BAYELSA BORN IDOL CONTESTANT VISITS STATE BROADCASTING CORPORATION’S GENERAL MANAGER

A contestant in the ongoing singing reality show ‘Nigeria Idol’, Ebi Paul Oti has paid a courtesy visit on the general manager of the State Broadcasting Corporation Mr. Okpoitari Diongoli. Mr. Oti, who hails from Trofani thanked the general manager and commended the station for its continuous support to talented Bayelsans. He explained that he was in the station to formally notify the management that he is participating in the on-going talent show.

Mr. Oti, who is the only Bayelsan left in the ‘Wild Card’ stage of the competition, stressed that survival at this stage was dependent on the volume of votes he can garner to ensure a place in the final top ten of the competition. He appealed to Bayelsans to vote by texting “Jog to 33680”. Voting ends by twelve midnight tomorrow and voters can vote as many times as possible.

The general manager of the corporation, Mr. Diongoli expressed delight that there are gifted Bayelsans who have always made the state proud. Mr. Diongoli said it is a thing of joy to see youths channeling their energies towards positive ventures. He encouraged the contestant to be optimistic and put in his best. He promised to support the contestant saying it is an opportunity to correct the negative impression the rest of the world has concerning youths of the state.

ACTING GOVERNOR’S WIFE URGES WOMEN TO PRAY

The wife of the acting governor of Bayelsa State, Mrs. Martha Binabo has urged women to pray continually for the peace of the state. She made the plea during her maiden meeting with female political appointees, wives of both elected and political appointees and others at the Conference Hall of Government House, Yenagoa.

Mrs. Binabo encouraged the women to be united and pray for the success of next month’s governorship election. She also assured the women that though her period is short, she will however operate an open door policy.

The Commissioner for Gender, Chief Ginbra Pamowei thanked the wife of the Acting Governor for the meeting on her assumption of office and prayed God to bless her. Chief Pamowei said her invitation has given the women a sense of purpose and oneness.

STATE SANITATION AUTHORITY BOSS BLAMES CONTRACTORS FOR NON EVACUATION OF REFUSE

The Chairman of the Bayelsa state Environmental Sanitation Authority Chief Reginald Dede has attributed the non evacuation of refuse to dump sites as a failure on the part of contractors.  He emphasized that the sanitation authority should not be faulted for the heaps of refuse dotting the state capital.

Chief Dede who said the authority is handicapped in the provision of waste bins, advised Bayelsans to inculcate the good sanitary habits at all times.  

THE REALIZATON OF THE DREAMS OF OUR FOUNDING FATHERS

The Ogbia People’s Conscience (OPC), a socio- cultural organization of Ogbia indigenes in Bayelsa state has undertaken its maiden scholarship award amounting to one hundred and eighty thousand naira to nine students. It also gave consolation prizes which included text books to twenty-four students who participated in the selection examination.

The ceremony took place at the Ogbia Town, head quarters of the Ogbia local government and chaired by High Chief Olord Basuo who is also the National Chairman of the Ogbia Brotherhood.  He thanked the OPC for resurrecting the core educational values and developmental aspirations held by the Ogbia brotherhood by awarding of scholarships to Ogbia sons and daughters who distinguished themselves academically.

The guest speaker was Chief A.M Aduba while King George Lawson the Obenobhan of Emeyal clan and acting Obenobhan of Ogbia Kingdom was the royal father. The chairman of the body Dr. Nanighe Major explained that the group’s main objective is to improve the standard of the people. The gesture he said was part of its corporate vision of transformational ideas which would help the Ogbia people realize the dreams of their founding fathers.

The awardees expressed gratitude for the recognition and thanked the Ogbia people’s conscience for the kind gesture.

BURSARY! BURSARY! BURSARY!

The special committee on payment of students’ bursary has released the final verification exercise for two thousand eight/two thousand and nine and two thousand / two thousand and ten Bursary for students of the Bayelsa state origin.

The secretary of the committee Dr. Princewill Igbagara says all bonafide students who are entitled to receive the bursary but have not are required to undergo verification exercise. The exercise is for both undergraduate and post graduate students and will take place at the state Scholarship Board Yenegoa between nine ‘0’ clock in the morning and four in the evening. Affected students were advised to come along with originals and photocopies of all essential documents for the exercise.

Further details of the schedule indicated that on Monday next week is for students of the Niger Delta University, while undergraduates of higher institutions in the South-South will take their turn on Tuesday.

