The Alternative Political Party ADOPTS DATTI BABA AHMED AS ITS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

We at People’s Trust,The Alternative Political Party,being newly registered have researched and rigorously vetted 37 Presidential aspirants from all political parties including the incumbent who has not indicated that he is fully gearing for another term. In all, we see that majority of these aspirants are the usual suspects, former Governors, former Vice Presidents, Former Military Dictators etc with huge baggage of the same old way of governance that has left our country impoverished and inching every day to the brink of disintegration. We say it is time to reverse this process. We need an intelligent leader who is completely detribalized and abreast with world best practices of leadership responsibility and responsiveness to the needs of its diverse peoples. A leader whose every action brings us closer together rather than tear us apart.

Nigeria’s democracy has come a long way from 1999; however the expectations of Nigerians have been dashed by the failure of past regimes to bring about actualization of our collective desire for Nigeria to be counted amongst the developed countries of this world. It has been an Eldorado of deceit, incompetence, corruption and broken dreams. Clearly there is a huge yearning by Nigerians for an alternative to wayo politics,genuine development and economic progress. Good and effective healthcare where Nigerians can get the kind of healthcare our political and economic leaders seek abroad. An end to the slavery of fake goods in Nigeria,A demand for free qualitative education up to the secondary school level as well as world class University education,Provision Of Pipe borne Water to every home in the 36 State Capitals and FCT,People’s Trust has 100 things that must be done in 4 years Manifesto  !!! It is our CONTRACT with Nigerians.

Peoples’ Trust has identified an aspirant who checks all the boxes amongst the multitude of aspirants that in our opinion carries the quality of new leadership that Nigeria demands at this time. We want to burst the myth that there are no Nigerians of a new generation of leaders that are good enough or prepared to take over the commanding heights of our political leadership. This aspirant has always been a good representation of his generation. At age 41, he had obtained 2 masters degrees, a Phd, served as elected Hon. Member of the House of Representatives, , Distinguished Senator, and established his own private University with over 1500 students as well as two other companies employing people from every state of Nigeria. This aspirant is Datti Baba Ahmed, DBA.

Datti Baba Ahmed has built a reputation in credibility and has been known to fearlessly speak against corruption, misgovernance and societal problems; his unquestionable credentials are only matched by his firm commitment and proven ability to deliver on promises. He is a completely detribalized Nigerian as he is at home with all, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

Presently 48, DBA is a symbolic epitome of a modest, successful and exemplary life, a proof that Nigeria can have a future with such well prepared and capable Nigerians presenting themselves for leadership position.

We at People’s Trust have identified these qualities of a detribalized Nigerian, dynamic,respect for ethnic and religious diversity, good education, entrepreneurship, a volunteer spirit and constantly being on the side of the people as the essential ingredients of the kind of leadership quality Nigeria needs today. We have gauged the expectations of Nigerians at this particular moment in our evolving history and have come to the conclusion that Datti Baba Ahmed has what it takes to be that Nigerian President who will make Nigeria turn its potentials to Greatness.

Therefore we at People’s Trust are adopting Datti Baba Ahmed as our Presidential candidate regardless of his current political Party.

In our search we found out that DBA believes the Presidency is a transformative engine to promote good and supress evil for the enonomic prosperity, social security, and political stability of Nigeria .We now solemnly adopt this first eleven Northerner as our  candidate for 2019 Presidential Election to achieve our desired noble objectives.

DBA is simply the champion of the new generation and the alternative to the criminal politics of the past .He will Fix Nigeria.

GOD BLESS NIGERIA

CHIEF ANTHONY TOSAN PREST
PROTEM NATIONAL CHAIRMAN
PEOPLE’S TRUST
www.peoplestrust.ng

Don't Take Your Faith Lightly, Dickson Tells Christians

Bayelsa State Governor, the Honorable Henry Seriake Dickson has urged Nigerians, particularly Christians to jealously cherish and guide their faith by living a Christ-like life of selfless service, sacrifice,  love and righteousness. 

The Governor in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo noted that, without the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, "our faith as Christians would have been a fallacy."  While stressing that Nigeria is presently at a cross road, the Governor  called on Bayelsans to love one another, pray fervently for the peace, prosperity and stability of the nation and sacrifice for the common good of Bayelsa State. 

