Maritime University To begins October, Modular refineries August

Laolu-Akande

The Maritime University, one of the key demands of the Niger Delta militants will take off in October, Mr. Laolu Akande, the senior special assistant(media) in the Acting President’s office, said.

At a joint press conference with the media team of the Nigerian Presidency, Akande said  the Vice Chancellor of the new university had been asked to bring a take-off budget for the institution.

According to him, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved a number of courses for the university.

Akande also announced that the ground breaking of the first set of the Modular Refineries would take place  in August. The Federal Government conceived the idea of modular refineries to stop the further degradation of the Niger Delta by oil thieves and illegal refiners.

Akande also revealed that the report on the inter-ministerial committee on the Ogoni Clean-up would be released next week.

“Next week there is going to be a follow up meeting between the Acting President and the PANDEF.

“You will recall that last November the President held a meeting with the leaders of PANDEF where issues of Niger Delta development was discussed in which the Acting President embarked on the visit to the states of the Niger Delta.

“And since then the president asked that an inter-ministerial committee be composed led by the Vice President to look at all the issues, specifically using the PANDEF demand as the take off point.

”Regarding Ogoni clean up, they are also going to give an update of what has been happening. For instance, the coordinating team that was set up for the Ogoni clean up conducted health impact assessment, they have done salt test, water test, they have hired a number of sons and daughters of Ogoni who are trained on environmental sciences as technical assistants, I think about 15 of them.

“In the next few weeks they are going to go back to Geneva where a wholistic road map on the clean up itself will be concluded with the international partners.”

Culled From NAN

Senate passes Peace Corps bill

Dickson-Akoh-Commandant-Nigeria-Peace-Corps

The Senate on Tuesday finally passed the Bill Establishing the Nigerian Peace Corps (NPC), an organisation that would provide employment for the youths, facilitate peace, volunteerism, community services and nation building.

The Bill, sponsored by Sen. Bayero Nafada(APC-Gombe) was passed in a unanimous voice vote after the Chairman, Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Sen. David Umaru, presented report on issues surrounding adoption of the conference report on the bill.

He said the major objective of the NPC bill, which is to provide employment for the youths, could be achieved by strengthening existing agencies and not necessarily creating new ones.

He said it would prevent the Federal Government from being overburdened.

He said the committee, however observed that the powers and functions of the NPC called for concern and urged that they be subjected to further examination.

“The right vested by the Bill in clause 37 (1) (a) on members of the Corps to “access all records of any person or authority” is too broad in scope and to that extent constitutes an infringement on the right to privacy guaranteed by the Constitution, under Section 37.

“This power is unnecessary, given that the Corps is not an investigative agency,’’ he said.

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki said the journey towards establishing the NPC had been a long one.

He commended the committee for a good job and expressed optimism that when signed into law, the bill would help to address the problem of unemployment among youths.

The NPC bill was passed in the House of Representatives in June 2016,while the Senate passed its version in Nov. 2016.

The two chambers set up a conference committee to reconcile the areas of differences in the bill.

The Senate at its plenary sitting on May 2, 2017, deliberated on report of the conference committee, and referred it to the Committee on Judiciary, to investigate into some allegations against the NPC.

Culled from NAN

Germany Donates Six Sniffer Dogs To NDLEA

The German government has donated six sniffer dogs and a Mercedes bus to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in order to improve its capacity to combat drug trafficking.

Announcing the development in Lagos on Tuesday, the NDLEA Director of Operations and General Investigation, Olugbenga Mabo, thanked the German government for its donation, emphasizing that sniffer dogs have helped the agency arrest at least 20 drug traffickers and seize a combined weight of 17,432kg of narcotic drugs between 2009 and 2017.

Among the drugs seized with the assistance of the trained dogs include heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine.

Mr. Mabo said the addition of six new dogs would further boost the agency’s capacity to detect drugs concealed by traffickers.

With Germany’s donation, the NDLEA now has 14 sniffer dogs at its disposal.

“The contribution of the German government has made a tremendous impact on the operations of the agency at the airport, seaport and land borders. This additional support will ensure that more drug trafficking syndicates are dislodged,” Mr. Mabo told reporters.