According to Dr. Igbagara on Wednesday and Thursday will be for undergraduates outside the South-South region while Friday will be for all post graduate students.

BINABO GIVES DIRECTIVE FOR ACQUISITION OF MORE LAND TO EXPAND OPERATIONS OF GLORY POWER COMPANY

The Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Nestor Binabo has directed the State Ministry of Energy to acquire more land within two weeks to expand the operations of the Glory Power Company Limited at Imiringi in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
Chief Binabo gave the directive when he paid an unscheduled visit to the Company to ascertain the level of job done on the installation of a new turbine at the Imiringi Power Station.
According to the Acting Governor, the directive was necessitated by the need to decongest the station as well as enhance its service delivery.
Chief Binabo stated that Government will give the station the necessary support with a view to boosting electricity supply in the state.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Energy, Mr. Maxwell Oko, who conducted the Ag Governor round the facility, noted that the project has suffered a number of setbacks, adding that the present administration is the fourth that would be handling it.
He, however, explained that the Chief Engineer of the contracting firm, who left for Russia over the weekend, gave strong assurances that the project would be ready for commissioning by the later part of next month.
According to the Commissioner, testing is going on simultaneously with the installation to ensure that everything was ready before the date of commissioning.
Areas inspected include the control room, transformers and the land earmarked for acquisition.
Ebi Avi
Chief Press Secretary to the Ag. Governor

BINABO PROMISES EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL BAYELSANS

Acting Governor of Bayelsa Bayelsa State, Chief Nestor Binabo has pledged his commitment to providing equal opportunities for all Bayelsans.
The Acting Governor, who gave the pledge at the Banquet hall, Government House, Yenagoa, during the swearing-in of a new Secretary to State Government, said his administration is open to positive ideas, opinion and advice that will move the state forward.
Chief Binabo noted that Bayelsans are one big family, capable of managing their affairs and taking the state to greater heights, adding that they must work together to find solutions to their common problems.
According to him, as Bayelsans, we are one big family that is capable of managing our heights. We must therefore work together and find solutions to our common problems, as our salvation squarely rests on our shoulders”.
The Acting Governor charged the newly sworn-in Secretary to State Government to strive towards creating institutional stability by co-ordinating and monitoring the activities of political office holders and extra-ministerial departments, closely.
Reminding the new Secretary to the State Government that he was the point of the administration, Chief Binabo charged him to come up with reports from time to time that will serve as a barometer to measure the policy direction and performance index of the administration, adding that such reports will help to demonstrate the fact that the primary purpose of holding public office is to offer selfless service to the people.
The Acting Governor charged the new secretary to Government to bring his wealth of experience to bear on his new assignment, pointing out that he must work towards achieving the highest standards required of him.
Born on December, 1, 1959 in Angiama town of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, the new Secretary to State Government, Prof. Millionaire Abowei acquired a Masters of Technology (M,TECH) in Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering from the Rivers State University of Technology, Port Harcourt in 1986
He bagged a doctorate degree in the same field from the University of Lagos in 1991 and became a professor in 1997.
Prof. Abowei has over 77 academic publications, five thought-provoking text books in Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering as well as numerous conference papers.
He is happily married with eight children

Ebi Avi
Chief Press Secretary to the Ag. Governor

BROADCAST TO THE PEOPLE OF BAYELSA STATE BY HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. NESTOR BINABO, ON THE 28TH OF JANUARY, 2012.

My good people of Bayelsa State, I am sure by now we are all aware of the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered yesterday, the 27th day of January, 2012, in which the Supreme Court declared that the tenure of a number of state governors elapsed on the 29th of May, 2011.
Our dear Bayelsa State is one of the states affected by the said judgement of the Supreme Court. The tenure of His Excellency, Governor Timipre Sylva was declared to have expired on the 29th of May, 2011 and he has thus ceased to be the governor of the state.
Consequently, I was sworn-in as the Acting Governor of Bayelsa State by the Honourable Chief Judge of the state in compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, yesterday, the 27th day of January, 2012, to pilot the affairs of the state until the forthcoming gubernatorial election is held and a winner emerges to take over the reins of government.
All arms of government, ministries and parastatals should continue to operate and function as usual and I enjoin all staff and officers of government to carry on with their duties with the decorum and conduct expected of them as public officers.
I urge everyone to keep calm and go about their lawful businesses. The machinery of government continues to turn as government is a continuous entity.
My fellow Bayelsans, after I took the Oath of Office yesterday, I solicited the support and co-operation of all organs of government and the entire citizenry. I will therefore ensure that the state is effectively governed and administered during this short period that I will be at the helm of affairs.
I hereby appeal to all Bayelsans to maintain the existing peace and desist from any conduct that may cause unrest and destabilize the polity. Government will not hesitate to deal decisively with any person found engaging in such unwholesome conduct.
All security agencies are at full alert with a view to ensuring the continued peace, safety and security of lives and property of all the good people of Bayelsa State.
May God bless Bayelsa State.

