian hemp openly and bullies anybody who cautions him. He was quarrelling with my father when I was going to work that morning. I was shocked to hear a few hours later that he had killed my father with a machete. It was a very sad incident because such a thing had never happened in this entire village.”
First son of the deceased, Columbus Umunna, who also spoke with Sunday Sun wondered what could have gone wrong with Chukwuebuka, whom, he said, was the favour­ite grandson of his late father.
Recalling the moments after he got the terrible news, he said: “I had to rush down from Aba, Abia State as soon I was informed of the unfortunate incident and the first thing that crossed my mind was what could have happened between the two because I know that Chukwuebuka is the favourite grandson of my father. But I was devastated when I heard of the abominable incident because my father was about a 100 years.”
He continued: “The entire family is still in shock because nobody would have expected such an ugly incident. I know that Chukwue­buka is a stubborn young man but no one would have thought that he would kill his own grandfather in cold blood. Right now the body of my father has been deposited at the Madonna Hospital mortuary.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Imo State Police Command, DSP Andrew Enwer­em, while confirming the incident said: “This is a murder case and the police are still investigat­ing the matter and as soon the investigation is concluded the suspect will be charged to court.

Oil workers shelve strike, to meet FG on Monday

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and NUPENG have postponed the meeting with Federal Government over their planned strike till July 11.
Following the development, the unions have put the planned strike on hold.
Alhaji Tokunbo Korodo, the South West Chairman, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.
According to Korodo, the meeting which is scheduled to take place today (Thursday) has been shifted due to public holiday declared by government to mark the Eid-El-Fitr.
The chairman, who is one of NUPENG's representatives, said that both parties had agreed to meet on Monday, July 11 to deliberate on the issues affecting the unions.
“As a result of this, we have to put the strike which is supposed to commence today on hold to allow for useful deliberations with the government representatives.”
He said that the unions were aware of hardship the strike would cause the general public, adding that this was why the unions had agreed to meet with the Federal Government.
Korodo, however, said that the unions would have no choice than to embark on strike if government did not address labour issues affecting members.
NAN reports that PENGASSAN had threatened to embark on a nationwide strike beginning from July 7 over some issues, including the alleged mass sacking of its members by various oil and gas companies.
NAN also reports that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige was scheduled to meet with representatives of PENGASSAN on July 7, according to a statement issued on July 6, in Abuja.
The statement, signed by Mr Samuel Olowookere, the Deputy Director (Press) in the Ministry of Labour said that the “crucial meeting” was being convened to find a lasting solution to problems in the oil and gas sector.
It said that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu would also attend the meeting scheduled for 10 a.m in Abuja.

Transformer explosion kills 3, injures 5 in Abuja

A 750kV transformer explosion has killed three persons and injured five in a Tudun-Wada area of Abuja, along the popular Airport Road of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
The explosion which occurred according to members of the community over the week was traced to electrical fault resulting from poor power infrastructure in the community and inadequate maintenance of electricity cables by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC. During a visit to the scene of the explosion, Saturday, and to commiserate with survivors and families that lost their relations to the incidence Acting Chairman, NERC, Dr. Anthony Aka, decried the poor power infrastructure and dangerous connections made under the nose of AEDC, which Aka said supposed to ensure those substandard electrical materials were removed and replaced with approved electricity materials.

A suicide bomber killed at least nine people and injured around 12 others on Friday in an attack on a mosque in northeastern Nigerian Damboa during early morning prayers, a military source said.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack in the town of Damboa, which is in Borno state, but it bore the hallmarks of Islamist militant group Boko Haram.
A member of a grassroots civilian joint task force set up to defend local people against Boko Haram also confirmed Friday's attack on the mosque.

NCAA suspends three pilots for drinking, culprits to undergo psychiatric evaluation

Three pilots who were suspended by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for allegedly taking alcohol before operating their flights are to undergo psychiatric evaluation before rejoining the service, the authority said on Friday.
Sam Adurogboye, the Acting General Manager of Public Relations of the NCAA, disclosed this while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
NAN reports that the NCAA had recently withdrawn the licenses of the trio and placed them on a three-month suspension for breaching civil aviation regulations in the country.
According to the rules, a pilot is prohibited from taking alcohol for at least three hours before flight time.
Adurogboye noted that such act could compromise the safety of their passengers, adding that the NCAA was very vigilant in ensuring strict compliance to safety rules.
He said: “It is very clear.
“They are to be off duty for three months.
“While on suspension, they are to be made to go through psychiatric evaluation before rejoining the service.”
Adurogboye, therefore, advised all airline operators and pilots to abide by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, stressing that offenders would be visited with severe penalties.