He also recalled that under the German canine support project to Nigeria, three officers recently completed a 16-week basic course at the Police Dog School in Neustadt, Saxony, Germany.

In her remarks, German Deputy Consul General Alexandra Herr said that Germany was assisting the NDLEA in order to ensure that the Nigerian officials have the equipment necessary to fight drug trafficking.

“It is important to have the right tools to work and I commend the cooperation between Germany and Nigeria in combating drug trafficking through the aid of sniffer dogs. I am eager to see positive results in the canine operations of the agency,” Ms. Herr said.

Gov Udom, Five Others Off To London To Visit Buhari

 This was disclosed by three presidential spokespersons, Femi Adesina, Garba Shehu and Laolu Akande, at a media briefing in Abuja.

The governors are to be led by Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara and include governors of Ebonyi, Kano, Benue, Akwa Ibom, and Oyo.

The visit comes a few days after some APC leaders and governors visited the president on Sunday.

Mr. Buhari had on that July 23 met with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and some governors elected on the party’s platform.

A statement by the presidency, which provided a photograph of the event, gave the names of those who met with the president to include Governors Rochas Okorocha of Imo, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa, Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, and the APC National Chairman, John Oyegun.

Femi Adesina, the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, later quoted Governor Okorocha as describing Mr. Buhari as cheerful and humorous during the meeting held at Nigeria House in London.

Mr. Adesina also quoted the Imo governor as saying, “By our visit to London today, the merchants of lies have been put out of business and Nigerians will not buy the garbage they have been selling.

“All those who look up to fake news can find better use for their time.”

Mr. Buhari, whose real medical condition is unknown, has been in London for over 70 days for medical treatment.

His deputy, Yemi Osinbajo, recently visited him in the British capital, reporting back to Nigerians that the nation’s number one man was recuperating fast and would return soon.
Six governors are set to travel to London to visit Nigeria’s ailing President, Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday.

Court Dismisses Suit Against Man Who Named His Dog 'Buhari'

Joachin Iroko and his Lawyer. Inibehe Effiong

The Sango Ota Chief  Magistrate Court, on Tuesday, struck out the case against Mr. Joachim Iroko, the trader accused of threatening public peace by naming his dog 'Buhari'. Mr. Iroko was arrested in August 2016, detained and subsequently charged to court by the Nigeria Police Force for naming his dog 'Buhari'.

The suit was dismissed following serial failure by the prosecution to present witnesses and the continued absence of the nominal complainant, who claimed that Mr  Iroko named his dog 'Buhari', after his father.                             

The dismissal was sequel to an application by the defendant's lawyers that the case is

Mr. O. O. Adebo, the Magistrate, granted the application and the case was duly struck-out, leaving Mr. Iroko to walk home a free man.
One of the defendant's lawyers, Mr. Inibehe Effiong, told Journalists that he warned the Police from the beginning that they had no case against Mr.Iroko and that there was no legal basis for his arrest, detention, and prosecution on account of a conduct that did not harm and could not have harmed anybody.                             

"There was nothing like an attempt to cause a breach of peace ab initio.I want to especially commend Mr. Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa for leading lawyers in defense of Mr. Iroko pro bono. I appreciate Messrs. Fadile Niyi and Tosin Adesioye from the chambers of Adegboruwa & Co., Mr. Adeola Samuel Opeyemi and Mr. Vincent Obetta, who were all part of the defense team, which I am proud to have been part of," said Mr. Effiong.

The lawyer also thanked the media for conscientious coverage of the case and Nigerians, who supported Mr. Iroko.

Mr. Effiong recalled that he led a campaign for Mr. Iroko's freedom and described the outcome of the case as a victory for justice and a boost for the image of the judiciary. He warned that should the Police attempt to resurrect the matter, they will be robustly challenged in court.
struck out for want of diligent prosecution.

24 Former Nigerian Governors And their Deputies Drain Nigeria of Scarce Funds, Perpetuate Poverty

Despite proclamations to the contrary, evidence shows that the Nigerian government continues to perpetuate poverty in the country by practice of the enrichment of a few officials at the expense of millions of people.