HIS EXCELLENCY,
THE RT. HON. NESTOR BINABO,
ACTING GOVERNOR,
BAYELSA STATE.

SUPREME COURT GRANTS SYLVA LEAVE TO VALIDATE CANDIDACY

The Supreme Court on Monday granted leave to the former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, to seek to validate his nomination as the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] for the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
The five-man panel of the apex court presided over by Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar cleared the way for Sylva when it granted him leave to file a cross appeal against the decision of the Court of Appeal, which held that the trial Judge Gabriel Kolawole went beyond himself in warning PDP not to tamper with the subject matter of the action before him.
The court also granted an order for accelerated hearing of the appeal of PDP and the cross appeal filed by Sylva and fixed February 7, 2012 for definite hearing.
“In view of the fact that this is a political matter and requires urgency, the application for accelerated hearing is hereby granted. The appeal and cross appeal are fixed for next Tuesday, February 7 for hearing”, Justice Mukhtar held.
In Sylva’s cross appeal filed by Prince Lateef Fagbemi [SAN], he asked the apex court to consider the urgency and circumstances of the case and invoke Section 22 of its enabling statute and hear the case fully and determine it to its finality as if it is the high court.
If the court agrees with him, it will hear the originating summons filed by Sylva at the Federal High Court.
Both Sylva and PDP are presently before the apex court because they were dissatisfied with the judgment of the Abuja Court of Appeal.
The court of appeal had held that Sylva was right to have filed his case against PDP at the Federal High Court but added that the trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole went too far when he threatened to sanction PDP and INEC if they failed to appear before it within 72 hours to show cause why he should not grant Sylva all the reliefs he sought from the court.
In his appeal, Sylva said that the court of appeal erred in law when it held that the pronouncement of the trial judge, asking the Respondents to show cause and also warning the Respondents from taking any action which would foist upon the court a hopeless situation without hearing the Respondents amounted to pre-judging the issue before him.
He argued that a court of law had the responsibility of protecting the sanctity of its proceedings.
But PDP in its own appeal, said the court of appeal erred in law when it held that the federal high court had jurisdiction to hear Sylva's case.
It asked the court to strike out the case.
Sylva, however asked the court to grant all the reliefs he asked for at the high court.
It will be recalled that on Saturday January 7th, 2012 the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal y ruled that Sylva was right in approaching the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop PDP from conducting another primary for the purpose of selecting the party’s candidate for the next governorship election.
In a judgment written by Justice Zainab Bukachuwa, the court held that the trial judge at the Federal High Court, Justice Gabriel Kolawole had the jurisdiction to hear Sylva’s suit.
However, Justice Bukachuwa held that justice Kolawole overreached himself when after assuming jurisdiction then went further to threaten PDP with various sanctions should the party fail to appear before him to show cause why Sylva’s application to stop the primary should not be granted.
Her Lordship explained that Justice Kolawole’s pronouncements amounted to granting the reliefs in the substantive suit at an interlocutory stage, a procedure; she said was inimical to a fair determination of dispute.
For this reason, Justice Bulkachuwa said that the case be sent back to the high court for a fresh trial by a new judge other than Justice Kolawole.
The court rejected PDP’s argument that the Electoral Act 2010 had robbed the high court of the jurisdiction to entertain the case.
It held that many of the reliefs sought by Sylva were against the Independent National Electoral Commission and that INEC being an agent of the Federal Government, the proper court to sue it (INEC) was the Federal High Court.
Justice Kolawole had on November last year given PDP 72 hours to come and show cause why he should not grant Sylva’s prayers among which was to declare him the governorship candidate of the party.
The judge granted the order, following an exparte application filed on Sylva’s behalf by Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
The judge warned that he would not hesitate to nullify any step taken by the PDP in defiance of his order, once the defendants were served the order and the originating summons.
He gave the defendants 72 hours to show cause why all the reliefs sought by Sylva should not be granted and adjourned the matter till November 22 for hearing.
The defendants were the PDP, its acting national chairman, Abubakar Kawu Baraje, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The court held that the era when political parties manipulate processes leading to the emergence of candidates were over, based on the 2010 Electoral Act as amended.
Justice Kolawole said: “When I looked at the totality of the facts in the substantive Originating Summons and when these are considered vis-à-vis the extant provisions of the Electoral Act as Amended, my view is that the Court will not in any way be handicapped, even if the exparte orders, in particular, prayers 1 – 3 are not granted because the court retains the power to direct the 1st Defendant (INEC).’
Justice Kolawole said in terms of political parties’ candidates who may have been unlawfully excluded either from the parties’ primaries or from the elections to accept and act on the name(s) of such candidates as the authentic candidates sanctioned and approved by the court.
“The new Electoral Act as Amended is a clear departure from the 1983 Act by which on the authority of the Supreme Court’s decision in Onuoha V. Okafor, the political parties were “god unto themselves” in terms of the choice of candidates. This court had intervened in quite a number of political parties’ cases when candidates were being manipulated by the leadership of the political parties.
“It is in this regard that I really do not see the Plaintiff being exposed in the long run to such injury, loss or damage that may, applying the Supreme Court’s decision in Kotoye V. CBN, supra be described as ‘irreparable or irretrievable’. Whatever be the case, I have no doubt that this court has the judicial powers to make appropriate orders as the justice of the case will require.
“Let me state, for the avoidance of doubt, that in relation to prayers 1 – 3 of the Motion Exparte, the Plaintiff has made out a strong case which ordinarily should enable this court to grant the said prayers. But in the light of the analysis I have done as regards the statutory powers which the court has pursuant to Electoral Act, 2010 as amended, the 2nd Defendant [PDP] does not, in the long run, have the final say because the court can always make appropriate orders as the justice of the case will require to redress any wrong that may be occasioned by my judicial hesitation in granting the said prayers 1-3 on the motion exparte.”
PDP was dissatisfied with the order and filed an appealed at the Court of Appeal.
Sylva, who is seeking re-election, had been excluded from the primary by the party. He is in court because the party is planning to dump him after winning the January 2011 primary before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed the governorship election.
The INEC action was based on an order of an Abuja High Court which declared that the tenure of five governors continue beyond May 29 because they won re-run elections. The verdict was upheld by the Court of Appeal, Abuja.
The governor is contending that his candidacy subsists as nobody petitioned against his success at the said primary election to the screening appeal panel or any other body or committee of the 2nd defendant.