Tompolo, Saminu Turaki among EFCC's list of seven most wanted persons

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released information of its 76 most wanted people, who are being hunted for various offences and among those wanted are few politicians and former public office holders, most of whom are high profile and well-known.
EFCC, in arriving at the the list of the seven most wanted economic criminals,  said it has taken into cognizance the effects of their crimes on the country, the sheer size of their alleged loot and the profile of such persons.
Here are the seven most wanted persons on EFCC's watch list.
GOVERNMENT EKPEMUPOLO A.K.A TOMPOLO
Tompolo is a former militant leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).
He is wanted for conspiracy and illegal diversion of the sum of N34,000,000,000.
The former militant warlord is alleged to have mismanaged money from Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Two bench warrants have been issued by a federal high court sitting in Lagos for Tompolo's arrest but thus far, the security agencies have not been able to arrest him.
According to the EFCC, Tompolo's last known address is No 1, Chief Agbanu Street, DDPA Extension, Warri, Delta State.
MARIANO ALBINO
Mariano Albino is an Italian who was declared wanted in connection with a case of obtaining money under false pretence, stealing and money laundering.
According to information made available to the public by the EFCC, the amount involved in the alleged sharp practice amounts to the tune of N989, 288,400.
Fifty-three-year-old Albino speaks Italian and English languages fluently.
His last known address is No 9B, Ezekwuese close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
JERRY OGBONNA OBIKE PHILLIP
Phillip is alleged to have withdrawn a sum of N45 million that was erroneously sent to his account.
Following the alleged act, EFCC notified the public that “Phillip withdrew the sum of N45,000,000.00 that was mistakenly credited into his account in a new generation bank”.
“However, it was learnt that, before the money could be reversed to its rightful owner, Phillip had allegedly withdrawn the said amount.”
The money was said to have been paid into his account by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Phillip hails from Ovim in Isuikwuato local government area of Abia state.
FADY EL-DAHER
Fady El-Daher was declared wanted by the EFCC in March 2015.
A staff of El-Alan Construction Company located at No. 9, Macgregor Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, El-Daher is wanted in connection with a case of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.
Fady, a Lebanese, served as the project manager to the company's construction site at Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island, Lagos.
He allegedly colluded with some of the sub contractors employed by the company to inflate the cost of materials and measurement of work done on site.
Fady was last spotted at Murtala Mohammed International Airport Ikeja Lagos on July 27.
ABDULRASHEED MAINA
The former chairman of Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT) was declared wanted for his alleged role in the alleged pensions biometric contracts scam.
Maina, ex-head of service Steve Oronsaye, and two others allegedly mismanaged over N2 billion pension funds.
He was, on July 21, 2015, charged at a federal high court on a 24-count of procurement fraud and obtaining by false pretence.
While Oronsaye and two others were present in court during their arraingment, Maina was amiss and has since remained at large.
The INTERPOL has issued a worldwide red alert on Maina, based on a request from the EFCC.
DESMOND OSAWARU
Osawaru is wanted by EFCC for obtaining $200,000 from a client under false pretence.
His unsuspecting client fell victim to a phony boat transaction and parted with the aforementioned sum.
Osawaru's last known address is No.8. Alaka Street, Benin City, Edo state. IBRAHIM SAMINU TURAKI
The former governor of Jigawa state is wanted in connection with a case of criminal conspiracy, stealing, money laundering and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N36 billion.
Turaki has been on the run since his re-arraignment in 2011 on a 36-count charge at the federal high court Dutse, Jigawa state.
During the last sitting on November 13, 2014, 50year-old Turaki was absent despite a subsisting warrant for his arrest.
In May 2016, agents of the EFCC stormed the Abuja home of the former senator at 16 Dennis Osadebe Street, Aso Villa.
The team of operatives who carried out the raid were unsuccessful in their attempt to apprehend the former governor, as only members of his family were found at home. Nigerian Eye

Abia guber drama: Federal Court upholds INEC Certificate of Return to Ogah, says Ikpeazu remains sacked

Abia State governorship crisis turned dramatic yesterday as two divisions of the same court gave conflicting orders on the fate of the embattled Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

While a Federal High Court Abuja which had on June 27 sacked the governor from office held that he remained sacked until a higher court decides otherwise, another Federal High Court sitting in Owerri, Imo state ruled that Ikpeazu was validly elected and he therefore remains the governor.
Interestingly, both courts relied on the same tax receipts presented before them by Governor Ikpeazu which was alleged to have been forged.
At the resumed hearing yesterday of the suit challenging Ikpeazu's eligibility to contest the primaries of the Peoples' Democratic Party, PDP filed by Mr Uche Ogah, Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja, declined to hear an application for stay of execution of the June 27 judgment that sacked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu from office. The Judge said he no longer had jurisdiction to decide Ikpeazu's application for stay of execution since the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal is already seized with facts of the case. Consequently,  he directed both Ikpeazu and the beneficiary of the judgment, Mr. Uche Ogah, to go to the appellate court for the resolution of the governorship logjam in Abia State.
Justice Okon Abang had on Monday, adjourned to hear the motion as well as to decide whether or not he has the powers to set aside the ex-parte order by a High Court in Abia State that stopped the Chief Judge of the state from swearing in Mr. Ogah as governor.
More so, Justice Abang said he would also decide the merit of an oral application by Ikpeazu's lead counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, for it to set aside the Certificate of Return the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, issued to Ogah. The Judge was to also determine whether the provisions of Section 143(1) of the Electoral Act applied to the judgment he delivered against Ikpeazu on June 27.
The court had at the last adjourned date, dismissed as lacking in merit, an application that sought to void the enrolled order of the judgment. Justice Abang noted yesterday that both Ikpeazu and Ogah conceded to the existence of another motion for stay of execution before the appellate court.
The court said there was nothing for it to stay since INEC had already executed the order it made on June 27 by issuing Certificate of Return to Ogah as it was directed to do. Similarly, the court refused an application for stay of execution of the judgment which was filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Justice Abang said Ikpeazu's sack remained valid until it is set-aside by a higher court.
'The order of the court subsists until set aside by the Court of Appeal.Therefore, the INEC lawfully issued Certificate of Return to Mr Uche Ogah as it was in line with the judgment of this court', the judge held. Ikpeazu's lawyer, Olanipekun, SAN, had urged the Judge to hands-off the matter and transmit the records of the proceedings to the appellate court. However, Ogah's lead counsel, Dr. Alex Iziyon, SAN, while admitting that the appellate court has seized jurisdiction of the matter, urged the court to rule on pending applications before it, especially on alleged abuse of court process by Ikpeazu.
Iziyon told the court that Ikpeazu went and obtained a restraining order from another high court at Osisioma in Abia State that prevented Ogah from being sworn in as governor.
He stressed that Ikpeazu got the restraining order from the Abia court when his motion for stay of execution was already pending before the court in Abuja. Ogah accused Ikpeazu of resorting to 'self help'. Despite Iziyon's submissions, Justice Abang declined to take further step on the matter, even as he directed both parties to go and ventilate their grievances at the appellate court.
Justice Abang had in his judgment, ordered Ikpeazu to vacate his office, even as he directed INEC to immediately issue a fresh Certificate of Return to Ogah who came second in the December 8, 2014, gubernatorial primary election of the PDP. Although INEC had since issued Certificate of Return to Ogah, however, another court in Abia State restrained the Chief Judge from swearing him in.
Federal High Court, Owerri
The suit challenging Ikpeazu's election at Federal High Court sitting in Owerri, was filed by a third claimant to governorship seat, Chief Friday Nwosu. Nwosu had, in his submission, urged the court to hold that the tax receipts and the Tax Clearance Certificate, presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, by Ikpeazu were forged. Apart from other prayers, the plaintiff equally urged the court to hold that having forged his tax papers, Ikpeazu was not qualified to stand for gubernatorial election.
Delivering the two and a half hours judgment, Justice A. Lewis Allagoa said that the plaintiff did not lead any evidence to show that the tax documents he relied on, were forged. 'The third defendant (Governor Ikpeazu), was not the maker of the document. It was rather made by the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, a body corporate established for assessing and collecting taxes for the state', Justice Allagoa said. While agreeing with the submissions of counsel to the People's Democratic Party, PDP, and INEC, Dr. Livy Uzoukwu (SAN) and Jude T.U. Nnodum (SAN) respectively, Justice Allagoa said that a top official of the Board of Internal Revenue had given oral evidence to the effect that the documents were not forged.
'There is no evidence from the Abia State Internal Revenue Service, relied on by the plaintiff, showing that those taxes were not paid as shown in the documents or by other act of impropriety. The plaintiff, rather, rested on his ipse dixit in declaring the documents a forgery and, audaciously, has asked the court to approve his stance', the court said. Justice Allagoa also aligned his thought with that of Nnodum when he held that 'by alleging that the third defendant (Ikpeazu) presented forged or false documents to the second defendant (PDP), the plaintiff has undertaken the burden of proving the allegation beyond reasonable doubt'.
The court also agreed that what the plaintiff has done in this case 'is to amass documents and bring them to court with his own interpretation of their contents', adding that the plaintiff has by his own showing, disclosed that Ikpeazu was a Pay as You Earn tax payer in the employment of Abia State Government. 'I hold that the Tax Clearance Certificate and receipts were not forged. Having so held, all the other reliefs sought by the plaintiff are hereby dismissed. The position of the Governor of Abia State, remains as it is', Justice Allagoa said.
Abia State High Court, Osisioma
 