As a result, governments at federal and state levels underfund vital sectors of the economy except for the political sector where individuals at the very heart double-dip into the public purse.  Mathematically, just a few of these officials, for the privilege of serving in political office, earn in a year what over 112 Nigerians living below the poverty line cannot earn in a lifetime.

Saharareporters looked at 24 well-positioned politicians today whose earnings as political office holders illustrate this fact. The 24 politicians—previous state governors or deputy governors who are currently serving as Senators or Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are drawing wages on the right and on the left—are:

Theodore Orji
Godswill Akpabio
Joshua Dariye
Rabiu Kwankwaso
Bukola Saraki
Abdullahi Adamu
Isiaka Adeleke (late)
Aliyu Magatarda
Shaaba Lafiaji
Adamu Aliero
Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya
Muhammed Danjuma Goje
George Akume
Abubakar Danladi Sani
Jonah David Jang
Samuel Egwu
Ahmed Sani Yarima
Biodun Olujimi
Enyinnaya Abaribe
Rotimi Amaechi
Babatunde Fashola
Kayode Fayemi and 
Chris Ngige

According to the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), the government agency which has the responsibility of determining the remuneration of political office holders, governors and deputy governors are entitled to N2,223,705 and N2,112,214 as annual salaries.  This is outside of numerous allowances accruable to them.

RMAFC is also, by the provision of the constitution, empowered to determine the remuneration of all legislators. A Senator is entitled to a whopping sum of N12,939,549 per annum, as basic salary and allowances.

These 24 individuals have earned almost 10 billion naira as salaries and privileges for serving in public office. Meanwhile, the poverty report of Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) pinned the poverty rate at 67.1% of the total population, indicating that over 112 million Nigerians live below the poverty line. In sharp contrast to the
reality of those over 112 million Nigerians living below the poverty line, Nigeria, at both state and federal levels, has remained committed to enriching a few politicians to the detriment of the majority of her citizens.

It must be pointed out that the amount relating to governors excludes any other largesse they must have enjoyed while in office.  For instance, the controversial security vote, which has become the honey pot of many state governors, was not considered because the funds and how it is spent remains shrouded in secrecy. Privileges such as medical care, security and vacation were also not added.

The implications of this misplacement of financial priority on the part of the government are not far to seek. Across the country, schools have been shut down because of poor funding, yet both state and federal governments have continued to fund this infinitesimal group, paying them humongous salaries and pensions.

In the last two years, for instance, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology has been shut down for more than 10 months because both joint owners, Oyo and Osun state governments, have refused to fund the institution adequately. Meanwhile, the two states have continued to fund a robust pension package for all former governors and deputy governors.

An extensive investigation by Saharareporters revealed 13 states that have continued to fund 16 ex-leaders who also are currently earning fat salaries from the coffers of the federal government.  These states include: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Kano, Kwara, Osun, Sokoto, Gombe, Adamawa, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Rivers, and Lagos.

Mr. Isiaka Adeleke, the first civilian governor of Osun state and a three-time member of the Nigerian Senate up until his death a few months ago, was enjoying a life time pension which had run up to N446million in seven years.

Osun State, with thousands of unpaid workers and civil servant pensioners, has used up about half a billion naira in pensions to just one former governor who was in office for only one year (1992-1993).

According to NBS, Gombe, Sokoto and Zamfara States are three of the top 10 poorest states in Nigeria; Zamfara being 10th with 70.11% of population living in abject poverty, while Sokoto and Gombe ranked 2nd
and 4th with 80.2% and 74.2% respectively.

But these three states have paid over half a billion naira as pension to three former governors. Ahmed Sani Yerima who was governor of Zamfara state in 1999-2007 has earned N182m in 10 years since leaving office. In total, Yerima has earned N426mfrom both state and Federal governments, as a former governor and now as a member of the Senate.

Furthermore, Gombe and Sokoto States have paid Mohammed Danjuma Goje and Aliyu Magartakarda Wamakko N297m and N200m respectively as pension since the duo left office as governors.