BAYELSA ACTING GOVERNOR URGES CONTRACTOR HANDLING GOVT. PROJECTS TO EXPEDITE ACTION

 Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Nestor Binabo has urged contractors handling on-going projects to expedite action to ensure their early completion. Chief Binabo stated this while fielding questions from Government House correspondents shortly after an unscheduled inspection tour of project sites in Yenagoa, the state capital.
 The projects inspected include the Melford Okilo Memorial Hospital, the new Assembly Quarters and the new Governor’s Lodge, also known as the Gloryland Castle.
 The Acting Governor said having gone round the project sites, he was impressed with the type and quality of projects that were initiated by his predecessors, particularly the Melford Okilo Memorial Hospital.  
 Describing the health facility as a pride to all Bayelsans, Chief Binabo, said when completed, it would be one of the best in the country.
 He said concerted efforts would be made to ensure its speedy completion so that it can begin to deliver qualitative health care services to the people of the state.
 Chief Binabo, who assured that more than 80 per cent of the equipment required at the hospital, were already on ground, said a 1500 KVA electricity generating set would be procured before the end of this week.
 
Reacting to a question as to why he embarked on the inspection tour, the Acting Governor explained that he decided to visit the projects with a view to assessing which ones could be completed within his short period in office.

Speaking on behalf of Enerco Group, the contractor handling the hospital, the project engineer, Mr. Ben Okoye said the project has reached 90 per cent completion.

Mr. Okoye said 20 containers of additional equipment were being expected, adding that his company would deliver the project on schedule.  

EBI AVI,
Chief Press Secretary to the Acting Governor

SUPREME COURT RULING IS A TEMPORARY SETBACK SAYS SYLVA

As a democrat and firm believer in the rule of law, Chief Timipre
Sylva takes the ruling of the Supreme Court today terminating his
tenure in good faith.

What has happened is only a temporary setback. The implication of this
judgement is that the January 2011 primary election which Sylva won
as candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) subsists.

