₦airaland Forum

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the freezing of a bank account belonging to a former Chief of Army Staff under Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. Lt. - Gen . Kenneth Minimah ( retd . ) was dragged before Justice Gabriel Kolawole by the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over an allegation that He diverted N13.6billion belonging to the Nigeria Army into His personal bank account.
Minimah and a company, Stoke Synergy Nigeria Limited were accused of jointly actualising the financial crime. The total sum of N 13, 650, 795, 245 was allegedly diverted by the two suspects into the accounts of four other companies given by the EFCC as Gogori Bureau De Change , My Honey Oil Interbiz Limited , Gogori University Link Limited and M & M Babies Nigeria Limited .
In granting the ex parte application by the anti -graft agency, Minimah’s account with the United Bank of Africa Plc and Stoke Synergy Nigeria Limited ’s with Zenith Bank Plc were frozen.
According to Justice Kolawole, the court order will expire on September 27, 2017 but subject to renewal through an application by the EFCC.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2017/07/court-freezes-bank-account-of-jonathan.html?m=1

Ahead of today's local government election in Lagos State, a PSP truck, on Friday, crushed a Chairmanship aspirant of the Ikotun/Igando Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, to death.
He couldn’t clinch the party’s ticket at the primaries for local government elections in the state scheduled for Saturday (today). He was defeated by Hon.Chief Mrs Morenike Adesina-William.
Suanu's Blog gathered that Balogun was going to the council secretariat around 12pm on Friday, election eve, when the driver of the PSP truck lost control of the truck and rammed it into Balogun’s Toyota 4runner at Okofili Bus Stop, LASU-Isheri Road. 52-year-old Balogun died on the spot while the PSP driver fled the scene.
According to eyewitnesses, the door of the sport utility vehicle was cut with a saw before emergency officials could extricate his body.
He is survived two wives and four children and has been buried according to Islamic rite.
It may interest you to know that the deceased, Shakiru Balogun, aka SAB, was a former Chairman, National Union of Local Government Employees of the LCDA and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2017/07/lagos-council-polls-chairmanship.html?m=1

The Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar on Thursday dissolved his cabinet , sacked the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Bello Ilelah and disengaged his Special Assistants.
This was confirmed in a statement signed by Permanent Secretary, Special Duties and Political Affairs, Malam Saidu Maikobi. According to the Statement​, the Governor directed the affected appointees to handover the affairs of their ministries to their Permanent Secretaries, latest July 21.
Similarly, the Governor also announced the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Nadada as the new SSG, while Brig-Gen Ladan Yusuf (Rtd) was retained as Special Adviser on Security.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2017/07/bauchi-governor-dissolves-state.html?m=1

The excitement of Nigerians about the most youth-friendly bill ever initiated by any parliament has finally been lost. As the bill tagged #NotTooYoungToRun that gained huge presence and support on the social media has been kicked out by the lawmakers. The bill was aimed at opening up the space for youth inclusion in politics and governance.
Reports from the just concluded joint retreat on Constitution Review held in Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos confirmed the new fate of the bill as determined by the Senate and House Committee on Constitution Review.
The bill which managed to pass through 1st and 2nd readings, was not included in the final report that was considered and adopted by the lawmakers at the Lagos retreat which held on 14 – 15 July 2017 and at such won’t be brought before the floor of both houses of the National Assembly for Nigerian lawmakers to debate and make their final decision.
Those responsible for the death of the crucial bill included 46 Senators and 49 House of Reps members as well as the Speakers of the 36 States House of Assembly.
The rejection of the bill remains shocking as it has previously enjoyed the support of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu and over 25 State Houses of Assembly Speakers.


It may interest you to know that the bill was initiated by Hon.Tony Nwulu representing Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency of Lagos State at the House of Representatives. The bill had sought to reduce the qualification into the office of President from age 40 to 30 years, the senate and governorship from 35 to 30 years and the federal and state houses of representatives/assembly from 30 to 25 years.

Below is the list of Senators and House of Reps Members who terminated the bill.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2017/07/how-nottooyoungtorun-bill-was-scuttled.html

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2017/07/salaries-of-kenyan-president-members-of.html?m=1

The salaries of Kenya’s president and MPs will be slashed after next month’s fiercely contested elections in a move aimed at reducing the wage bill in the public sector, according to a government gazette signed by the chairwoman of the independent Salaries and Remunerations Commission.
The salaries of Kenya’s parliamentarians have caused much anger over the years.
The president’s gross salary will be cut from $16,000 to $14,000 (£12,400) a month, while that of MPs will fall from $7,200 to $6,100 a month.
Some of the perks of MPs, including a car grant and an allowance for attending plenary sessions of parliament, have also been abolished.
Kenya’s MPs are said to be among the highest paid in the world, especially after their allowances are added to their salaries.
After the last election, they caused huge controversy by resisting moves to cut their salaries, and even threatened to block the passage of the national budget.
This time, it will be more difficult to do that because the commission wants the MPs, along with the president and other elected officials, to agree to the cuts before they take the oath of office, says the BBC’s Anne Soy in the capital, Nairobi.
Led by Sarah Serem, the commission set the salaries of cabinet secretaries, or ministers, at $9,240 down from $10,560.
It hopes that the salary will save Kenya $88million yearly.