Goje who also was a former Minister (1999-2001), has smiled home with N596m during his triple helpings as governor, minister and currently, Senator. This is outside of his medical care and security that the Gombe
government is bound by law to provide for him as a former governor.

Yerima and such people as the former Yobe governor, Bukar Abba Ibrahim (who was recently caught in a dingy hotel sleeping with two girls), George Akume of Benue, Rabiu Kwankwanso of Kano and Samuel Egwu of Ebonyi, have scooped up hundreds of millions from the government’s purse since 1999 and will continue until 2019 at least. That would be 20 years of unbroken earnings for just five men people in a country where 112 million live in abject poverty.

Kwakwanso, Egwu and Akume have respectively earned N578m, N157m and N244m since 1999 that they entered government, with close to one billion naira accruing to Bukar, who was Yobe governor for 8 years and has earned N865m as pensions since vacating the governor’s seat 10 years ago.

Also firmly in the one billion naira circle is the current Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who has earned N1billion since 2007 when he became governor of Rivers state. Amaechi has earned N965 million as pension from that state, and now earns more besides as Minister.

Equally fascinating is Akwa Ibom State, which considering its oil producing status is one of the richest states in the country, but that has never translated to improved living conditions for the Akwa Ibom people.  That does not include the likes of Godswill Akpabio, who has received N654millionas pensions in the last two years alone.

What is worse is the revelation that pension payments and other entitlements were drawn and passed into law by some of the politicians considered in this report when they were sitting governors. In 2007, Buka Abba Ibrahim, who is one of the highest-earning pensioners in Nigeria, signed the pension law in Yobe state.  In 2010, Saraki implemented his version in Kwara State while Amaechi did the same in 2014 in Rivers State.

Babatunde Fashola, the Minister for Power, Works and Housing is a beneficiary of the two-fold pension benefit system enshrined in the Lagos State pension act 2007. As a former governor who served two terms, Fashola is entitled to two houses - in Lagos and Abuja - as retirement benefits. This is irrespective of the RMAFC prescription that provided 300 percent of basic salary as severance for Certain Political Office Holders and Judicial Officers.

According to the Act, “The recommendation is to maintain this allowance at 300% of annual basic salary enjoyable by elected and appointed political, public and judicial office holders at all tiers of government after successful completion of each tenure.”

For these 24 super-Nigerians, who have interpreted, and deployed the apparatus of state to serve them for life. Beyond the naira and kobo that flow voluminously into their accounts, they enjoy security protection that is separate and distinct from that being provided by their current offices. Armed policemen and officers of Department of State Security Service (DSS) are deployed to ensure their safety as ex-governors or deputies, and for their families too.  In addition, many of them ensured they would, and are enjoying the services of a contingent of endless domestic staff of cooks, gardeners and drivers, courtesy of the state government.

Opportunity Cost Of The Billions Spent On These Politicians

What might Nigerian states have looked like, were these funds not being drained by insensitive and selfish politicians?

In Zamfara State, Saharareporters projects that the hundreds of millions being paid to former Governor Yerima in pensions could have procured vaccines to confront the outbreak of fatal diseases in the state. Had that been in place a few years ago, the outbreak of Type C Cerebrospinal Meningitis which claimed 215 of the 336 lives lost nationwide may have been avoided.

On the subject of health, that sector remains one of Nigeria’s most decrepit, largely because of poor funding, with many Nigerians, including children, dying daily of treatable diseases such as malaria.  The humongous sums being claimed as pensions and bogus allowances by these politicians, who give themselves and their families the best medical care in foreign hospitals, would have done a great deal to strengthen the health sector.

What about the education sector?  Only recently the United Nations Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reported that approximately 10 million school age children are out of school in Nigeria. One of the factors for the high rise in the statistics of out of school kids has predominantly been affordability and accessibility of schools. With 9.7 billion naira, at least 10 public schools could have been built, greatly reducing the number of children who are out of school.

Viewed another way, that sum could have funded LAUTECH, for instance.  With the millions of naira being paid in pensions to former governors and deputy governors, that institution would have fared much better. According to different reports, LAUTECH needs only about N4 billion to clear staff salaries and get the institution back on its feet. But while top politicians, many of who send their children to expensive schools abroad, continue to drain these critical funds, over 28,000 young Nigerians have been kept out of school as an opportunity.