Sylva enjoins his supporters to remain calm, as they have always been,
and not take the law into their hands. He thanks the people of Bayelsa
State for the opportunity given him to serve.

As governor for the past four years, the Sylva-led government has
touched the lives of the people and changed the state for the better.
In his first tenure, Sylva has prioritised education, health,
agriculture, human capital development, and infrastructural
advancement. He has tried to lay the foundation for a post-oil economy
by developing the infrastructure to harness the skills and resources
of our environment.
We trust that he would be given another chance to complete the good
work, which the Good Lord has used him to undertake for the people of
Bayelsa State. His second term, if re-elected, will be devoted to
consolidation of these efforts, with the ultimate aim of building a
Bayelsa State where all will have the opportunity to develop their
full potentials.
Sylva wishes the Acting Governor the best of luck and enjoins the
people of the state to cooperate with him.

DOIFIE OLA

27 January 2012

PRESS STATEMENT

MRS SYLVA URGES BAYELSANS TO PRAY FOR NIGERIA

At the monthly prayer and fasting meeting which was held at the Government House, Yenagoa. The wife of the Bayelsa State Governor Mrs. Alayingi Sylva, appealed to the women in Bayelsa State to continually lift Nigeria in prayers for divine intervention.

She further stated that as the state and the nation is going through what we may consider as challenging, Bayelsans should remain steadfast in God and should also thank God for seeing the state and the country through last year to this New year.

Still at the monthly fasting and prayer meetings, Mrs. Bio Opusunju offered an intercessory prayer for a peaceful and violence free election in Bayelsa State. Special prayers were offered to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for wisdom and strength and for God’s divine protection towards Christians living in the Northern part of Nigeria.

LADY HELEN MARK SPENDS HER BIRTHDAY AT THE GLORYLAND CHILDREN'S HOME, YENEGOA

It is indeed a day of joy and fulfillment as we felicitate with our sister Lady Helen Mark, who celebrated her birthday today. In an act of appreciation and gratitude to God and love for humanity, the event took place at the Gloryland Children's Home, Opolo, Yenagoa.
The celebrant, Lady Helen Mark showed love to the children. She ate, drank and danced with them as they were all dressed in beautiful and colourful dresses. The highlight of the occasion was the cutting of cake with the Wife of the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Mrs. Alayingi Sylva, caretakers of the home and the children. Furthermore, the celebrant presented edibles and gifts to the children such gifts included bicycles.
The occasion was graced by Her Excellency, Mrs. Alayingi Sylva wife of the Executive Governor, Bayelsa State, Hon. Inemotimi Kpou Commissioner Special Duties, Mrs. Apere (NCWS), Dame Oyanbo Peace Owei , SSA New Media and Social Networking, Mr. Patrick Ebiwari Technical Adviser to the Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, coordinators of the children’s home, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and other dignitaries.

CASHLESS ECONOMY SYSTEM

In a bid to regulate cash flow in the country, the Central Bank of Nigeria in collaboration with bankers committee have come up with a policy, known as cashless economy system . This they said will help in monitoring the amount of cash an individual or company withdraws per-day through the electronic medium. In order words an individual is not expected to withdraw more than one hundred and fifty thousand naira daily while a company is only allowed to withdraw only one million naira daily

Under this policy those transacting business are expected to use ATM cards to pay for goods and services while restriction is placed on the amount each person withdraws each day.

The Bayelsa State Branch Controller of Central Bank of Nigeria Mr. Prince BU Udoutin elaborated on the importance of the cashless economy system and its advantages to Nigerians. He said it will discourage the carrying of large amounts for transactions.  

Although the enlightenment on cashless policy has been on, it will take full effect from March this year, still many Nigerians mostly Bayelsans are still ignorant to this effect.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CALLED ON TO TAKE PRO-ACTIVE STEPS TO END THE ONGOING STRIKE

The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Niger Delta University (NDU), Dr. Beke Sese has called on the Federal Government to take pro-active deliberate steps to end the ongoing ASUU strike. According to Dr. Sese, the strike was embarked upon to press home their demand for improvement in conditions of service, University autonomy, funding and review of retirement age of academic staff from sixty-five to seventy years among others.
The agreement was reached between ASUU and Federal government in year 2009 which was breached by the Federal government. Dr. Sese appealed to parents, guardians and students to be patient and show understanding.