A Pro-democracy Group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has alleged that over 20 former governors and deputy governors are on double pay. This allegation was contained in an open letter addressed to the ministry of justice dated 14 July 2017 and signed by SERAP executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni.
The group urged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to institute legal action to recover the dubiously earned sums of money by the former leaders who are now either senators or ministers.
SERAP explained in the letter that the former governors and deputy governors were hiding under the guise of retirement and pension laws crafted by them while in office to earn the dubious sums.
According to the letter, the list of former Governors and Deputy Governors benefiting from the crime are;
1. Senate President Bukola Saraki (Kwara)
2. Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano)
3. Kabiru Gaya (Kano)
4. Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom)
5. Theodore Orji (Abia)
6. Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa)
7. Sam Egwu (Ebonyi)
8. Shaaba Lafiagi (Kwara)
9. Joshua Dariye (Plateau)
10. Jonah Jang (Plateau)
11. Ahmed Sani Yarima (Zamfara)
12. Danjuma Goje (Gombe)
13. Bukar Abba Ibrahim (Yobe)
14. Adamu Aliero (Kebbi)
15. George Akume (Benue)
16. Biodun Olujimi (Ekiti)
17. Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe (Abia)
18. Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers)
19. Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti)
20. Chris Ngige (Anambra)
21. Babatunde Fashola (Lagos)
The group particularly urged Malami to use his ”good offices as a defender of public interest” to urgently institute appropriate legal actions to challenge the legality of states’ laws permitting former governors, who are now senators and ministers to enjoy governors’ emoluments while drawing normal salaries and allowances in their new political offices.”
It may interest you to know that SERAP is accusing the Governors and Deputy Governors to have dubiously earned up to N40 billion.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2017/07/amaechi-saraki-fashola-others-accused.html?m=1

The Peoples' Democratic Party, PDP has stated that the party won't be surprised if its sacked former National Chairman, Sen.Ali Modu Sheriff defects to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
The Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of the party, Sen.Ahmed Makarfi stated this in a recent interview that was monitored by Suanu's Blog.
According Makarfi; "Remember that Sheriff came from the APC . We won't be so surprised if he joins them . If he returns to the APC , we will also pray that those who left the PDP should return to the PDP . The equation will be balanced"
He further stated that despite allegations of financial misappropriations against Sheriff, the party was not going to probe Him.
Recall that the PDP under Makarfi had few days ago offered general amnesty to Sheriff and His loyalists who rebelled against the party and caused its 24 months fatal crises. Sheriff had also rejected the amnesty insisting that they aren't criminals.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2017/07/sheriff-may-defect-to-apc-soon-makarfi.html?m=1

There was a mild drama at the secretariat of Rivers State Government as Rivers state Head of Service, Mr . Rufus Godwin acting on the order of the State Governor, Nyesom Wike barred the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr . Ayuba Wabba from entering the premises.
It was gathered that to prevent the proposed meeting between Comrade Ayuba Wabba and Rivers State Workers, private security men were sent to man the main gate to the secretariat.
This followed an earlier dismantling of the rostrum put in place for Wabba to address the workers in their secretariat by a group of persons led by the same state Head of Service.
The workers were said to have waited for the arrival of the NLC helmsman only to discover that he was not allowed to come in.
Having noticed that some of the workers desperately wanted to hear from him , Wabba exchanged pleasantries with them and beckoned on them to meet him at the state secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Moscow Road , close to the Rivers State Secretariat .
Narrating the incident, a worker at the secretariat complex said "When the Head of Service dismantled the rostrum already fixed for the NLC President to address the workers, it was then that we realised that there was fire on the mountain.
“ All the workers came out to see what was going to happen and when the NLC President finally came , the security man locked the gate and ran away. We have a lot of issues to address, but they don’ t want the man ( Wabba ) to meet us .
“ The government is the one playing politics with the people’ s welfare, but whatever happens , the NLC President must address the workers ; nobody will stop it. ”
Labour Unions in Rivers State have been at loggerheads with the State Government over unfriendly labour policies. But the State Governor refused to address their grievances. This has led to the factionalisation of Labour in the state.
Reacting to the incident, the State Governor, Nyesom Wike was quoted to have said "Civil servants are the problem of Rivers State...go to the State Secretariat by 8:30 in the morning, you will not see up to 40% of the civil servants. Go back by 3 o'clock, they would have all vanished. If they don't get alert at the end of the month, you will see them under the trees around the Secretariat saying, "we will go on strike". What kind of people are that?
They are not working...ghost names everywhere...in fact, I will do another biometric... I don't believe in the last biometric...that one is zero..."

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2017/07/drama-as-wike-unleashes-terror-on-nlc.html?m=1

Having sex at least once a week slows ageing in women - even if they do not enjoy being intimate, new research reveals. Being active between the sheets increases the length of women's telomeres, a study found.
These 'cap' the end of Deoxy Nucleic Acid (DNA)/genetic material strands, with longer lengths being associated with slower ageing, longer lifespans and improved overall health.
Women's telomeres lengthen with regular love making regardless of whether they are sexually satisfied in their relationship, the research adds. Researchers believe sex may aid ageing in women by dampening stress and boosting their immune system.
Regular sex really is the best medicine for preventing life-threatening heart disease – if you are a man, scientists found last month. Researchers from the University of California in San Francisco analyzed physical intimacy, as well as partner support or conflict, overall relationship satisfaction and stress in 129 mothers in long-term relationships.
Blood samples were taken from the study's participants to determine their telomere length. The study was conducted over one week. Results revealed that women who had sex at least once during the study's one-week duration had significantly longer telomeres.
Relationship satisfaction, stress and partner support or conflict had no impact on telomere length. The findings were published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2017/07/why-women-must-have-sex-at-least-once.html?m=1

Hello Peeps,
I need a graphic expert that can design a logo for a blog.
It should be cool and attractive and with a colour combination that blends nicely with that of the blog.
If you are interested, simply send a mail to princeworldwide@gmail.com indicating how much you would want to be paid and samples of previous logos you have designed in the past.
Thanks

The federal Government has cautioned beneficiaries of its social investment programme popularly called N-Power against falling for false and fraudulent reports circulating especially in the Social Media that new applications are now being received on the N-Power portal. This was contained in a disclaimer statement issued on the portal of the programme.

The statement equally warns beneficiaries against giving out vital personal information such as BVN, Account Number among others to any body as such reports are not from the Presidency.

While urging beneficiaries to ignore such reports emanating from fake sources and outlets, the statement reiterated that bonafide sources of information from the presidency and FG include (http://npvn.npower.gov.ng, http://npower.gov.ng), selection@npower.gov.ng or the relevant Focal Persons appointed by each of the 36 States and the FCT.