Meanwhile, an Abia State High Court in Osisioma has also granted a motion filed by Ikpeazu for extension of order stopping the swearing-in of Mr Uche Ogah as the governor till July 18. A statement from Mr Enyinnaya Appolos, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said on Friday that the court presided over by Justice C.H. Ahuchaogu granted the motion for extension of order restraining the Chief Judge of Abia State from swearing in Uche Ogar as governor. It also restrained the Customary Court of Appeal and any other judicial officer from performing the function.
Ikpeazu reacts
Reacting to the judgement delivered by the Federal High Court Owerri while addressing his supporters, embattled Governor  Okezie Ikpeazu described the court verdict as 'significant and important'. He said, 'this victory is particularly important and significant to us because the matter that was decided in Owerri today is on all falls with the one that we are battling at Abuja. Precisely, my briefing informs me that the learned Judge declared that my tax papers were genuine and good, he also declared that I was qualified to contest the governorship election that was held on the 11th and 25th of April, 2015 and that the declaration of INEC which subsequently cumulated in my swearing-in ceremonies that I remain the governor of Abia State.
'This victory is a victory for light over darkness, it is a victory of good over evil, it is a victory for founding fathers and lovers of Abia State, it is a victory for equity and Justice; it is also victory for the Nigeria Judiciary', Ikpeazu said. Thanking God for the way the judgment had gone in his favour, the governor restated his earlier position that the attempt to remove him was akin to Coup d'état.
'It was a clever plot designed to bring in a usurper through the window, but our God of justice who never changes that spoke in April last year spoke through the tribunal to the Supreme Court has done it again. We are confident that victory will continue to follow us to the glory of God so that we will be empowered to serve our people'. Calling for peace and support of all Abia people, Ikpeazu: 'I would not want a disintegrated State under my watch; I would do everything under my powers to make sure that Abia State remains one strong, united family.
'We are aware of the evil attempts by some people, we are aware that some elements within our boundaries are overly ambitious, we are aware that some people may be coerced into schemes and designs that led to undermine the substance and fabrics that brings us together, but I want assure such people that they will meet with stiff resistance and as long as God gives us strength, we will continue to stand for equity and justice'. - Vanguard.

Police arrest woman who blinded 12-year-old houseboy

A woman identified only as Gloria has blinded one of the eyes of her 12-year-old houseboy identified as Peter  following brutal and frequent torture.
Gloria had employed Peter who is from Togo to work as her housemaid at 14b, Olu Akerele Street, Balogun Bus Stop off Awolowo Way, Ikeja area of Lagos State but the minor had been suffering severe beating in the hands of the woman.
According to neighbours, how Peter, a Togolese, was employed by the woman was not clear.
What is clear, however, is that Peter was always being subjected to constant beating.
A resident, who gave her name simply as Tayo, said: “We feared the unexpected with the manner the woman used to beat the boy. He has a deep sore on his leg.
When I asked him about it, he said it was from burnt from fire. He said the swollen eye was caused by beating from his madam for not washing a kettle properly.“
He has been subjected to violence for a long time. You know everybody used to mind his or her business in the compound.
When I saw the boy last, he was looking sickly. Hence I decided to seek help from the appropriate agency.”
Another resident, who pleaded anonymity, said the woman was well known for being violent.
He said everyone on the street used to keep the woman at arm's length .
He added: “If the boy comes to watch television with them in the parlor, he would be beaten.
On school days, you will see the boy leaving home around 9.30a.m . This is an ideal case of child abuse and child labour.
We need the intervention of child protection network in his case.”
When our correspondent visited the compound to seek the woman's response, the gate was not opened after repeated knocking.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Dolapo Badmos, was yet to respond to a text message sent to her mobile line on the issue at press time.
“We feared the unexpected with the manner the woman used to beat the boy. He has a deep sore on his leg. When we asked him about it, he said it was burnt from fire. He said the swollen eye was caused by beating from his madam for not washing a kettle properly.
“He has been subjected to violence for a long time. You know everybody used to mind his or her business in the compound. When I saw the boy last, he was looking sickly. Hence I decided to seek help from the appropriate agency.
“This is an ideal case of child abuse and child labour. We need the intervention of child protection network in his case,” the resident added.