VICE CHAIRMAN IMPEACHED

The Vice Chairman of Southern Ijaw local government council, Mr. Felix Bonny-Ayah has been impeached by the legislative arm of the council on allegation of misconduct, insubordination and abuse of office. The Councilor representing ward seven, Donny Sigah moved the motion for the impeachment saying the development followed the report of a seven-man investigative panel set up by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kate Abiri and in line with section twenty-four of the Bayelsa state local government law 2006.

The Councilor representing ward seven, Osaribe Amaebi seconded the motion. He lamented the set-back the council had suffered from the administrative laxity of the Vice Chairman, maintaining that the impeachment was in the best interest of the council and people of the area.

The legislative arm of the council has elected Mr. Donny Sigah as its Chief Whip while the council representing ward five, Digifa Alabo was elected Deputy Majority Leader. The Councilors passed a vote of confidence on the Chairman of the council, Chief Tiwei Orunimighe-Idaower for his pragmatic and exemplary leadership qualities.

GOVERNMENT SETS UP COMMITTEES TO PROVIDE RELIEF MATERIALS TO COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY CHEVRON GAS EXPLOSION AND TO ASSESS THE EXTENT OF DAMAGE

The Governor of Bayelsa state, represented by his deputy, Chief Werinipre Seibarugu has expressed displeasure at the attitude of Chevron who is yet to provide relief materials to the affected communities. He said the multi-national company needed to be responsive to their social responsibilities.

The Governor appealed to the communities affected to remain peaceful as government is taking urgent steps to address their plight. Chief Sylva who made the appeal at a stakeholders meeting held at government house Yenagoa, has set up a committee to immediately provide relief materials and medical assistance for the affected communities of the Chevron rig gas explosion. A technical committee made up of professionals in the Ministry of Environment was also set up to assess the extent of damage to the impacted communities.

The lawmaker representing Southern Ijaw constituency four in the Bayelsa state House of Assembly, Mr. Benson Konbowei, Commissioner for Environment, Chief Robert Enogha and Commissioner for Energy, Mr. Maxwell Oko, also attended the meeting amongst others.

The committee comprises the State Ministries of Environment and Health, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Relief Materials, the Regional Development Agencies for KEFES and DODO as well as Chevron Nigeria Limited.

GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO PLAY ITS MEDIATORY AND REGULATORY ROLE BETWEEN OIL COMPANIES AND HOST COMMUNITIES

The Bayelsa state Government says it will continue to play a mediatory and regulatory role between the oil companies and their host communities.

The Commissioner for Environment, Chief Robert Enogha while speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa lamented about the level of inconsistencies on the part of host communities, pointing out that the Koluama/Apoi fire incident from the rig platform of Chevron will be a test case for them.

Chief Enogha stated that the Environment Ministry has developed a website that deals with Environmental issues, noting that the state through the ministry organized the first stake holder’s summit on environment late last year and the oil companies also attended.

The commissioner expressed gratitude to the people of Koluama for rescuing the Chevron workers who were trapped in the explosion.  

POLICE WARNS AGAINST DRIVING WITHOUT REGISTRATION PLATE NUMBERS

The Bayelsa state police command has frowned at the conduct of persons who often drive their vehicles around the state without registration plate number. It said some also operate such vehicles with tinted glasses without authorization. The police also noted with dismay the recent hawking of petroleum product along the streets of Yenagoa. In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, A. S.  P.  Equaveon Emaokpai, the command described the conduct as not only legal but dangerous to lives and property. He therefore urged those involved in the act to desist in their own interest. Meanwhile the state police command has called on the people of the state to be more vigilant and report any suspicious movement. The command said last Friday incident was carried out by unknown persons who exploded dynamite at Tombia Amassoma Bridge in an attempt to create a sense of insecurity in the state. According to the statement, investigation has commenced to fish out the perpetrators and advised the public to go about their lawful businesses as the police and other security agencies have put in adequate security lesion to forestall future occurrence.

COMMUNITIES IN BAYELSA STATE CONTINUE TO COUNT THEIR LOSSES

As the people of Koluama 1, Koluama II, Ezetu 1, Ezetu II, Foropa, Ekeni, Sangana and Fish town, in Southern Ijaw and Brass local government areas of Bayelsa State continue to count their losses, following the gas explosion at an oil facility in Finuwa Oil Field, on the Atlantic, being operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited, Chief Whip of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Konbowei Friday Benson, says the people in the affected communities have complained of having breathing problems and skin lesions.
While reacting to these complains from the affected host communities in Yenagoa, at the weekend, Hon. Benson, who also is the chairman, House Committee on Environment, Oil and Gas, decried the negative impact of such heavy gas leakage on surrounding communities, pointed out that gas flaring releases large amounts of methane, which has a high global warming potential.