Potential applicants are therefore advised to remain calm as the date for commencement of the next batch of volunteers for the N-Power program will be announced on http://npvn.npower.gov.ng and http://npower.gov.ng

It might interest you to know that the Buhari administration has so far allocated N500 billion each in the 2016 and 2017 budgets to the Special Intervention programme consisting of the Home-grown School Feeding Programme, Government Economic Empowerment programme, Npower Job Creation Programme to provide loans for traders and artisans, Conditional Cash Transfers to the poorest families and the new Family Homes Fund (social housing scheme).

Source: http://www.versatilereporters.com/2017/03/fg-warns-n-power-beneficiaries-against.html

No doubt President Buhari isn't strong enough to return to Nigeria to carry on the duties of his office.
But due to the tension that his absence and the secrecy surrounding his ill-health has created,the cabal of the presidency are in a desperate move to smuggle the president into the country.
They believe that the presence of the President back at home may reduce the rumuors and tension.
But in my opinion this move is chiefly driven by greed of a few privileged ones around our President.
It is a common knowledge that African Leaders never resign except through the instrumentality of death.
I love President Buhari and I wish him long life and good health but i want him to disappoint the generalized African Leaders excessive love for power.
He should make his health a priority.
It will be more honourable for him to be referred to as a former president of Nigeria than a late Nigerian Leader.
To this end, I am advising President Buhari to honourably resign and handover power officially to His Vice.
This move i know will surely provoke the north as their eight years tenure will again be interrupted like in the days of Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.
Yes, a northerner will be appointed as a vice to Prof.Yemi Osinbajo but this won't appease the north in anyway.
There is also the fear of the Tinubu-evil-influence in an Osinbajo-led presidency that may even lead to more crises in the APC.
Another cause for concern is the crave for an Igbo Presidency in 2023 which will automatically be disrupted if Buhari resigns and returns power to the West..
Above all, will the New Nigeria that Buhari has so far been working to achieve remain sustainable?
Can Osinbajo continue with the anti-corruption and anti-terrorism wars?
Can Osinbajo address the inequality and marginalization issues bedeviling the country?
Can He take the urgent bold steps to get our economy right?
Be it as it may, let this London Recreational Trip with our money in this recession END.
If President Buhari isn't healthy enough to return soon,LET HIM RESIGN in the overall interest of Nigeria.
#BitterTruthSeries

Comr.Suanu Prince Pyagbara
A Political Analyst Wrote From Port-Harcourt

This is Gov.Wike of Rivers State at a PDP event with a machete.
What was He telling his party men and supporters with a violence tool?
Was He simply leading them by example?
What's your best caption for this strange photo.

The bid by Governor Aminu Tambuwal to stop a
suit challenging the propriety of his nomination as
candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC for
the 2015 governorship election in Sokoto state has
been struck out by the Supreme Court.
The apex court ruled on Tuesday that the
nomination of Tambuwal by his party should be
challenged by another governorship aspirant, Umaru Dahiru, on the ground that he has sufficient justifiable cause.
A five-man panel of Supreme Court Justices, in a
unanimous decision, averred that to agree with
Tambuwal that the primary election that produced
him cannot be challenged by another governorship aspirant amounts to allowing the murder of democracy by the Governor.
The Supreme Court, in a lead judgement by Justice
Musa Mohammed, read by Justice Chima Nweza,
set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal that
the court action instituted by Dahiru against Tambuwal had been overtaken by events on the strength of the election of the governor.
It stated that the appeal court erred in law by
holding that the event had overtaken the case
simply because the governorship election had been
conducted after the primary election.
The apex court therefore ordered a Federal High
Court in Abuja to retry the case on its merit and
make decision as demanded by law. On this score,
the Federal High Court will now determine the
matter on its merit as ordered by the Supreme
Court.
Dahiru had challenged the conduct of the primary
election that produced Tambuwal as the APC
flagbearer on the ground that it was fraught with
fraud because the original list of delegates for primary election was purportedly swap in favour of Tambuwal.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2017/01/2015-apc-primary-election-tussle.html?m=1

The controversial governor of Ekiti State,
Mr.Ayodele Fayose has expressed disappointment
at the mere redeployment of Nigeria's most
controversial Judge, Justice Okon Abang of the
Federal High Court. Fayose insisted that the likes of
Abang deserve to have been outrightly sacked and
not transferred.
According to Fayose, “for a judge like Okon Abang,
whose judgements were described as fraudulent
and rape on democracy by Justices of the Appeal
Court, what he deserved is outright sack, not
transfer.
“If the appellate court could go to the extent of
saying that he (Abang) embarked on a wild goose
chase, spoke from both sides of his mouth and
acted like Father Christmas, in saner climes, such a
judge does not deserve a place in the judiciary.
“To us, Justice Abang is nothing but a cancer that
is capable of destroying the judiciary and by
extension the entire country if he is allowed to
continue as a judge. He should be shown the exit
door from the judiciary.’’
Versatile Reporters recalls that Justice Okon
Abang was among ten other Judges transfered to
different Federal High Courts across the country
recently.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2017/01/redeployment-of-justice-okon-bang-is.html?m=1