Governor Dickson also solicited for the maximum cooperation of the people and leaders of Bayelsa State and the Ijaw Nation to enable his Restoration Government  consolidate on it's legacy projects in order to finish strong by 2020.                     

He said: As we celebrate Easter which of course, is the basis of our faith as Christians, I urge Nigerians, particularly Bayelsans to emulate our Lord Jesus Christ by words and deeds... We must love one another and sacrifice for the common good of Bayelsa State and Nigeria. This country is facing daunting challenges which call for fervent prayers and hard work to surmount.                        

"Our Government in the last six years, has put Bayelsa State on the path of peace and prosperity. I therefore, solicite the continued cooperation and support of leaders and the people of the state to enable our  Restoration Government consolidate on its life-changing legacy projects and finish strong."

Ba‎yelsa Govt Takes Over Care Of Pregnant Women

...Plans Summit On Maternal And Infant Mortality

…Pledges To Deliver Massively On Housing, Others 

The Bayelsa State Executive Council (SEC) says henceforth all pregnant women in the state will be given adequate attention by the government until they safely put to bed. 

This was one of the major decisions reached at the end of the 92nd meeting of the council, presided over by Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, at the Government House, Yenagoa.

The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu, who disclosed this after the meeting, said the decision was arrived at following the resolve of the government to reduce drastically cases of maternal and infant mortality in the State.  

Etebu explained that, most of the fatality cases during pregnancy and child birth could have been avoided, if the women were properly catered for and stressed that the government will provide everything they need in the state primary and tertiary health institutions. 

The Health Commissioner also announced plans to organize a one-day stakeholders’ summit on maternal and infant mortality, which will have in attendance the First Lady of the State, ‎Dr. (Mrs.) Rachael Dickson, who will lead discussions at the event. 

He said "The summit will bring together women and youth groups from the ward to the state level, practitioners in the health sector, His Excellency the Governor and the First Lady will all be there. It is going to be a major event and very soon the date and venue will be made known".

Also Speaking the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Funkazi Koroye-Crooks said, more investors will come into the state soon to take advantage of its potentials in different sectors, especially gas.

According to her, this was made possible by Gov. Dickson during his‎ presentation at the 6th edition of the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, the capital of Cote D' Voire.

She said, Dickson dazzled his audience, made up of world leaders and CEO's of renowned companies, when he highlighted the reason Bayelsa is haven for any investor and the right destination for doing business.

Koroye-Crooks noted that, the impressed audience applauded the Governor's brilliance and leadership style, just as they made huge commitments to kick start their interest to invest in Bayelsa State.  

On his part the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Julius Otele explained that, the Bayelsa State Government has approved additional funds for the building of about 130 housing units and service quarters in the state with an increase from 6.4 billion naira to 7.2 billion naira.

He revealed that, the government has commenced work at Okaka phase 3, Aleibiri, Ayama, Toru-Orua, Ekeremor, as part of measures to deliver massively on housing to Bayelsans, while the clearing of the new land acquired at Agbura has started, following the payment of compensation.

According to Mr. Otele, Governor Seriake Dickson remains committed to the provision of affordable housing for the people of the state, stressing that, the various low cost housing projects remain on course and would be completed in April.

On his part, the managing Director, Bayelsa Property and Investment Company Limited, Mr. Godwin Konyefa said, the company has the mandate to manage all the assets belonging to the state and to improve on the state’s assets base, stressing that, the housing projects would be strictly handled as investments and delivered in phases and made available to the public for purchase.

While enumerating all the decisions reached at the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson said, Bayelsans should appreciate the efforts of the government and show more support, so it can do more for them.

Iworiso-Markson vowed that, the government will fulfill most of the promises made, which will ultimately change the lives of Bayelsans and the state in general, before the expiration of its tenure in 2020.

Governor Dickson Urges Citizens To Pray For Bayelsa

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, his wife, Dr(Mrs) Rachel Dickson, the State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah Retd, and the Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson, during the March, 2018 edition of the State's Monthly Praise Night at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa.

…Says Bayelsans Should Pray Ceaselessly For Peace, Progress

Bayelsa State Governor, Honourable Seriake Dickson, has attributed the achievements of his administration in the last 6 years to God's benevolence upon the state.

The Governor made the remark, while speaking at the Bayelsa Monthly Praise Night on Wednesday, at the king of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa.