The lawmaker, representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 4, appealed to both the federal and state governments to quickly come to the aid of the people by sending relief materials and Medicare to the affected communities in order to cushion the effect of the untold hardship they have been thrown into by the January 16, 2012, gas explosion in the area, even as he strongly urged the youths of the affected communities to remain calm.

He however, regretted that while gas flaring in developed countries has been minimized, it has grown proportionally with oil production in the country, adding that Nigeria accounts for about 50% of all industrial emissions and 30% of the total CO2 emissions.

According to him, research shows that methane is accompanied by the other major greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, of which Nigeria was estimated to have emitted more than 34.38 million metric tons in 2002 and that gas flares have potentially harmful effects on the health and livelihood of the communities in the vicinity, as gas releases variety of poisonous chemicals, such as and hydrogennitrogen dioxides, sulphur dioxide, with volatile organic compounds like benzene, toluene, xylene sulfide, as well as carcinogens like benzapyrene and dioxin.
The Chief Whip of the House, expressed reservation over the slow manner the company in question was going about containing the gas fire, informing that the state legislature was keenly monitoring all containment efforts being made by all stakeholders, pointing out that there has been no significant and effective effort put in place, on the part of the oil company operators to control environmental problems associated with the oil and gas industry, particularly in the Niger Delta and Nigeria in general.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY DEDICATES INSTITUTION TO GOD

Members and staff of the state College of Health Technology Otuogidi in Ogbia have dedicated the institution to God. Speaking at the college pavilion, the provost of the institution, Dr. Teddy appreciated God for his kindness, peace and mercies towards staff and feeding of the college. He reminded staff and students to be steadfast and pray for peace in the nation, state and their families while stressing the need for them to rededicate themselves to the service of God. Dr. Teddy also thanked God for his wisdom, praised God for protecting the college community and the nation. The Provost prayed for God to answer prayers offered for the protection and up liftment of the institution. In a sermon, the guest preacher Pastor Anthony Clement emphasized the need for mankind to be steadfast at all time for them to receive God’s manifold blessings. Pastor Clement called on mankind to rededicate themselves to the service of God while asking them to be contentious to duty to bring about development of the institution. The man of God urged members and staff to live worthy of their calling and urged students to abide by the rules and regulations of the college.

DEPUTY GOV. VISITS SCENE OF EXPLOSION, DESCRIBES INCIDENT AS UNFORTUNATE

The Bayelsa state deputy governor, Chief Werinipre Seibarugu has visited the scene of a minor explosion at the Tombia Bridge in Yenagoa. Speaking at the scene, Chief Seibarugu expressed sadness over the incident as part of the bridge was destroyed which he attributed to callous acts by people who want to create unnecessary tension in the state. He said the intention of the perpetrators of the act is to create the impression that peace has eluded the state, emphasizing that the state cannot be subjected to violent tendencies. The deputy governor said security agencies are working in concert with government to maintain the peace and advised residence not to panic. He dismissed the rumour that there was another explosion at the Peace Park which stated that a car caught fire. Chief Seibarugu warned rumour mongers to desist from such practice as it will not augur well for the state.

GOD WILL STAND BY YOU, SYLVA TELLS CHANNELS, VICTIMS OF KANO BLASTS

Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, has commiserated with the families of victims of weekends’ attacks in Kano, praying that God will stand by them in “these trying times.”

The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Doifie Ola, particularly symphathised with the staff and management of Channels Television whose reporter, Mr. Enenche Akogwu, was gunned down during the attacks.

Multiple explosions had rocked several parts of Kano Friday evening, leaving about 150 persons dead. The fundamentalist sect, Boko Haram, has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Sylva in the statement said: “We pray that God will give these families the courage and the fortitude to bear these loses. We mourn with them. We mourn with the Government and people of Kano State. They should all be consoled that God, the ultimate comforter, will stand by them in these trying times”.

 On Akogwu who was gunned down while performing his official duty, Sylva lamented that “it is highly regrettable that what Akogwu got back for his love for country and duty was this brutal and callous end”.

Sylva advised security agencies not to be deterred but to “re-double their efforts to bring an end to the carnage that has taken over our land”.