The Nigerian government is widely-adjudged to be one of the most expensive around the world, but it is becoming increasingly more expensive because of the cost of serving and sustaining a small group of current and past political office holders. 

The time has come when Nigerians must loudly demand that these officials, who identify and denounce corruption only when it is on the other side of the road, cut down on dubious government expenses such as salaries, pensions and allowances, and reprioritize the country’s financial engagement so that such critical sectors as education and health can develop, thereby translating into better living conditions for the populace.

Why Gov Udom Emmaneul Dissolved Akwa Ibom Electoral Board

Udom

The Akwa Ibom state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has indicated that the intractable squabble between the chairman of the state Independent Electoral Commission and members of the board, was going to militate against the smooth conduct of the proposed November 2017 local government election in the state, hence their sack.

The governor gave the hint in his letter to the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, requesting them to approve a new board for the commission.

While briefing his colleagues on the governor’s letter, the house leader and member representing Oruk Anam state constituency in the house, Hon. Udo Kieran Akpan said that the governor was acting under the AKIIEC law were he was empowered to fire the commission, when the chairman is either incapacitated or for any other cause.

Hon Akpan said, “the letter from the State Governor is in fulfillment of parts of his obligations to the State and it is self explanatory in the sense that Section 4 sub 1 of the Akwa Ibom State independent electoral commission law 2007 as amended allows the Governor to hire and fire members of the commission through ratification by the State legislature.

“… Mr speaker, condition for the removal is a very simple one in the AKISIEC law and it is very straightforward. It is either the person is unable to Perform because of incapacitation or for any other cause”, the house leader stated, urging his colleagues to support the Governor in dissolving the former board. Stressing that there is need for Akwa Ibom State to have  AKISIEC that is united in carrying out their duties; an AKISIEC that will do things in unity and togetherness.



Other members who spoke in support of the governor’s action, were member representing Esit Eket, Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh, member representing Nsit Atai, Hon. Mark Esset, member representing Mkpat Enin, Hon Otobong Ndem and member representing  Ibesikpo Asutan, Hon. Aniekan Uko. They all commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for seeking to constitute a new AKISIEC committee in order to effectively carry out the functions of the committee, and carry out the task of conducting an acceptable local government election in November 2017.

Furthermore, in another letter addressed to the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke the Governor, Udom Emmanuel, sent the following names for confirmation as Chairman and members of Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission. They are : Aniedi Ikoiwak as Chairman while Patrick Ikon, Mathew Udo, Usoro Ukpanah, Sunday Aniefiok, Dr. Mrs E. E. Umoh, and Elder Eyaekop Effiong Umanah would served as Members of the commission.

The House referred the names to the committee on judiciary,justice, Human rights and public petitions to screen the nominees and  report back to the house in two days.

Culled from National NewsTrack

PMFA AKWA CROSS EDITION SLATED FOR OCTOBER

The Paradise Music Festival and Awards has evolved over time with the expectations and demands in the creative industry, mostly the music performing artistes, producers and stakeholders.Over the years this has sustained its core essence, which is the creation of an enabling environment for music talent discovery and celebration of musical inventiveness.


The Paradise Music and Festival Awards is a product of South Central Communications, whose record contributions in the Performing Musicians Employers Association of (PMAN) is ground breaking; with a sole vision of propelling an energetic driven economy in the musical productions, where stakeholders in the creative industry and performing artistes are predominantly empowered and engaged lucratively.


From the records the first three (3) editions have successfully recognized merits, honored over sixty (60) individuals and have successfully engaged other performing artistes under renowned music record labels.
The 4th Edition of the Paradise Music Festival and Awards is scheduled for the month of October, 2017.

This edition is initiated to lay the foundation for sister-state collaboration, campaign for unity and peaceful coexistence of the two states, promote cultural diplomacy and tourism as well as empower youths within the region through merits.
The organizers therefore call on support from every sector of the economy and graciously seek your
 participation to ensure the successful hosting of this event.