Expressing optimism that God would grant the state government the needed support to actualize its desire for the prosperity and development of the State, Governor Dickson urged Bayelsans to remain steadfast in the Lord and pray ceaselessly for the prevailing peace and progress of the state.

Governor Dickson also underscored the importance of unity, maintaining that the state government cannot not afford any distractions, especially now that the administration is consolidating on its development efforts.

He said, "For us as individuals, God will help us. Good times are expected for Bayelsa, wonderful things are here for all Bayelsans; a lot of good things, prosperity and peace will come our way.  Pray for us and pray for your state."              

In a sermon, the Chaplain of the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa, Bishop Dotimi Egbegi, who spoke on the topic, "What Do I Do, When I Don't know What To Do," urged the people to always trust in God to enable them surmount life's challenges.

Bishop Egbegi, who described God as the keeper of mankind, said the Lord is the only source of help and admonished Christians on cultivating the habit of praising God to change their situations.

Governor Dickson Woos More Investors To Bayelsa

…Says Bayelsa Is World’s Best Kept Investment Secret

The investment drive of Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has continued to yield positive results, as more investors have indicated interest in investing in the state, in Agriculture, Tourism as well as in the Oil & Gas sectors. 

This according to a press statement signed by the Governor's Chief  Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo was the outcome of Governor Dickson's presentation  at the 6th edition of the Africa Chief Executive Officers, CEO Forum currently holding in Abidjan, the capital of Cote D' Voire.

Dickson, who described Bayelsa State as world's best kept investment secret, called on African entrepreneurs to take advantage of the investment-friendly atmosphere created by his government to do business in the state, largely regarded as the epicentre of Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. 

He said his participation at the Africa CEO Forum was meant to unveil those investment secrets, by promoting the investment opportunities in the Bayelsa to the world.

The Governor said, the state is safe, peaceful and it is now ready to do business with the rest of the world, more than ever before. He said this prevailing conducive investment climate created by his Restoration Government has made investors to now have a high return on investments (ROI) in Bayelsa State.    

Speaking on the topic: "Gas, A $2000BN Opportunity," the Governor said, "Bayelsa State is synonymous with gas, because there is gas everywhere and as you all know, the history of Oil & Gas started in my state."  While stressing that, the investment potentials of the state are yet to be fully tapped, he listed Tourism, Agriculture, Gas, Deep Sea Port and Eco-Industrial Park as top areas, where his government want to partner with investors.       

To encourage investors to put their money in the Eco- Industrial Park, the Governor said, his government has acquired massive land for which compensations have been paid for and designated for the Bayelsa Eco-industrial Park. 

He said: "This implies that investors no longer need to go through the rigours of searching for land. Relevant policies have also been put in place to safeguard investors and their investments as well. Appropriate stakeholders have been engaged to stand as intermediaries between the host communities and the investors.

Bayelsa State produces over 40% of the gas produced in Nigeria, so we have gas in abundance. We have already commenced the siting of mini power plants close to the source of the gas and investors can take advantage of this huge opportunity. Bayelsa State is at peace with itself, Bayelsa State is safe, peaceful and ready to do business with the rest of the world... "

Chief amongst participants at the event are President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, President Alassane Ouattara of cote d'Ivoire and former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

Others are Stephanie von Friederberg, Chief operating officer, IFC, Akinwumi Adesina, President of Africa Development Bank, Paul Polman, CEO Unilever, Thierry Tanoh, Minister of Petroleum, Energy Development of Cote d'Ivoire, Guido Brusco, Executive Vice-President, Sub-Saharan Africa Region, Eni, Nigeria's Business magnets, Jim Ovia, Wale Tinubu and many others.

Bayelsa State: Cultists To Languish In Jail For 20 Years

To stem the menace of secret cult in Bayelsa State, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson has signed the Secret Cult, Societies and Similar Activities Prohibition Amendment Law 2018. The new law makes it mandatory for offenders to be jailed upon conviction, for not less than 20 years, without any option of fine.

Appending his signature on the amended law in Government House today, Governor Dickson noted with serious concern, the rise in cult and other related activities in the state, especially in Yenagoa and its environs, stressing that, with the amendment, the law enforcement agencies have been empowered to deal decisively with suspected cultists and their sponsors.