The umbrella body of notable Ex-militant Leaders in the Nigeria’s South – South geopolitical zone, the National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, NCNDE-A, has
condemned what it described as Asari Dokubo’s tirades against President Muhammadu Buhari, accusing him of
being behind the blood thirsty Boko Haram insurgents saying; Asari Dokubo knows as well as every other Nigerians that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, under former President Goodluck Jonathan, funded the insurgents against the Nigerian state using it as an ATM machine to fleece the national treasury adding that Dokubo was one of the beneficiaries of the immediate past regime.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja over the weekend, the Coalition through its national President, Israel Akpodoro, lampooned Dokubo who is the Coordinator, Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, NDPVF, saying he’s paranoid because President Buhari has disappointed "Jonathan’s bootlickers” in the Delta Niger region who thought he won’t make headway in the region but has been able to open a new vista of development in the region.
The statement challenged Dokubo to name the achievements of his kinsman when he was in power other than brigandage, corruption of immeasurable proportion, oil bunkery, Kidnapping, gangsterism and gross official recklessness asking him – Dokubo to name the source of his wealth. “Who is Asari Dokubo? Where’s he coming from and does he do for a living? I know him as a dummy, unserious character who talks from both sides of his mouth, good at grandstanding and demagogry. We know him as one of the major forces who derailed Jonathan’s administration.”
In the contrary, the Coalition stated that President Buhari has shown his leadership qualities as a visionary leader and in clinical efficiency in less than two year has been able defeat the dreaded Boko Haram, NDA and other ethnic militias founded by Jonathan to thwart the efforts of the current administration.
While Jonathan held sway, the Urhobo-born pro Buhari ex-militant said the Boko Haram enterprise flourished like any blue chip industry with his Fat belly army of corrupt security chiefs smiling to the banks on daily basis at the detriment of the people and security. Weapons were procured for the insurgents by agents of state to prolong the war for officials of that unfortunate government to enrich themselves.
“In the Niger Delta, Jonathan and his kinsmen flourished in the business of oil and gas bunkery, sea piracy and sundry crimes in the region. In the thieving mechandise, the then Vice President and other senior officials of that government were all involved. We are unmindful of the fact that Jonathan led the worst government in the history of Nigeria.
Dokubo should cover his head in shame.” The die-hard Buhari supporter stated.
Akpodoro who described Dokubo as a dummy says he knows nothing other than criminalities and flippancy especially when he is broke added that, Nigerians are
witnesses to the fact that Dokubo was one of Jonathan’s attack dogs against President Buhari adding that he –Dokubo before and after the Presidential election not only threatened to cause chaos if Buhari won the election but went ahead to call on ex-militants to return to the creeks at a meeting in Yenagoa under the Chairmanship of governor Seriake Dickson, with senior officials of the then Jonathan’s administration in attendance.
Rather than dish out lies in the name of freedom of speech, Akpodoro alleged that Dokubo is one of the overseers of the notorious rag-tag ethnic militia; the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA who he said was founded by Jonathan and the PDP to sabotage oil and gas facilities in the Delta in vengeance for “his humiliation” at the polls adding that recent developments have shown that the Avengers are tied to the apron string of the former president, Chief E.K. Clark…With Dokubo and Government Ekpemukpolo, a.k.a Tompolo as field commanders.
“Aren’t these people ashamed that on assumption of office President Buhari commenced the clean up of Ogoni land a project that didn’t make sense to Jonathan while he held sway. Today, the second Niger bridge is under construction as against the bait status accorded it by the lip service regime of Jonathan. If Avengers come out to bomb a single pipeline this coalition shall recommend Odi treatment in such area.”
The Coalition further queried the moral rectitude under which Dokubo calls out the President at will without recourse to the honour and respect that goes with the office of a President of the federal Republic warning that should he be arrested, he should know that he may not be lucky like he was when in the gulag under the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, saying he has shown enough disrespect for the office of the President of the federal Republic of Nigeria.
Akpodoro called on security agencies to go after Dokubo to forestall further reckless vilification of the president if only to put an end to incessant calls for war questioning the rationale behind the call on the people of Southern Kaduna to take arms in vengeance adding that the people of southern Kaduna are peace loving and won’t heed a call for war by a mere miscreant, someone with unfortunate history of demagogry and criminal grandstanding noting that allowing Dokubo to carry on unchallenged means encouraging more reckless attacks on the president and by extension insulting the sensibilities of the Nigerian people.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2017/01/asari-dokubo-and-pdp-funding-boko-haram.html

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and former Local Government Chairman in Rivers State, High Chief Cassidy Ikegbidi has officially defected to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state.
High Chief Cassidy Ikegbidi who served as Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State under the Chibuike Rotimi administration and leader of the APC in His LGA before his defection was welcomed in a mini rally which held at his Ihugbogo community on Saturday.
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Barr.Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, and State Party Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah were among other party stalwarts that graced the occasion.
The Governor in his speech thanked the former LGA boss for leaving the APC, Nigeria's ship of deception and joining his development driven party. He promised to finish three major roads in Ahoada East LGA before the state jubilee celebration in
May and also rehabilitate the County High School, Ahoada.
The state party Chairman of PDP Bro Felix Obuah who received the defector praised him for his right decision to return home as a prodigal who was previously deceieved, He assured him and his followers that they would be integrated and carried along in the PDP.
In his speech, High Chief Cassidy Ikegbidi said he left the APC due to the uninspirational leadership style of the State APC under the current Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi as well as to contribute to the development strides of the Wike administration in the state. He further stated that while his area was abandoned by the Amaehi administration, Gov.Wike has massively developed his area even with the little resources accruing to the state now. He pledged his unalloyed support and loyalty to the Nyesom Wike administration.
Meanwhile the State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Rivers State, Chris Finebone has expressed mixed feelings at the defection of High Chief Cassidy Ikegbidi . Speaking with Versatile Reporters in Port Harcourt, Finebone said High Chief Cassidy Ikegbidi was one of the wolves in APC whose exit will end in the best interest of the party. He said High Chief Cassidy Ikegbidi is a fair-weathered politician who can not stand the test of time and integrity. "The defection of High Chief Cassidy Ikegbidi is not a total surprise to the APC. We had confirmed reports that He was already romancing with the devil before now. Since He has chosen to dine and wine with the devil, We can't but wish him well. What do you expect from wavering individuals in a state where over 2000 members of the opposition have been beheaded. I am sure High Chief Cassidy Ikegbidi may have chosen this sad path to safe his head. Only courageous men have what it takes to stand the wicked trends that have bedeviled the state under the Wike administration. But we are optimistic that this time shall pass and the glory of Rivers State shall be restored" He stated.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2017/01/apc-chieftain-defects-to-pdp-in-rivers.html