The Categories are as follows:
New discovery of the year

Song of the year

Album of the year

Female artist of the year

Rap/hip Hop artiste of the year

Gospel artiste of the year

DJ of the year

Song writer of the year

OAP of the year

Music producer of the year

Music video of the year

Raggae Dancehall artiste of the year

Music blogger of the year

EKERE HAS BROUGHT JOY, HOPE TO AKWA IBOM PEOPLE - Victor Attah

(L-R) Mrs. Ekere, Obong Victor Attah and Obong Nsima Ekere

A former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, has reviewed the achievements of Mr. Nsima Ekere, the Managing Director of the Niger Development Commission (NDDC) in the last eight months and declared that he has brought joy and hope to the people of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking at the thanksgiving service of Mr. Ekere and his family at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Ikot Abasi on Sunday, Obong Attah said the NDDC boss had done the state proud.

“This thanksgiving is not just ordinary thanksgiving. You can see the outpouring of support for a man who has successfully restructured NDDC. Akwa Ibom people are very proud of him. Akwa Ibom people say Nsima Ekere has brought a lot of joy and hope to the people,” he said.

The Leader of Ibibio Nation reasoned that having done well at NDDC, Mr. Ekere could be entrusted with more responsibilities.

His words: “Nigeria is talking about restructuring today. If Nsima Ekere can successfully restructure NDDC, there is every possibility that he can restructure a few more institutions.”

Obong Attah suggested a reception for Mr. Ekere by Akwa Ibom people, saying, “I want to appeal to Akwa Ibom people. He has come here to thank God by himself. We must call him to appreciate him.”

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, who was accompanied by the President of Akwa Ibom Community in Jos, eulogized Mr. Ekere as a true friend and brother and prayed God to continuously bless him and his family.

The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, represented by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Engr. Segun Oni, congratulated Mr. Ekere and his family for his success story at NDDC and expressed optimism that the NDDC boss will completely turn round the commission.

The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Senator Patrick Nwaoboshi, said Mr. Ekere’s thanksgiving service symbolized unity in the country as it brought together Nigerians from across ethnic and partisan lines.

The service was attended by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Usani, the Minister of State, Prof. Claudius Daramola, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, the representatives of the Governors of Bayelsa, Delta and Imo States, Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, a cross-section of the political class in Nigeria, monarchs, clerics and captains of industry, among others.

Ekere will have occasion for another thanksgiving – Methodist Prelate

NDDC MD, Obong Nsima Ekere (L) and the Methodist Prelate, Dr. Samuel Uche(R)

The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Uche, has commended the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Nsima Ekere, for deeming it necessary to hold a thanksgiving service to appreciate God for his blessings on his life and prophesied that he will have another cause for thanksgiving.

“Your thanksgiving shows you are a child of God,” Dr. Uche said in his sermon at the thanksgiving service held at Government Field, Ikot Abasi. “It shows that you love God, that you put God first and that you revere God. You will have occasion to gather again for another thanksgiving. I don’t know what God will do.”

He described the thanksgiving service as unique and epochal and lauded Mr. Ekere for recognizing that “nobody holds any position except God ordains it.”

The Prelate expressed the belief that the NDDC boss will perform creditably, meticulously, diligently, transparently and studiously.

“I believe that you will not disappoint Nigerians, Akwa Ibom people and Mr. President,” he said. “I am sure you will do well. I will be on your neck to ensure you do so.”

Dr. Uche advised the NDDC boss and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs to do a comprehensive survey of the Niger Delta region to determine the infrastructural and other needs of the people of the region.

He called on the National Assembly to appropriate enough funds for the NDDC to develop the nine member-states evenly.

Dr. Uche prayed for President Muhammadu Buhari’s quick recovery and condemned those wishing the President dead.

His words: “People wishing the President dead are wicked. Why should you wish a fellow human being dead? When I see some fellow Bishops talking against the President, I pity them because they are jobbers. The Bible says you should pray for those in authority. There is a place of punishment for those who refuse to change and a place of blessing for those who change.”