Governor Dickson explained that, the amendment to the law, which had existed since May, 2012, was necessitated by the urgent need to check arise in cult activities among youths. He said the amendment was necessary to give the law enforcement agencies more powers to proactively protect lives and property as well as safeguard the future of the state.

The law also empowers the Police and other law enforcement agencies to conduct search on the homes of suspected cultists and sponsors, even without warrant, while buildings and premises used for cult, activities, initiations as well as the storage of arms and dangerous weapons will be forfeited to the Government.

The law equally empowers the State Government to destroy such buildings and premises, without any compensation to its owners. While calling on landlords and property owners not to allow criminals and cultists to turn their property into centre of crime and criminality, the governor urged Bayelsans to report all suspicious and cult related activities to the appropriate authorities.

According to a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo, the Secret Cult/Societies and similar Activities Prohibition Amendment Law 2018, among other provisions stipulates that, the Police can arrest any person it suspects of involvement in cult and other related activities, without a warrant, conduct stop and search on motor vehicles, tricycle, boat or any place suspected to be used for cult and its related activities.

It also allows for the arrest of the occupier of the house or where cult activities are suspected to have taken place or about to be held.

He said: “As a government we cannot allow this ugly trend of events to continue unabated.  A situation where children below 15, 16, 17 and majority of our youth population are members of one dangerous cult group or society, where they carry guns and other dangerous weapons and shoot, maim, kill  and create insecurity in parts of the State is totally unacceptable. As a responsible government, we must put an end to this and it has to be now.’’

Responding, the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr Don Awunah said the new law puts the state on the front line of fighting cultism and cult-related activities in the country. With the amendments, he believes the police now have the comprehensive powers confront crime and criminality head-on, stressing that most crimes in the state are cult-related. 

DICKSON TASKS PRIVATE SECTOR ON SPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN BAYELSA

Gov Dickson displaying the Restoration Cup 2018 jersey presented to him by the local organising committee of the 2nd  Gov Seriake Dickson Football Tournament.

...DIRECTS COUNCILS TO SUPPORT RESTORATION CUP

Bayelsa State Governor, Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, has called on the private sector to key into his administration's commitment to promote and drive sports development in the state.

He said his government will continue to support sports since it is another area to positively engage youths in the state. 

Governor Dickson spoke in Abuja during the official presentation of the Restoration Cup 2018 branded jersey to him by Team Restoration members led by the Coordinator, Richman Ndakwe, Ono Akpe (Director General), Daniel Alabrah (Media Director) and David Nanakumo (Director, Protocol & Events). 

The governor, who was assisted by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Agbo and other key aides, said tournaments like the  Restoration Cup would help curb cultism and  youth restiveness in the state. 

He commended the organisers of the football competition and those who supported the first edition like Sterling Bank, Barr. Wilson Ajuwa, Anthony Crooks, King A.J. Turner, Hon. Mohammed Wakil as well as some of his aides.

The Bayelsa Chief Executive, who assured the organisers of government's support for this second edition, urged the private sector and other well-meaning individuals to key into the competition so as to positively engage the youths.

"Individuals and corporate bodies need to support laudable initiatives like this football tournament. Our government has put in place basic infrastructure for the development of sports in the state like the Asoama Sports Institute, reconstruction of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex and other sports facilities across the state. I hope the private sector keys into such projects to ensure optimal utilisation for the benefit of the youths of Bayelsa," he said.

The Countryman Governor, as he is fondly called, said he directed the organisers to make this year's edition a community based tournament so that it would engender peaceful and harmonious relationship among communities in the state. 

"All local government chairmen, councillors and CDC officials should mobilise their communities to ensure that no community is left out of this competition," he said.

Dickson also congratulated the St. Jude Girls Secondary School and Belary Schools for winning the Atlantic Conference of the Milo Basketball Championship recently held in Benin, the Edo capital.

Describing the students as great ambassador of the state, he implored other youths to emulate them so as to carve a niche for themselves through sports.

Take Advantage Of Restoration Cup, Other Youthful Programs, Shun Cultism - Coordinator Restoration Cup

Organisers of the Governor Seriake Dickson Football Tournament, has urged youths to shun cultism and other social vices, capable of rendering them unproductive and useless.

The youths were rather asked to embrace policies and programs put together by the current adminstration, especially, this year's  football competition, tagged, The Restoration Cup, 2018.

Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs to the Governor and Coordinator of the tournament, Richman Ndakwe, who disclosed this in Yenagoa, said apart from the mouth watering prizes for the winners, football as it were, is one of the greatest ways to bring peace and harmony in any society. 

He called on the Caretaker Chairmen of the eight local council areas, to ensure every community registers and participate in the tournament, as this year's edition, is community based, and the preliminary stages will be played at the various communities in the LGA's

He added that the state government was doing everything possible to ensure the tournament is better organised than the 2015 edition as critical stakeholders in the industry have been mobilised to ensure the success of this edition. 

Hon Richman thanked the State Governor for the great strides recorded in the sports sector especially the Samson Siasia Stadium which is almost set for commissioning. " Our Countryman Governor has shown without doubt that he is a lover of sports and our youths should take advantage of this to develop their God giving talents because sports is a great way to achieve success in life " he concluded.

$9m Cash Allegedly Discovered in Home of Ex-Amnesty Boss, Boroh

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), have allegedly discovered $9 million cash at the residence of the sacked Special Adviser on Niger Delta to President Muhammadu Buhari and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig.-Gen. Paul Tarelah Boroh (rtd).

President Muhammadu Buhari last week replaced Boroh with Professor Charles Quaker Dokubo.

The presidency had also disclosed that Buhari directed “a full investigation into the activities of the Amnesty Programme from 2015 to date, especially allegations of financial impropriety and other acts”.

The discovery of the cash was made a few hours after his arrest by a combined team of EFCC and ONSA operatives.

A senior security agent also said that Boroh was picked up from his home in Gwarinpa, Abuja, on Monday, but was taken back to his residence at about 3 a.m. Tuesday by the security operatives who raided his house for hours and made the cash discovery of $9 million at his home.

“The former adviser was driven to his home in an unmarked car after his arrest. His home was searched for several hours and about $9 million cash was discovered in several safe boxes in several parts of the house,” the source said.

“The combined team of EFCC and the National Security Adviser operatives were very thorough with the search. Indeed, at a point, the operatives broke all the locks in the home including his wife’s closet. The recovered cash has been deposited at the Office of the NSA,” he added.

Boroh’s sack, investigation and arrest by the EFCC may not be unconnected to a petition, among others, that was sent to the president last August.

In the petition to Buhari dated August 21, 2017 and signed by one Timi Angalabiri, on behalf of the Niger Deltans for Accountability and Good Governance (NDAGG), the group had requested the president to suspend the ex-Amnesty Programme boss “for a credible investigative inquiry to commence into the non-payment of tuition fees and living expenses of recently graduated Niger Delta students in universities across the United States, the United Kingdom and Nigeria, with many institutions withholding the students’ certificates due to the non-payment of tuition fees ranging from nine months to two years, despite receiving over N70 billion within this time frame”.

The petitioner further pleaded with Buhari to use his good office to prosecute Boroh and others for allegedly diverting the sum of N70 billion.

Bayelsa Governor Rallies Support For PDP National Chair

         

...Intensifies Consultation With Stakeholders                                       

Bayelsa State Governor,  the Honorable Henry Seriake Dickson has called on all leaders of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to support the Prince Uche Secondus - led National Working Working Committee (NWC) of the party to deliver on its mandate.

The Governor said it is by so doing that the PDP will be stronger and effectively lead a coalition to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 general elections.  Governor Dickson who is also the Chairman of the PDP standing committee on Reconciliation said he will intensify consultations with party  leaders across board including those who have defected from the party with the view to bringing them back.   

The Governor in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary,  Francis Ottah Agbo said now that a new leadership has been put in place,  what PDP Stakeholders and leaders owe the NWC is their unflinching support,  for without that, it can not make the desired impact on the polity. While stressing that Nigerians are waiting for PDP to lead the charge to wrest power from the APC, the Governor said this generation and the unborn generation will not forgive the PDP leadership "if we fail to work together to salvage the country. He said: "The PDP is not owned by any individual, it belongs to all Nigerians,  so all of us should remain united under the umbrella. 

Let me reiterate my call on those who have left the party to return to the fold, for PDP  remains home to them.   Now that we have a new leadership led by the National Chairman,  Prince Uche Secondus, I call on all leaders/ Stakeholders,  Youths and women of our great party to rally round the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party,  for it is by so doing that PDP will be stronger,   it is by so doing that PDP can lead a broad-based coalition to regain power and salvage the country. Without the support and cooperation of party leaders / Stakeholders, it will be difficult for PDP to realize its manifest destiny of salvaging Nigeria."