Biafra: Military coup or not can’t stop our agitation— MASSOB/BIM

The Movement for Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB and Biafra Independence Movement, BIM, yesterday stated that military coup d’tat or not in Nigeria, as speculated in some quarters, would not deter the movement from carrying out its non violent struggle to actualize Biafra.MASSOB/BIM contended that even if Nigerians wake up tomorrow morning and discover that the military has toppled the present democratic government in place, the movement would not mind because the MASSOB/BIM leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike had actually wanted to start the current agitations in 1997 during the Abacha military regime but one thing or the other shifted it to 1999 during Obasanjo’s regime. In a press statement issued yesterday to newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra state, shortly after the inspection of MASSOB/BIM’s information office at Umuaka, in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo state, MASSOB/BIM’s National Director of Information, Mazi Chris Mocha noted that the group met the requirements of UN to carry out its separatist agitation when in 1999 Uwazuruike notified the UN by applying for an observer status and also accompanied this request with the Biafra bill of rights. Mocha expressed confidence that MASSOB/BIM and others have convinced the UN through its actions that there will be no peace in Nigeria unless independence is granted to them. He therefore urged MASSOB/BIM members to increase its non-violent activities in south east and south south, adding that self-determination is permitted by the United Nations, UN, even as military regime is illegal and therefore not recognized by the world body to stop agitations. He observed that, although UN will not sponsor any rebellious act in any nation including Nigeria that is a member of the UN, the organization permitted that any section of its member states or nation that wants independence is free to pursue the course holistically. Mocha expressed optimism that the UN will normally intervene in Nigeria’ when the further existence of the member state becomes questionable and ungovernable, he lamented that before now, that the world body had played double standard in tacking the conflicts or crises affecting the Africa continent. Mocha accused Britain and other western nations that it had always waited until such problems degenerated into civil wars or genocide before it intervened.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday expressed delight that students of public schools in the state won the annual spelling Bee competition saying that the development was an eloquent testimony that his administration was on the right path to transform the education sector.
Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House, Ikeja while hosting the 16th One-day Governor, Master Olaseinde Olufemi Joshua and members of his cabinet, said the fact that winners of the competition emerged from public schools in inner communities was a clear indication that public schools in the State are now becoming exemplary citadel of learning. He said: “I must say that I am impressed about the mixture of the people that we are now celebrating. I can personally say that I did watch the school debate on television and I am very excited that the schools from which the winners emerged are from our inner communities in Shasha in Alimosho, Badagry, Ilupeju and also in Mushin. “That in itself shows that we are on the right path. We must be able to show that our public schools are exemplary citadel of learning that we can also use to showcase the fact that the future of Lagos is brighter than what we have now,” Governor Ambode said. While congratulating the winners of the competition for doing the State proud, Governor Ambode said the competition was one of the ways of encouraging younger ones to venture into position of leadership, adding that development would also go a long way in preparing the students for position of leadership in the future. Besides, the Governor congratulated the State’s Ministry of Education and other stakeholders for sustaining the initiative which started about 16 years ago, and called for the scaling up of the initiative to accommodate more younger students. Earlier, the One-day Governor, Master Olaseinde Olufemi Joshua, a student of Shasha Community Senior High School saluted the vision of the wife of former Lagos State Governor, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was the pioneer of the Spelling Bee competition, saying that the competition had helped students in the State to be more dedicated to their studies and strive for excellence.

Boko Haram attacks claim 9 lives

EIGHT people including two suicide bombers have been killed in a bomb attack in a mosque in Borno’s southern town of Damboa.

Boko Haram also killed three persons in another attack on a village.

Two bombers believed to be Boko Haram targeting Muslim worshippers in Damboa mosque detonated explo­sive devices yesterday about 5.15am. Sources in the town said nine persons including the bombers were killed while 10 were injured.

Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Us­man confirmed the attack in a state­ment, putting the casualty figure at 6. He said the first bomber who was targeting Damboa Central Mosque could not gain entry due to what he called, “stringent security” while, the second one blew herself up

“At the early hours of Friday about 5.15am, two Boko Haram suicide bombers attacked Damboa. The first suicide bomber targeted Damboa Central Mosque but due to stringent security measures, he could not gain entry. Obvi­ously frustrated, he detonated the device and died near the central mosque,” he said.

“The second bomber veered off and gained entry into another smaller mosque and detonated the bomb kill­ing himself and 6 other wor­shippers and injuring one,” he said in the statement said.

He said the injured person has been evacuated to hospi­tal for treatment. “Troops and other security agencies have been mobilised to the area,” he added.

Meanwhile, Boko Haram has attacked Gaskeri village near Dalori, killing three vigilantes. They also looted foodstuffs and livestock, the army said.

Pro-Fayose rally shuts down Ekiti

ADO-EKITI, Ekiti State capital, yesterday shut down for Governor Ayodele Fayose as hundreds of artisans, driv­ers, Okada riders, mechanics, tailors, barbers and hair-dress­ers among others trooped out in support of the governor and in protest against the freezing of his accounts with Zenith Bank by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commis­sion (EFCC).

The group, under the aegis of Ekiti State Private Sector Union, was led by the state Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mr. Clement Adekola, his coun­terpart in the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Mr. Sam­uel Agbede, and the leader of Okada Riders Associa­tion of Nigeria, Mr. Dahunsi Olaniyi and other 40 unions of the informal sectors.