DOIFIE OLA,

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE CALLS FOR CALM

The Governor’s Special Representative for Yenagoa, Mr. Fortune Panebi has called on the supporters of Governor Timipre Sylva to remain calm as the news making the round about the inclusion of a candidate on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is not the true situations of things. He made this known while speaking to news men on the latest development about the latest development about the PDP candidate for next month’s gubernatorial election in the state.
Mr. Panebi noted that it is only the outcome of the Supreme Court that will determine the authentic candidate of the PDP, pointing out that all the supporters should be steadfast in their support for Chief Timipre Sylva and his running mate, Chief Werinipre Seibarugu the Deputy Governor of the state

FUEL SCARCITY

Motorists in Yenagoa the Bayelsa state capital have expressed worry over the continuous fuel scarcity due to private filling stations refusing to sell to the public. This has left motorists with no options but to buy from black marketers which cost about two hundred and fifty naira per litre.

Rumour making the rounds in the state is that most filling stations are hoarding the product. Some of them only sell to the public at midnight. This is the reason for the scarcity in the state   

SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT (SSA) ON DISABILITY SPEAKS

The Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD) has drawn the attention of the public especially aspirants of political parties to the activities of some members led by Omosinizibe, Taritimi, Friday Otobo, Sokari and one Shedrack who have been claiming to be acting on behalf of the association. They had visited the Change Advocacy Party (CAP) candidate, Chief Imoro Kubor claiming to be acting on the association’s behalf.

In a statement, the SSA Miss Timi Ziriki noted that PLWD are all over the eight local government areas of the state, stressing that the Governor’s position in making life meaningful for all Bayelsans also includes people with disability.

The statement lamented that this group of persons were also alleged to have vandalized the residence of the SSA, Ministry of Gender and blocked government house gate thereby disrupting the peace of the of the state government. It also said, Chief Timipre Sylva is the first Governor since the creation of the state to create an office for PLWD in order to give them a sense of belonging, noting that the creation has led to the reduction of stigmatization and discrimination of persons with disability.

BAYELSA GOVERNMENT TO BUILD AIRPORT AT OGBIA

The Bayelsa State government has concluded plans to build a modern airport in Ogbia, the headquarters of the Ogbia Local Government Area. The state Commissioner for Finance, Chief Stephen Ogula, who disclosed this to newsmen in Yenagoa said that already survey mapping and visibility jobs had been concluded on the site. Ogula said the decision to build a new airport was informed by the decision of the Federal Government to take over the Cargo Airport located at Okordia- Zarama area, off the East-West road. The commissioner said that funds had already been made available to the contractors, adding that they would soon move to site. “The airport will be a first class one and will be compared to any airport in the world.” Ogula said the state government had concluded plans to dualise the Bayelsa Oil Palm road up to Elebele in Ogbia local government area, hinting also that the Sagbama community would soon be connected to the national electricity grid.On the three senatorial district roads, the commissioner said that government has not lost focus on them as the contractors have been mobilized to move to site. “You can see the continuation of work on the Yenagoa Gateway road, off Igbogene.” Ogula said the government would continue to ensure that it does not shy away from its social responsibility to the people of the state as there were plans to open up the hinterlands for development. The commissioner said the 500-bed hospital, which had been renamed Chief Melford Okilo Memorial Hospital, and which would also serve as a referral centre, would soon be commissioned. Other projects to be commissioned, the commissioner said, were the legislative quarters and the new commissioners’ quarters that would be named after former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Ogula called on the people of the state to continue to support the present administration, as the government was doing everything to develop the state.

GOVERNMENT EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER THE HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE OF THE COAST OF APOI TO SANGANA.

The government of Bayelsa State has expressed concern over the health hazards facing the people living across the coast of Apoi to Sangana in the recent fire incident which occurred at the Apoi Chevron platform off the coast of Koluama in Southern Ijaw Local Government area. Government expressed this through its Commissioner for Environment Chief Robert Enogha. Chief Enogha addressed representatives of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Koluama, Foropa, Ezetu and Ekeni communities directly impacted by the incident.

The Commissioner charged Chevron to immediately halt the gas pressure which is still burning to reduce the negative effect on the environment. He emphasized that the people living near the coast of Koluama community were facing serious environmental hazards and must be evacuated from the area while medical requirements and relief materials be made available to cushion the effects of the damage since five days ago when the platform exploded .

The Environmental Commissioner berated the oil company for treating government and its host communities with disrespect, pointing out that the Ministry would do everything within the law to reverse the trend. He noted that such double standard and negligence were not experienced in the United States of America and other countries when similar incidents occurred adding that such attitude was against fundamental human right principle and queried the absence of Bayelsans in some of the oil platforms as employees.