The Rivers state Governor, Barr.Nyesom Wike has described the sack of six Police officers in the state, as a “sad development
for Professionalism in the Nigerian Police force”.
According to a statement released by the state spokesman, Dr Austin Tam-George: “these officers committed no crime, other than stopping a carefully planned assassination attempt on the life of Governor Wike.
“The officers are the latest victims of the medieval authoritarianism of the APC government that seems to lurch blindly in the miasma of its own incompetence.
“We urge Nigerians to demand the immediate reinstatement of these officers, and for the Inspector General of Police to allow an independent inquiry.
“The APC government has never hidden it’s desperation to overrun Rivers State, colonise its people and loot the treasury of the state, but the Rivers people have seen
the face of the Lord, and will spare no sacrifice as we resist the satanic agenda of the APC government”.
Briefing journalists at a news conference in Abuja, the Force spokesman, Mr Don Awunah, said the dismissed officers acted contrary to the laws that ought to have
guided their conduct during the December 10 rerun election.
According to him, the decision to expel the officers from the force is coming after the accused were investigated by the internal investigative and disciplinary committee.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2017/01/sacked-police-officers-victims-of-apcs.html

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has called on the Nigerian Police to inform the world how and where the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was murdered during the rerun legislative elections, instead of trying to cover obvious facts.
The governor also wondered why the police have refused to make public the communication that an APC chieftain and Former Commissioner of Power, Mr Augustine Kachi Nwokocha had with the killers before the DSP was brutally murdered.
Governor Wike spoke on Thursday when he granted audience to the management of Independent Newspapers Limited at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
He said: "The police should let the world know where the DSP was killed? What is the polling unit where he was killed?
The former commissioner of power who was mentioned by the killers, has he been questioned?
"Where is the call log of that former commissioner as communicated with the killers? Have they checked the discussions between the Commissioner and the arrested killers?
"They know the truth, but they want to cover a lot of things.
The Army announced that they recovered the uniforms from the forest, was there a polling unit in the forest?".
He noted that the steps being taken to blackmail the state government will fail because the Rivers people cannot be cowed.
He appealed to journalists to always defend the truth and speak out regularly.
He said: "The survival of democracy to a large extent depends on a vibrant media. Certain things happening in the country must be made public by the media ".
On the award of the "Man of the Year 2016" by the Independent Newspapers Limited, Governor Wike dedicated the award to God and the people of the state.
He said: "When you have the opportunity to serve and make a difference, excuses will not be tolerated by the people.
That is why we are committed to the development of the state ".
Earlier, the Managing Director of Independent Newspapers Limited, Mr Ted Iwere informed that the Editorial Board and Board of Editors of Independent Newspapers Limited resolved to honour Governor Wike as the Man of the Year
2016 for his sterling performance in the areas of infrastructure, human capital development and internal revenue generation.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2017/01/govwike-accepts-man-of-year-2016-award.html

Zambia has made a provision in the country's
labour law that allows female workers to take off
one day a month known as Mother's Day during their menstruation period, even though it applies to all women, whether or not they have children.
The legal definition is not precise - women can take
the day when they want and do not have to provide
any medical justification, leading some to question the
provision.
"I think it's a good law because women go through
a lot when they are on their menses [periods]," says
Ndekela Mazimba, who works in public relations in an
interview with BBC.
Ms Mazimba is neither married nor does she have
children but she takes her Mother's Day every
month because of her grueling period pains.
"You might find that on the first day of your
menses, you'll have stomach cramps - really bad
stomach cramps. You can take whatever painkillers but end up in bed the whole day.
"And sometimes, you find that someone is irritable
before her menses start, but as they progress, it
gets better. So, in my case, it's just the first day to
help when the symptoms are really bad."
Women in Zambia do not need to make prior
arrangements to be absent from work, but can
simply call in on the day to say they are taking
Mother's Day.
An employer who denies female employees this
entitlement can be prosecuted.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2017/01/zambia-grants-mentrual-monthly-holiday.html?m=1

The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has
uncovered a plot by the Rivers State Governor,
Nyesom Wike, to disrupt machinery of governance
in strategic Federal Government agencies.
In a statement signed by Tony Opuiyo, the DSS
alleged that the governor planned to provoke a
violent breach of peace in the Federal Capital
Territory (FCT), Abuja, on Thursday, December 22,
2016 and beyond, especially during the yuletide.
They accused the Governor of having secured the
services of a National Assembly staff to mobilize
some hoodlums to execute the plan.
Part of the statement reads: “The aim of the plot is
to cause mayhem, a complete breakdown of law
and order and cast the security agencies and the
Federal Government in bad light.
“It is also intended to divert public and international
attention from the ongoing Police investigation into
the unwholesome role played by the Governor and
some of his cronies in the violence that trailed the
re-run election in Rivers State which resulted in the
gruesome murder of civilians including the
beheading of DSP Mohammed Alkali and some of
his colleagues as well as the brutalization of INEC
staff who failed to do the bidding of the Governor.
“In furtherance of this plot, protesters are to besiege
the National Human Rights Commission,
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),
National Assembly, the Nigerian Army and Police
Headquarters as well as British High Commission,
US Embassy and the UN Secretariat, Abuja; all in an
effort to raise false alarm that Rivers State was
under siege of security agencies during the
elections.
“While the obvious aim is to draw public sympathy
and international attention to spurious allegations
of involvement of Federal agencies in violence
during the last elections in Rivers State, the actual
objective is really to trigger a round of violent action
against the government and create opportunity for
idlers to join the deceitful protest.
“Part of the orchestration is to provoke the security
agencies and prompt them to take action against
the protesters that could result in bloodletting.”
False And Baseless Alarm
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has
described the statement by the DSS as a “false and
baseless alarm”.DSS Accuses Gov. Wike Of Plans
To Disrupt Governance
The Commissioner for Information and
Communication in Rivers State, Dr. Austin Tam-
George, in a swift reaction said: “It is an
irresponsible scaremongering by an agency that
seems bent on a mission to blackmail the governor
of Rivers State, and bring the state government into
disrepute.
“Governor Wike is a man of peace, and would never
orchestrate disturbances in any part of the country.
“The Rivers State Government challenges the DSS
to leave Governor Wike alone, and instead focus
their operational attention on the Boko Haram
insurgency that has killed over 70, 000 people, and
displaced 6 million Nigerians , in the past six years.
“The government and people of Rivers State will
never succumb to cheap blackmail by the DSS, or
any federal agency by whatever name.”
No Amount Of Intimidation
The DSS had similarly vowed in the same statement
that it “and in fact other security agencies, will not
be cowed, or by any means allow any person or
group of persons no matter how highly placed to
subvert Nigeria’s statutory institutions meant to
protect critical installations and law abiding
citizens.
“In this regard, the Service also states in
unequivocal terms that no amount of intimidation,
grandstanding or outright manipulation of facts will
be allowed to stop it and other agencies from
conducting their duties as constitutionally
mandated or concluding investigations into the
Rivers State electoral violence.
“Finally, the Service wishes to restate its
commitment to the protection of life and property in
the FCT in particular and Nigeria in general.
Consequently, it advises youths to resist the
temptation of being lured by desperate politicians to
undermine the government or engage in acts
capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.
“It calls on all Abuja residents to go about their
normal businesses as the Service is committed to
ensuring that the full wrath of the law is brought
against persons or group of persons who may
threaten the peace and stability of the country.”