The rally was apparently in reaction to the All Pro­gressives Congress (APC) led anti-Fayose protest held on Thursday, where the protesters okayed the freez­ing of the governor’s ac­counts and called for fur­ther probe against him. But the pro-Fayose group dis­missed EFCC’s action against the governor as a deliberate witch-hunt against an oppo­sition voice, while also warning the APC in the state to desist from acts capable of blackmailing the state government and destabilising Ekiti.

Addressing the crowd , the union’s Chair­man, Mr. Adekola and Secretary, Comrade Agbede, who revealed that their membership strength is over 80,000, said coming under one umbrella was conceived as a way of increasing members’ access to good governance and to offer useful advice to the gov­ernment on how best to run the state, also warned APC against destabilis­ing Ekiti over the defeat it suffered during the June 21, 2014 governorship poll.

Agbede asserted that the alleged conspiracy between the Federal Government and the op­position will fail adding: “It is our view that in ev­ery election, the choice remains that of the people and Ekiti people made their choice on June 21, 2014, and that choice must be respected. Those who have formed the habit of causing political instability whenever they lose election are hereby warned to desist from col­laborating with external forces to cause trouble.

“Freedom of thought and expression is guaran­teed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria , and in exer­cising these rights, Gov­ernor Fayose won’t be in­timidated by any agency of the Federal Govern­ment”, Agbede stated.

Governor Fayose, who also spoke at the rally, be­fore he took a walk with supporters across the capital city, said: “They said I collected N1.3 bil­lion from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Da­suki to fund my election. Some even said I collect­ed it through Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro.

Court dismisses suit against Andy Uba, Stella Oduah, others

The Federal High Court has dismissed the suit seeking to remove from office lawmakers representing Anambra State at both the State and National Assembly.
In his judgment, Justice Adeniyi Ademola dismissed the suit brought by Senator Annie Okonkwo, Chris Ubah and 42 others for lack of merit.
The court held that the claim of the plaintiffs that they are the rightfully nominated candidates of the party in the state cannot stand in the face of the law having emerged from an illegal process.
The court said it is clear and an established principles that the power to nominate candidate and submit names to INEC is vested in the NEC of the party.
Justice Ademola said in the instant case, the plaintiffs, having emerged from a primary election conducted by the State Executive Committee of the party submitted themselves to an act of illegality and as such cannot seek legal backing to such a nomination.
Besides, Justice Ademola drew reference to Supreme Court Judgment of January 29 and the ruling of the Court on February 24, 2016 where the issues of the powers of PDP NEC and State Executive Committee was effectively ventilated to the effect that the state organ of the party has no power under the party’s constitution and Electoral Act to nominate candidate for the purpose of a general election.
He said since the Supreme Court has made a clarification through its judgment, that judgment is binding and must be obeyed by persons and statutory bodies.
” It is settled law that a state Exco of a political party lacked power to nominate candidate for election. It’s only election organized by National Executive Committee (NEC) that is validly empowered by law to submit to INEC names of candidate for the purpose of election and no other organ of the party.
The claims of the plaintiff to the effect that they are the validly nominated can dated of the PDP for the 2015 national ans state election cannot stand in the face of the law because the Anambra State PDP Exco has no.legal right or legitimacy to nominate candidates.
“In the instant case, it appears the state Exco appears not to know their limit by their flagrant usurpation of the powers of NEC. Political parties should endeavour to educate their state Exco on the limit of their powers so as to stop then from embarking of acts of illegality and nullity.
The court further held that the publishing of their names by INEC has no legal consequences because their failed to show their legitimacy.
The plaintiffs have approached the court to declare that their named having been published on the website of INEC, they cannot be removed without a competent court order.
An order of court directing INEC to restore their names as candidates of the National and State Assemblies for the 2015 elections.
Reacting, counsel to the plaintiff, Abel Ozioko said the court went out of us way to dwell on issues nor canvassed by the plaintiffs in arriving at its decision.
He vowed that the veracity of the judgment would be tested at the Court of Appeal on instructions of his client.

Pandemonium at Lagos Airport, as police gun explodes

There was pandemonium at the General Aviation Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Ikeja in Lagos as a gun allegedly belong to a security personnel went off ‘accidentally’ and injured three persons.
The injured were those allegedly standing close to the gun-carrying security personnel, Daily Sun reports that there was no loss of life.
It was learnt that the security officer, who was either trying to buy an air ticket or check into a flight had not put the gun on safety catch, hence the explosion. Those who heard the sound of the gun thought it was a terrorist attack and fled for safety, but the fear was latter put to rest when it was discovered that it was gun shot was not intentionally fired. Regulatory agencies at the airports usually demand that members of the Police force, the military or secret service security officials bearing arms surrender such fire-arms to relevant airport security officer once they are inside an airport terminal building or prior to boarding an aircraft. This incidence it was learnt however happened at the ticketing section of the airport.