The Prelate disclosed that he was one of those that supported the change mantra in 2015 because of the level of impunity and corruption in the country and prayed for the change to be quicker.

He accused “disgruntled and cantankerous politicians” of inciting ethnic hatred in the country and predicted their doom if they refused to change.

Dr. Uche, however, supported calls for restructuring of the country to ensure the practice of true federalism.

CHILD THEFT: Ikot Abasi Women Cry Out, Accuse Police of Colluding With Suspects

 Aggrieved women of Esene village, Ikpa Nnnung Assang Clan in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, in company of some youths last week led a peaceful protest over the recent cases of child theft/abduction.

Obonganwan Rose Rufus Ekanem, Ag President of ESOP Iban Esenne  who led hundreds of other women who bore placards with various inscriptions first of all arrived the residence of the Chairman, Esene Town Council, Mr. Vincent Akpan who in solidarity, joined the protest to the residence of Mrs Esther Emem Essen, the prime suspect in the child theft case.

The leader of the women's group Mrs Ekanem while addressing Mr Emem Essen, (husband to the suspect) said no amount of hunger should lead anyone to sell out a child or lure anyone else into such act. and expressed their displeasure over sad incident. She asked Essen to produce his wife as the women were not interested in his pleas or aimless explanations but to ensure the missing child is recovered alive.

Responding to the women, husband to the suspect, Mr Emem Essen; a carpenter advised the women to rather hold the crime against Emem Eyo Iso, mother to the four year old master Akaninyene Musa, whom he said collaborated with his wife to sell her own child.

The group also registered their disappointment and feeling of insecurity in the hands of the police who allegedly released on bail the prime suspect who had confessed to the crime without charging the case to court.

Explaining the ordeals the village had been through in the last couple of months. The Chairman, Esenne Town Council, Mr. Vincent Akpan said it was absolutely suspicious for the police  to let off the hock a criminal who had confessed to a crime, even when the four missing kids traced to her link were still missing.

In his response, the Clan Head of Ikpa Nnung Asang, Etebom Celestine Udia called on the state government and the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, to intervene and ensure that whoever was involved in releasing the culprit is taken off the case.

"Whoever is involved in releasing that woman should stay off the case and allow justice take its full course. I want to call on the state government, security agencies and the judiciary which is the last hope of the common man to assist us to recover those children and bring perpetrators of such act to book". He appealed.

Attempting to give a background of recent cases of child theft in the area, one of the women who said she hails from Owok Annang, recalled that a certain Ntinso Usen, a Lagos based daughter of the community visited the area in April, splashing cash and drinks at every corner of the community. According to her, before returning to Lagos, she took two young men, Mr Cyril Ignitius Ekong (A.K.A Kufre Akaninyene Ekpe) and Blessing Archibong Charlie  (A.K.A. Udo) from the community with her to Lagos

Our soure who pleaded anonymity, revealed that On the 7th of May 2017, Ekong, one of the youth taken to Lagos by Miss Usen, allegedly cajoled a 13 year old David Simeon Akiki to bring along with him, two other kids.

Akiki is said to have brought with himself masters Ekemini Aniefiok Richard and Abasifreke Aniefiok Richard, ages Six and three. On getting to him, Ekong, allegedly conveyed the three kids on a motor bike and on getting to Papa junction, Esene, Ikot Abasi, all three kids were dragged into a black jeep that hurriedly zoomed off.

The manner in which the kids were dragged into the waiting car aroused some level of suspicion, the cyclist, popularly known as Ete Uyo who conveyed all four from take up point, rushed back to the village to raise alarm and every effort to recover the three kids has remained unsuccessful till date.

On June 11th, another member of same child theft syndicate, Mrs Esther Emem Essen convinced one Emem Eyo Iso to hand over her four year old son, Akaninyene Musa to a family that would take better care of the child.

Both Essen and Iso were said to have traveled from Ikot Abasi to Eleme Junction in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where little Akaninyene was handed over to Blessing Archibong Charlie, one of the young men who was taken to Lagos by Ntinso Usen, with Usen in front of the black jeep where the baby was taken into, an envelop containing the sum of N300,000 was handed over to Essen who later gave the sum of N10,000 to the child's mother.