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/12/govwike-has-recruited-hoodlums-to.html?m=1

As the yuletide draws close, Nigerians have been thrown into panic following a report that Plastic Rice have been smuggled into the country.

WHAT IS PLASTIC RICE?


Plastic Rice is made by forming potatoes and sweet potatoes into regular rice grains shape, then adding industrial synthetic resins.

WHERE IS IT MANUFACTURED?

China has been routinely caught producing fake plastic rice for years now. Sometimes the rice is also made from potatoes to mimic rice. These fake rice grains look exactly like rice but remain hard after cooking. Other countries rumored for producing Plastic Rice include India, Singapore, Japan and Indonesia.

DANGERS OF CONSUMING PLASTIC RICE

Eating 3 bowls of plastic rice is roughly equivalent to eating 1 plastic bag. The ingestion of plastic is incredibly dangerous, potentially causing a multitude of problems throughout the digestive system.
Much of the resin is eliminated through the digestive tract but the body’s cells are permeable and the risk of poisoning from known carcinogens BPA and phthalates in plastic is very real. Both of the chemicals found in plastics are hormone disruptors, affecting testosterone levels and reproductive development.
There are no immediate side effects of plastic rice but if small quantities are consumed over a period of time it can affect the endocrine system, causing hormonal changes and also might lead to liver cancer. Dr Ananda Kumar, chief surgical gastroenterologist at Sunshine Hospital, India, said, “Foreign particles like plastic will create absorption issues. The cells in the large intestine are not able to absorb the food consumed as they become weak and that leads to deficiency. Adulteration of food is one of the major causes for this kind of problem.” Experts say that the invasion of plastic into foods is one of the causes for early advent of diseases.

HOW TO DETECT PLASTIC RICE

Sadly this rice can’t be identified when raw. But it can be recognized after cooking as it is thick and hard. Also, a sheet of plastic forms on the sides of the cooking vessel. The following are concrete ways to identify plastic rice:

1. Water Test: Get a glass of cold water, pour a tablespoon of raw rice in the glass and stir. If the rice goes to the bottom, it is all good. If it floats at the top, it means it contains ‘plastic rice’.
2. When molding a few grains of rice with a mortar and pestle, if the powder gives a quite white colour, it’s fit for consumption but if it has a yellow discoloration, it is fake.
3. Boiling test: Observe the rice while boiling. If it starts forming a thick layer at the top of the pot, it is plastic rice.
4. Hot oil test: Take some of the rice drop into some real hot oil, it will melt or stick together or stick at the bottom of the pan if it is fake.
5. Fire test: Get a lighter and burn a handful of rice – If it catches fire and smells like burnt plastic, it is fake.
6. Mold test: Boil the rice and leave it in a warm place for like 2-3 days. If mold does not appear in a few days, the rice is fake. It will not get mold because plastic is not affected by the weather or temperature.

These tricks are very simple and easy even you can try at home. You can find out fake rice very easily. You do not need any chemicals while testing the plastic rice. Stay Health This Christmas.

Source:
http://www.versatilereporters.com/2016/12/all-you-need-to-know-about-plastic-rice.html

A young man from Bodo City, in Gokana Local Government in Rivers State known as Comrade Mbari John aka Musa who was shot dead during the December 10 legislative rerun elections in Rivers State has been laid to rest.

Versatile Reporters gathered conflicting reports regarding the circumstances under which the victim died. PDP members in Rivers State blamed his death as well as other members of the party during the rerun polls on men of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad believed to have been working for the APC during the election.

Meanwhile supporters of the APC who also spoke to Versatile Reporters revealed that the victim was killed in the process of snatching electoral materials during the December 10 polls.

Source: http://www.versatilereporters.com/2016/12/graphic-pdp-member-shot-during-rivers.html

It’s early Christmas for civil servants in Cross River State as Governor Ben Ayade paid December salary yesterday.
Governor Ayade at a retreat for political appointees at the Obudu Ranch Resort gave a hint that the December salary would be paid on the first day of the month. Yesterday, he fulfilled that promise as workers got “alerts” of salary payment from their banks.
In May, salaries were paid on the first day to mark Workers’ Day. And last month, salaries were paid on
November 15.
Some workers expressed delight at the early payment of salary ahead of the yuletide, especially as the state got zero allocation from the Federation Account this month.
Ayade said on early payment of salary: “Any governor can pay salary on the 25th of every month. For me, that is not what I like because it is not challenging. It is nothing extraordinary.”
He urged workers to be prudent on how they spend their salary.
He however promised “to be there should you run into any financial difficulty before end of January.”


Source: http://www.versatilereporters.com/2016/12/cross-river-governor-pays-december.html

The Governor-elect of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN on Wednesday received his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Akeredolu was accompanied to the event which was held at the INEC headquarters in Akure, the state capital by his wife, Betty.

Other dignitaries at the event include the State Chairman of the party, Mr. Isaac Kekemeke, his deputy, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, former deputy governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, Director-General of Akeredolu’s campaign platform, Hon. Victor Olabimtan, Femi Agagu, Hon. Kehinde Henry Bello, Oladunni Odu among others.

Akeredolu, said the victory is not for him or APC alone but for the good people of the state.