Jubilation as Gov. Ugwuanyi presents keys to 100 housing units to civil servants

It was celebration galore yesterday among civil servants in Enugu
metropolis, Enugu state as Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi made historic,
presenting keys to 100 housing units to 100 junior civil servants in
the state who had won the facilities through an open ballot exercise.
The governor had initiated the gesture and his administration paid
over 30 percent equity contribution to the developers of the Elim
Estate, where the houses are domiciled to enable the lucky
beneficiaries to acquire the 100 housing units. It  is the first time
in the history of the coal city state that a government would dole out
this kind of largesse to junior public servants.
Visibly satisfied and elated Governor Ugwuanyi spoke on the occasion
of the presentation of the houses to the beneficiaries, saying that
'this is a very auspicious and historic occasion.  We are indeed here
to celebrate the goodness of the Lord to the people of Enugu State.
'You will recall that on the 29th of September, 2015, we took the
unprecedented step of conducting an open lottery for civil servants
from grade levels 1-10, in respect of 100 units of one bedroom
apartments at this very Estate.
'A hundred lucky civil servants thereafter emerged as winners of the
lottery and, having paid the over 30 per cent equity contribution that
we promised for each of them, we are here today to formally hand over
to them, the keys to their apartments.
'This event is in accordance with our promise to deploy government
resources and services to create fair and equal opportunity for every
willing citizen, to make a living, create wealth and enjoy life in a
peaceful and secure environment', he told the jubilant gathering at
the estate venue of the handover ceremony.
He further recalled that the gesture 'is also a reaffirmation of our
commitment to improving the welfare of workers in Enugu State and to
the provision of affordable housing for all Enugu citizens'.
Governor Ugwuanyi used the occasion to commend the leaders of the
organized labour in the state as well as workers for cooperating with
his administration in the past year, especially in the face of the
present economic diificulty.
'As I congratulate the beneficiaries, I wish to use this opportunity
to once again thank the organised labour and  workers Enugu in State
in general for the support, understanding and cooperation that they
have continued to extend to my administration especially in these
times of severe economic challenges.
'We want to reassure you that we will continue to work within our
means to address issues affecting the welfare of workers and to ensure
that industrial peace continues to reign in Enugu State.
It was an occasion when the governor received avalanche of
commendations from stakeholders including the workers who reaped the
benefit finally yesterday, Chairman of COPEN Group, Rev. Ugochukwu
Chime, whose company are the developers, the state Head of Service,
Mr. Chidi Ezema, who praised him for doing for workers in the state
what no other administration has attempted to do by providing junior
workers a concrete opportunity to own their houses within Enugu
metropolis.
While the developer said the governor's down-to-earth exemplary
leadership in manner spheres has become unprecedented in the history
of the state, and lavishly endears him to the hearts of the people, a
jubilant state commissioner for Housing, Charles Ogbo Asogwa, an
engineer, said that 'this novel accomplishment is remarkable and
memorable in the history of the state.
'It is, indeed, the first time the state government is acquiring
housing units for the lowest cadre of civil servants', said the
commissioner.
And on their part, the beneficiaries who spoke to newsmen through Mr.
Peter Odo, a driver on grade level 3 said, 'we have seen a governor
who likes ordinary people from his heart and God will continue to
bless him and his administration.
'He has done for us what nobody will have agreed to do for us. Who
would have given me a house, a flat as my own in Enugu capital here?',
he queried rhetorically.
Governor Ugwuanyi later cut the tape to symbolically open the 100
housing units for the benefitting workers after also symbolically
presenting the keys to their apartments to them
And as he did these, he also recalled that the state was ready for
investment: 'As we declared during the recent Oganiru Enugu State
investment summit, Enugu State is now ready and open for business. We
will eagerly welcome partners in every sphere of business and
development and spare no effort to ensure that our aspirations to
build a more prosperous and economically secure Enugu State'.

Comprehensive List Of MDGs/CGS Intervention In Bayelsa State

BRASS LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
<>1.Renovation of 6 Classroom Blocks Liama
<>2.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Minibie