However, on getting back home, the child's mother who claimed to have been hypnotized raised alarm over her missing child, reported the matter to the Chairman, Essene Town Council, who intimated the police and had Esther Emem Essen arrested and the sum of N300,000 recovered and handed over to the police through the suspect's husband, Mr Emem Essen.

The community's consternation and protest however resulted from seeing Esther Emem Essen who was arrested and had confessed to the crime, walk the street free, while Emem Eyo Iso, mother to the missing child remain in detention. Many of the visibly angry women suspect the police has been bribed to look the other way, while the prime suspect walk free.

When contacted, the Akwa Ibom State Police Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Chukwu Ikechukwu said the matter had been charged to court and such bail must have been granted through the court.

The O/C Family Unit, Supol Shulammite Otokpa who was also contacted on the issue disclosed that her team had been on the trail of the main culprit (Ntinso Usen) to the point of traveling to her residence in Lagos even at great personal cost without any success.

She explained that the matter has been reported to the Lagos state's command of the Nigeria Police Force who are also on the trail of Usen to ensure that the children are recovered and reunited with their families.

Otokpa who regretted that her unit is underfunded, despite the sensitive responsibilities it is saddled with, however assured that she would not keep such matters beyond 48 hours before charging such to court. She therefore assured members of Essene community that justice will take its full course.

Though the police averred that the prime suspect (Mrs. Esther Emem Essen) was charged to court before she was released on bail, there was no document to back the claim, since the only document made available was a remand order with charge No: Mop/27c/2017, dated July 6th 2017, that only indicated that Emem Eyo Iso, the child's mother was arraigned before a Magistrate's Court of Ikot Abasi Magisterial District, 'for conspiracy to wit selling of child pun. sec. 522 cc & contrary to sec31(1) pen. sec31 (b) of child Right Law of A.I State" and that the case has been adjourned to 16th August, 2017.

ILLEGAL ARREST AND TORTURE: AK High Court Slams .5 Million Naira Fine on Police

An Akwa Ibom State High Court, Sitting in Ikot Ekpene Judicial Division has awarded the sum of =N=500,000 (Five hundred thousand Naira) in favour of Mr. Nkereuwem Thomas Edet, (a.k.a. Napper) of Ikot Ambang, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, for gross violation of fundamental human right and denial of right to personal liberty and dignity of his person.

Delivering judgment in the case with suit number HT/FHR.36/2014, instituted against; Inspector Celestine Okpara (IPO-SCID-Uyo), DSP Julian Onita (OC, DS-SCID-UYO) and the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State; 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondent respectively, Justice Joy I. Unwana, declared; "that the arrest, torture and detention of the APPLICANT, NKEREUWEN THOMAS EDET  from the 4th day of July 2014, beyond the period allowed by law is unlawful and constitute a violation of APPLACANT'S right to personal liberty and right to dignity of his person."

The court also restrained the respondents from "further acts of violation of the applicant's right on account of the compliant in this suit." The Court awarded the sum of N50,000.00 (Fifty thousand Naira) against the 1st respondent in favour of Mr. Nkereuwem Edet as the cost of litigation.

Speaking with newsmen last week, Napper said he is glad that the Judiciary has lived up to expectation and has proven to remain the unbiased umpire and only hope for the common man, he particularly thanked God for seeing him through the travail and commended his legal team, friends and relatives for their support.

"I was always harassed, intimidated and molested by the police, particularly those from the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) headed by Julian; they would fabricate baseless and spurious allegations against me, arrest, torture and extort hundreds of thousands of Naira from me." he declared.

Edet, an Elder of The Mount Zion Full Gospel Church and Managing Director of St. Agnes Mortuary Services and St. Agnes Hotels Limited, both in Ikot Ambang, disclosed that he had been arrested, detained and tortured up to five times, by the police on trump up charges, said he had no choice but to seek redress in a competent court, to avoid the ceaseless invasion of his business premises and private abode and put a stop to the brutal extortion by the policemen whom he alleged took advantage of his physical disability.