He said “it is a victory for the people of Ondo State, irrespective of which side of the divide you stood during the election.

“For me it is a call to service and a challenge to perform. Although we all had different point of view before the election but today, as members of one strong, vibrant and indivisible Ondo State family, we are all united and resolute with one single objective to save our beloved state.

“I cannot thank enough, my fellow compatriots during this election, who had a separate conviction and voted elsewhere.

“They took the guts to answer the call of democracy to make a choice. I believe it is these resounding voices that have created this worthy moment which is making this victory real and refreshing.”

“With this new dawn, it is now time to rediscover and reinvent ourselves. It is time to find what we lost, to rescue this land and its people from the myriad of poverty and pains which daily assail their lives.

“As patriots, it is now time to unit and revamps our fortunes. As governor, we will take deliberate and decisive steps to optically harness our overall potential for greatness, prosperity, peace and stability”

The governor, however commended the INEC and the security agencies for organising what he described as most credible, transparent, free and fair election.

Source: http://www.versatilereporters.com/2016/11/ondo-governor-elect-receives.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the removal of the Director General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC),Mrs. Sally Mbanefo.

The Nation reports that the Director General has been asked to handover the affairs of NTDC to the next most senior officer.

The removal of the Chief Executive was contained in a November 27, 2016 letter which was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. Babachir David Lawal.
The letter was titled “Notification of de-secondment from the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).
The letter reads: “I refer to the attached letter, Ref. No. SGF.6/S.23/1/568 of 8th October, 2013 in respect of your secondment from the Keystone Bank Limited to serve as Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) for a period of two years with effect from 6th May 2013.

You may note from the foregoing that the period of your secondment at the corporation had since lapsed on 5th May 2016.

Consequently, you are to handover the affairs of the corporation to the most senior officer on or before Wednesday, 30th November, 2016.”

Source: http://www.versatilereporters.com/2016/11/president-buhari-sacks-ntdc-dg-mrs.html

The National leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has sent a congratulatory message to the Governor elect of Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on his election in last Saturday’s guber poll.
Tinubu, in a statement signed by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, congratulated Akeredolu and the people of Ondo State.

The statement reads: ‘Following the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with regard to the governorship elections in Ondo State,

‘I extend congratulations to Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN on the outcome of the election and for his perseverance and persistence in seeking that office.

‘I must also congratulate the people of Ondo State for their generally exemplary conduct on election day and for demonstrating their will to shun the regressive politics of yesterday by returning to the progressive brand of politics that has been the trademark of the people of that state.

‘I congratulate all party members in the state, particularly the party leadership in the Southwest.’ He stated.

Tinubu also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, the national leader of the party,’ whose stature and dignity helped guide the APC to another victory that should advance the progressive aims of the party and the people.’

He, however said that the election has been had and held but that now is the time that all must work for the continued development, prosperity and peace of your state and the country.

He appealed to all party members including those who have been disaffected from the primary until now to come together for the good of the party and it’s progressive ideals.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/11/ondo-poll-tinubu-congratulates-ondo.html

With the trouncing of Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] in the governorship election in Ondo State Saturday, the Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, is asking the governor of Rivers State to immediately retrieve and return the sum of N2bn of Rivers money he donated to the Ondo State branch of the PDP.

Making the demand Sunday afternoon was the Rivers State Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress, APC, Senibo Chris Finebone while addressing APC supporters in Port Harcourt shortly after the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) announced Chief Rotimi Akeredolu of the APC as the winner of the 2016 Ondo governorship election.

“It is unfortunate that Gov. Nyesom Wike is still playing Father Christmas with the commonwealth of Rivers people for his personal egoistic political voyage despite that the governor has cancelled hundreds of overseas scholarships and the students repatriated home among other important programmes. Agriculture is in its worst state since Rivers State was created. Songhai Farm is gone; the Banana Farm at Tai is gone; RSSDA is now a ghost of its former self with the staff owed 17 months salaries. The various fish farms at Buguma, Andoni and other places that provided jobs for thousands of Rivers people are now history.

“It saddens the heart that our governor prefers to neglect important matters calling for attention at home but rather lavish our commonwealth on his personal political pursuits. Can you imagine that Gov. Nyesom Wike willingly donated a whopping N2bn to the Ondo State chapter of the PDP? It is horrible, mind-boggling and indefensible.

“Just like in the case of Edo, the PDP has lost and the governor should not wait to be reminded to return the N2bn back to the treasury of Rivers State immediately,” Finebone demanded.

Continuing, the APC Spokesman lambasted the governor for wasting the resources of the people on matters concerning the PDP rather than concentrate on frugally applying the state’s resources to the needs of the people of Rivers State.

“Whereas the PDP has states like Akwa Ibom and Delta that collect high monthly federal allocations, it is only Gov. Wike that plays the party’s godfather. So far, he has wasted billions of Naira hosting two failed national conventions of the PDP in Port Harcourt. He has profligately donated billions of Naira belonging to Rivers people to faraway Bayelsa, Edo and Ondo PDP chapters for purposes of elections while medical workers, pensioners and teachers are owed back home.

“Is it that Rivers State has been conquered by a small band of buccaneers led by Gov Wike and genuine elders are keeping quiet?” Finebone queried.