<>3.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Boama
<>4.Renovation of Primary Health Centre Boama
<>5.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Sangana
<>6.Construction of Solar Powered Bore Hole Sangana
<>7.Reactivation of Mini Town Water Project Odiama
<>8.Renovation of Primary Health Centre Odiama
<>9.Construction of 6 Classroom Blocks Bekekiri
<>10.Renovation of 6Classroom Block Ikebelekiri
<>11.Construction of 6 Classroom Blocks Odiama
<>12.Motorized Water Project (8,00 litres) Boama
<>13.Motorized Water Project 8,000 litres Beletiama
<>14.Motorized Water Project (10,000 litres) Liama
<>15.Motorized Water Project (8,000 litres) Minibie
<>16.Motorized Water Project (10,000 litres) Bekekiri
<>17.Ambulance Boat Sangana
<>18.Motorized Water Project (10,000 litres) Otuo
EKEREMOR LOCAL GOVERNEMNT AREA
<>1.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized Bore Hole Obrigbene
<>2.Renovation of 6 Classroom Blocks Obrigbene
<>3.Construction of Medical Staff Quarter Obrigbene
<>4.Construction of Primary Health Centre Aghoro
<>5.Construction of 10,000 litres Solar Powered
Bore Hole water Project Obrigbene
<>6.Construction of 10,000 litres Solar Powered
Bore Hole water Project with 1km reticulation Ayamasa
<>7.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole Water Project Aleibiri
<>8.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Norgbene
<>9.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Amabulu
<>10.Construction of Health Post Amabulu
<>11.Construction of Principal Quarters BJSS Ekeremor
<>12.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole Water Project Aghoro
<>13.Construction of 3 Classroom Blocks Agge
<>14.Fencing and landscaping of Primary health Centre Ogbotobo
<>15.Construction of 10,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole water Project with 1km reticulation 1Sampou
<>16.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole Water Project Letugbene
<>17.Construction of 10,000 litres Solar Powered
Water Project Letugbene
<>18.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole Water Project Toru-Ndoro
<>19.Renovation of Medical Quarters Toru-Ndoro
<>20.Construction of 3 Classroom Blocks Toru-Ndoro Tarila Zion
<>21.Construction of 4 Classroom Block Adiegbe
<>22.Renovation of Primary Health Centre Ogbosuware
<>23.Construction of Solar Powered
Bore Hole Water Project Lalagbene
<>24.Construction of 6 Classroom Blocks Beinmo Ojobo
<>25.Construction of 70,000 litres Mini-Town
Water Scheme Project with 5km reticulation Peretorugbene
<>26.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Peretorugbene
<>27.Construction of 70,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole Water Project Ekeremor
<>28.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole Water Project Egbemo-Angalabiri
<>29.Referral Ambulance Boat Aghoro
<>30.Referral Ambulance Boat Ogbotobo
<>31.Referral Ambulance Boat Ekeremor
<>32.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized borehole Amabulu
<>33.Construction of 8,000 litres motorized borehole Tietiegbene
<>34.Construction of 8,000 litres motorized
Borehole Azikpokpoware Town Ekeremor
<>35.Construction of 8,000 litres motorized borehole Amazor
<>36.Construction of 8,000 litres motorized borehole Azagbene
KOLGA LOCAL GOVERNEMNT AREA
<>1.Construction of Primary Health Post Odi
<>2.Construction of Solar Powered Water
Project (10,000 litres) Odi
<>3.Construction of Primary Health Post
(Sick Bay) NYSC Orientation Camp Kaiama
<>4.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Water Project BJSS Kaiama
<>5.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters
Cottage Hospital Kaiama
<>6.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters
Primary Health Centre Kaiama
<>7.Renovation of Motorized Water
Project – Cottage Hospital Kaiama
<>8.Construction of 70,000 litres Solar
Power Mini-Town Water Scheme Water Scheme
With 5km Reticulation Kaiama
<>9.Construction of Mini-Town Water Project
Scheme NYSC Orientation Camp Kaiama
<>10.Construction of Motorized Bore Hole
Water Project (8,000 litres) Olobiri
<>11.Renovation of Motorized Water Project Kaiama
<>12.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Kaiama
<>13.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters
Water Project (10,000 litres) Kaiama
<>14.Renovation of Motorized Bore Hole
Water Project (Okoro Primary School) Sampou
<>15.Construction of 70,000 litres Mini-Town
Water Scheme Sampou
<>16.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Sampou
<>17.Construction of Primary Health Centre Sampou
<>18.Construction of Solar Powered Water
Project (8,000 litres)
<>19.Completion of Primary Health Centre Ofonibiri Opokuma
<>20.Renovation of Motorized Bore Hole Ofonibiri Opokuma
<>21.Construction of Solar Powered Bore Hole
Water Project, Ekpuware Opokuma
<>22.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters
Akaranbiri Opokuma
<>23.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole Akaranbiri Opokuma
<>24.Construction of Mini-Town Water Scheme Okoloba
<>25.Construction of Primary Health Centre Okoloba
<>26.Renovation of Primary Health Centre Okoloba
<>27.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Okoloba
<>28.Construction of Motorized Bore Hole
Water Project Okoloba
<>29.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Sabagrea
<>30.Completion of Cottage Hospital Sabagrea
<>31.Construction of 10,000 litres Motorized
Water Project with 1km reticulation Sabagrea
<>32.Construction of 10,000 litres Bore Hole
Water Project (Cottage Hospital) Sabagrea
<>33.Construction of Maternity/Immunization Centre Sabagrea
<>34.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole Water Project Igbedi
<>35.Provision of Referral Ambulance boat Igbedi
<>36.Reaction of Mini Town Water Scheme
With 4km Reticulation Igbedi
<>37.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters
For Doctors Igbedi
<>38.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters
For Nurses Igbedi
<>39.Provision of Referral Ambulance Bus,
Cottage Hospital Sabagrea
NEMBE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
<>1.Renovation of 6 Classroom Blocks Otatubo
<>2.Construction of Health Post Obieku
<>3.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters
<>4.Renovation of Teachers Quarters Otatubo
<>5.Renovation of 6 Classroom Block Isaiahama
<>6.Renovation of PHC Oluasiri Otumama
<>7.Construction of Motorized Bore Hole Egwema
<>8.Construction of 40,000 litres Solar
Powered Mini-Town Water Scheme Ikensi
<>9.Construction of Motorized Bore Hole Kiminini/Igabukiri
<>10.Construction of Primary Health Centre Isonkiri
<>11.Provision of Referral Ambulance Boat Ogbolomabiri
<>12.Provision of Referral Ambulance Boat Bassambiri
OGBIA LOCAL GOVERNEMNT AREA
<>1.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Oruma
<>2.Provision of Motorized Bore Hole Oruma
<>3.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Otuasega
<>4.Construction of Motorized Bore Hole Otuasega
<>5.Renovation of Primary Health Centre Kolo
<>6.Provision of Motorized Bore Hole 8,000 litres Kolo
<>7.Construction of Primary Health Centre Emeyal
<>8.Construction of Motorized Bore Hole 8,000 litres Emeyal
<>9.Provision of Solar Powered Bore Hole 10,000 litres Ologi
<>10.Provision of Referral Ambulance Bus Emeyal
<>11.Provision of 8,000 litres Motorized Bore Hole Otuokpoti
<>12.Provision of 10,000 litres Solar
Powered Bore Hole Otuokpoti
<>13.Provision of Referral Ambulance Bus Ogbia Town
<>14.Provision of 10,000 litres Solar
Powered Water Project with 1km Reticulation Opume
<>15.Provision of Motorized Bore Hole Otuagila
<>16.Provision of Motorized Bore Hole Amuirkeni
<>17.Provision of Referral Ambulance Boat Okodi
<>18.Provision of Referral Ambulance Boat Idema
<>19.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Otakeme
<>20.Provision of Referral Ambulance Bus Otakeme
<>21.Renovation of Mini-Town Water Scheme Otuoke
<>22.Provision of 2nos.VIP Toilet Otuoke
<>23.Construction of Primary Health Post Ibelebiri
<>24.Construction of Motorized Bore Hole Olobiri
<>25.Construction of Solar Powered
Bore Hole 10,000 litres Otuedu
<>26.Construction of Motorized Water Project Otuegwe 11
<>27.Construction of Motorized
Water Project (8,000 litres) Ewoi
<>28.Construction of Medical Science Laboratory Otuogidi
<>29.Renovation of out patient
Clinic/Immunization Centre Kolo
<>30.Renovation of Kitchen/Toilet facility Kolo
SOUTHERN IJAW LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
<>1.Solar Powered Bore Hole (10,000 litres) Opuama
<>2.Motorized borehole (10,000 litres) Olugbobiri
<>3.Motorized borehole (10,000 litres) Oporoma
<>4.Solar Powered Bore Hole (10,000 litres) Ombugbene
<>5.Solar Powered Bore Hole Oweikorogha
<>6.Medical Staff Quarter Ayama Ijaw
<>7.Primary Health Centre Foropa
<>8.Medical Staff Quarters Foropa
<>9.Primary Health Centre Ikenghabiri
<>10.Medical Staff Quarters Ikenghabiri
<>11.Medical Staff Quarter Igiriama
<>12.Primary Health Centre Igiriama
<>13.Primary Health Centre Ukubie
<>14.Referral ambulance boat Lobia 1
<>15.Primary Health Centre Tebidaba
<>16.Primary Health Centre Eneware
<>17.Motorized Bore Hole Igiriama
<>18.Renovation of 6 Classroom Blocks Koluama 1
<>19.Construction of 3 Classroom Block Azama
<>20.Construction of Health Post Kassama
SAGBAMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
<>1.Construction of 6 Classroom Blocks Elemebiri
<>2.Provision of Referral Ambulance Boat Elemebiri
<>3.Provision of 10,000 litres Solar Powered
Bore Hole Water Project Osekwenike
<>4.Provision of Referral Ambulance Bus Agbere
<>5.Renovation of Motorized Bore Hole with
1km Reticulation Odoni
<>6.Construction of Primary Health Centre Odoni
<>7.Construction of Medical Staff Quarter Odoni
<>8.Construction of Motorized Bore Hole Odoni
<>9.Construction of Health Post Aduku
<>10.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Trofani
<>11.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Adagbabiri
<>12.Construction of 70,000 litres Mini-Town
Water Scheme COE Sagbama
<>13.Construction of Primary Health Centre (Sick Bay) COE Sagbama
<>14.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole Water Project COE Sagbama
<>15.Construction of 70,000 litres Mini-Town
Water Scheme with 5kms reticulation Bulu-Orua
<>16.Construction of Primary Health Centre Bulu-Orua
<>17.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Bulu-Orua
<>18.Construction of Primary Health Centre (Sick Bay) TTI Bulu-Orua
<>19.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters TTI Bulu-Orua
<>20.Construction of Primary Health Centre Agoro
<>21.Construction of Medical Staff Quarter Agoro
<>22.Construction of 10,000 litres
Solar Powered Bore Hole water Agoro
<>23.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized Bore
Hole Water Project Kabiama
<>24.Renovation of 6 Classroom Blocks Agorogbene
<>25.Renovation of Classroom Blocks Egbepulugbene
<>26.Renovation of Primary Health Centre Egbepulugbene
<>27.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole water Isoni
<>28.Provision of Referral Ambulance boat Isoni
<>29.Construction of 10,000 litres Solar Powered
Bore Hole water with 1km reticulation Angiama
<>30.Construction of VIP Toilet Ebedebiri
<>31.Renovation of Cottage Hospital with
Landscaping, fencing and interlocking tiles Ebedebiri
<>32.Provision of Referral Ambulance bus Ebedebiri
<>33.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters
For Doctors – (Cottage Hospital) Ebedebiri
<>34.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters
For Nurses – (Cottage Hospital) Ebedebiri
<>35.Construction of 70,000 litres Mini-Town
Water Scheme Ebedebiri
<>36.Ultra-Modern Poultry Farm to breed
Over 30,000 birds Ebedebiri
<>37.Provision of Referral Ambulance bus TTI Bulu-Orua
<>38.Provision of Referral Ambulance bus COE Sagbama
<>39.Provision of Ambulance bus Toru-Orua
<>40.Construction of 10,00 litres Solar
Powered Bore Hole Water Toru-Orua
<>41.Construction of 70,000 litres Mini-Town
Water Scheme with 5km Reticulation Toru-Orua
<>42.Construction of 70,000 litres Mini-Town
Water Scheme Project Angalabiri
<>43.Construction of Primary Health Centre Angalabiri
<>44.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Ofoni
<>45.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Water Project Ofoni
<>46.Construction of Primary Health Centre Ofoni
<>47.Renovation of Mini-Town Water Scheme with
7km Reticulation Ofoni
<>48.Construction of Medical Staff Quarter Osiama
<>49.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole Water Project Osiama
<>50.Provision of Referral Ambulance Bus Ofoni
<>51.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole Water Project Tungbo
<>52.Construction of Theater building
(Ultra Modern Poultry Farm) Ebedebiri
<>53.Construction of Primary Health Centre Agiama.
YENAGOA LOCAL GOVERNEMNT AREA
<>1.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized Bore
Hole Water Project Okutukutu
<>2.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole – Azikoro Primary School Azikoro
<>3.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized Bore Hole Agbia
<>4.Construction of 10,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole – Okolobiri Okolobiri
<>5.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole – Okoiteama Primary School Okoiteama
<>6.Renovation of 8,000 litres Motorized Bore Hole (PHC) Azikoro
<>7.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole – Amarata Primary School Amarata
<>8.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole – Tombia Community Tombia
<>9.Construction of 10,000 litres Solar
Powered Bore Hole Asaingbene
<>10.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole PHC Agbobiri
<>11.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole PHC Akaba
<>12.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole Ayama-Buseri
<>13.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized
Bore Hole – SPI Famgbe
<>14.Construction of 8,000 litres Motorized Bore Hole Okolobiri
<>15.Construction of Solar Powered Bore Hole Okotiama
<>16.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Yenizue-gene
<>17.Construction of Primary Health Centre Famgbe
<>18.Renovation of VIP Toilet Azikoro
<>19.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Ogu
<>20.Construction of Primary Health Centre Tombia
<>21.Construction of Medical Staff Quarters Agudama
<>22.Construction of Primary Health Centre Agudama
<>23.Perimeter fence – CPS Azikoro
<>24.Renovation of Medical Staff Quarters Azikoro
<>25.Construction of Primary Health Centre Agbia
<>26.Construction of Primary Health Centre Biseni
<>27.Construction of Medical Staff Quarter Akada
<>28.Completion of Corpers Lodge Kpansia
<>29.Construction of Primary Health Centre Okordia
<>30.Renovation of Primary Health Centre Okordia
<>31.Renovation of 6 Classroom Blocks Okotiama
<>32.Referral Ambulance Bus Biseni