The APC Spokesman warned that if the governor did not return the N2bn he gave out to Ondo PDP, he will be forced to do so at the appropriate time.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/11/rivers-apc-urges-govwike-to-return-n2b.html

KingBelieve:
The party he wanted to force down our throat in Bayelsa have suspended him.
A fight against Jonathan is a fight against one's conscience

That isn't true
Frank never supported the APC in his state especially during the guber race becos of His hatred for Sylva

Few hours to the Ondo Governorship election and despite a restoration of the candidature of its perceived widely accepted candidate, Mr.Eyitayo Jegede by the Courts, members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP have continued to decamp enmass from the party in different parts of the state.
The latest is the defection of Dr. Bode Iwaloye from the PDP to the APC. According to a press statement by the Secretary of the Communication Directorate of Rotimi Akeredolu Campaign Organisation, Kunle Adebayo, "Dr. Iwaloye ,an astute politician with vast experience in political organisation and community development is a dependable election winning machine with clear and sterling records of performance and relevance."
Dr.Iwaloye said it was time he opted out of the PDP which has now become “a moral degenerate and an opposition to the people”. He said he took the decision to save his people from "the embarrassment of avoidable servitude and permanent redundancy"
Mr.Kunle welcomed Dr. Iwaloye to the APC urging him to work with other esteemed leaders of the party in Akoko South West local government to deliver for the APC and by extension install Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as Governor of Ondo state.
According to Mr.Kunle "This laudable and courageous act is coming on the heels of the defection of serving Senator Yele Omogunwa from PDP to APC.
Dr. Iwaloye has now been admitted into this party with the full rights and privileges.
We congratulate him for taking the right decision".
Meanwhile, as it appears INEC may have completely ignored calls for the postponement of the poll, it is unclear whether the fortunes of incumbency will favour Gov.Mimiko's anointed candidate in the crucial poll scheduled for Saturday.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/11/ondo-2016-drbode-iwaloye-dumps-pdp-for.html

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that
it has accepted the recommendation of the Zonal
Executive Committee of the party (South-South
Zone) which was set up to investigate allegations
levelled against its suspended deputy publicity
secretary, Comrade Timi Frank after a petition was
written against him by a member of the party from
Akwa Ibom State.
The party further stated that Comrade Timi Frank
has expelled himself from the party, having the
party to court which is against its constitution.
The APC deputy national secretary, Hon. Oji Ngofa
stated this on Wednesday while briefing journalists
at the National Headquarters of the party in Abuja.
According to him, Article 13, Section 5 of the party’s
constitution states that any member that takes the
party to court is automatically expelled.
Timi Frank took the National Leadership of APC to
court to challenge his suspension by the South
South Zonal Committee of the party.
He was suspended on the petition of making
disparaging comments to the media about the party
leadership and his refusal to appear before the
Disciplinary Committee set up by the National Vice
Chairman South South, Prince Hilliard Eta.
Ngofa, speaking on the Frank’s suspension said,
“The position of the National Working Committee of
the party on the issue of Timi Frank, is that we have
accepted the recommendations of the zonal
committee that sat on it after reviewing the report
they gave to us yesterday.
“Timi Frank did not appear at any of the sittings he
has rather gone to court so the position is that we
will not jeopardize the matter that is in court now as
a law abiding political party; we will wait until the
court decides. But technically by Article 13 (5) of
our Constitution, he is no longer a member of the
party until the court decides otherwise because it is
stated clearly that the party will expel any member
that takes the party to court.
“So, we have taken a decision to hold on with the
report of the zonal committee and await the
decision of the court. Meanwhile the party will have
no dealings with him in line with Article 13:5of our
Constitution”.
Speaking on the powers of the Committee to
suspend him, Ngofa said, “By our Constitution, the
zonal committee has powers to look into such
issues and take decisions. The NWC is just to take
the decision to National Executive Committee, NEC
for ratification.
“The powers to ratify is not with the NWC, it is with
NEC we have acknowledged receipt of the court
documents”.
On whether the party had written Frank on his
suspension, he said, “It is not in our position to
write him. The zonal committee had done that and
any attempt for us to do so now will be over
reaching the court process. By virtue of the action
he has taken (by going to court), he has expelled
himself by virtue of Article 13(5) of our Constitution
we will not take further action until we hear from
the court”.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/11/apc-finally-expels-timi-frank.html?m=1

Rivers State Governor , Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has
declared that the leadership of the Independent
National Electoral Commission ( INEC) has handed
over original copies of result sheets to the Minister
of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi for the planned
rigging of the December 10 rerun elections .
Flagging off the construction of the Ulakwo II-
Afara--Nihi in Etche Local Government Area on
Wednesday ,Governor Wike noted that the Minister
of Transportation , Rotimi Amaechi made the
disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting of
Rivers APC leaders.
The governor said that he is possession of the
proceedings of the Abuja illegal meeting of the APC
at Abuja .
Governor Wike stated that Amaechi assured the
Rivers APC leaders at the Abuja illegal meeting that
the original result sheets supplied by INEC would be
used for the December 10 rerun elections to
facilitate victory for unpopular APC candidates .
He said : "While we are working for the people of
Rivers State to convince them to vote for us, the
APC is busy working with INEC to rig the rerun
elections .
"Amaechi told them at the illegal meeting that
Sheriff is working for them (APC ) and that they
have finished PDP . Sheriff cannot finish PDP , he
can only finish himself .
"On December 10, follow your results bumper to
bumper. Don't allow anyone to swap results . I urge
the Etche people to follow their results".
The governor informed that the Rivers APC
members who were arrested printing fake result
sheets for INEC were transferred to Zone 6 Police
Command headquarters in Calabar where
arrangements have been concluded to take them to
Abuja for the Director of Public Prosecution at the
Federal Ministry of Justice to formally release them
in line with the request of APC.
He assured the people of Etche Local Government
Area that he will stand with them to resist the
rigging of the December 10 rerun elections in the
state .
Governor Wike declared : "Tell them, INEC you
cannot rig election in Etche . Tell INEC , you cannot
support another party to rig the election. "
He added that APC has concluded plans with the
Federal Security agencies to arrest the chairman of
Etche Local Government Area , Ikwerre Local
Government Area and other leaders of the party to
create room for the rigging of the rerun elections .
On the construction of Ulakwo II-Afara-Nihi Road ,
the governor said it will be completed as scheduled
and in line with approved specifications .
He said that the Etche people were abandoned for
several years , pointing out that his administration
would always execute developmental projects in the
area.
Earlier, the State Commissioner of Works, Mr
Bathuel Iheanyichukwu said that construction of the
road will help in the rebuilding of the economy of
the area.
The flag-off of the construction Ulakwo II-Afara -
Nihi road was witnessed by elder statesmen , State
and National Assembly members , Commissioners ,
women and youth groups .

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/11/rivers-rerun-inec-has-handed-over.html?m=1