Dickson Bags AIT Award For Transparency

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Honorable Henry Seriake Dickson on Thursday bagged the AIT award for Outstanding leadership and good governance in Accountability.

The governor devoted the award to the good people of Bayelsa for giving him and his team the opportunity to come up with policies and programmes to make the desired  impact in the lives of the people.

Dickson who expressed hope for Nigeria and asserted her greatness described the award as a call to greater responsibility.

Dickson commended AIT for recognizing what he started as a silent revolution to bring development to the people of Bayelsa.

Dickson said that while it was commendable to focus attention on physical infrastructure, efforts should also be made to bring to the fore, issues such as transparency, accountability, security and measures being put in place to encourage checks and balances among others.

Dickson recalled that that his administration enacted the Transparency Act which made it compulsory for the governor to embark on monthly briefings on revenues received in the state and how they were disbursed.

He added that a clause in the Act which stipulates that it would amount to gross misconduct on the part of the governor to fail to embark on the briefings for three months was indeed helpful in the pursuit of the set goal of transparency and accountability.

 In his opening remarks, the Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, stressed that the awardees were selected after a painstaking process devoid of financial inducement.

He said that the awardees emerged after a holistic consideration of their contributions to the development of society.

Dokpesi said that Dickson and others were given the awards to encourage them in view of the realization that they still have a lot to contribute to societal development.

The management team of AIT also awarded Joy Igbodike, Creative Director, Jacbee Furniture and Founder, JB Furniture School with the Outstanding Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and Inspector Josephine Ojeme, a traffic Police Officer with the Diligence and Dedication Award.

Others who bagged different categories of awards are the Governor of Lagos, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode (Outstanding Leadership in Infrastructure Development), Governor Mohammed Bindow òf Adamawa State (Outstanding Leadership in Women Empowerment), the Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi, (Outstanding leadership in Agriculture) and the Governor Mohammed Abubakar òf Jigawa State, (Outstanding Leadership in Industrialization)

Also selected for honour were the Governor of Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele and the Managing Director of the Nigeria Port Plc, Hadiza Bala Usman among others.

Lifetime award was also conferred on High Chief Lulu Briggs, Chief Biodun Sobanjo, Chairman, Troyka Nigeria Ltd and others.

Governor Seriake Dickson PDP Reconciliation Committee Submits Report

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party  Post-Convention Reconciliation Committee, Hon. Seriake Dickson (right) presenting the report of the committee to the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus at the PDP National Headquarters, Abuja

• Proposes broad-based coalition to wrest power from APC

The National Reconciliation Committee of the PDP led by the Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency Hon Henry Seriake Dickson, has submitted its report to the National Working Committee led by the National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus at the National Secretariat, Wadata House, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.  

While making the presentation, Governor Dickson thanked the party for the thoughtful and proactive steps taken in setting up the Reconciliation Committee.

He also expressed gratitude to the party for the support the committee received in actualizing its mandate.

Governor Dickson equally congratulated the Chairman and the NWC for the mammoth support of the party as witnessed in the just-held rally in Jigawa State; a sign post that Nigerians across the country have accepted the party on the one hand, and issued a quit notice to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) come 2019, on the other. 

The Bayelsa Governor stated that the committee started work even before the convention ended and proactively moved round the country; engaged party leaders and members who harboured grievances and complaints in respect of the 2018 National Convention.

He appreciated the leaders of the party across the country for the warm reception, high regard and team spirit they accorded the committee throughout the assignment.

Governor Seriake Dickson added that the committee having interacted with a cross section of party leaders, women and youths summarized key issues raised across the country.

The issues include:

1.        The committee is of the view that the PDP should lead a broad-based coalition to wrest power from the APC in order to salvage Nigeria form further ruin. It recommended that the party should build alliances and establish inter- personal contacts with everyone, including those that have either left or abandoned the party. This desire for the broad-based coalition should be open to everyone who intends to salvage the country from the present mismanagement of the ruling party.

2.        The NWC should as soon as possible constitute all statutory standing committees of the party including a strategy committee for the task ahead. The composition of the leadership and membership of these committees must include women, youth and leaders of our party especially those who feel aggrieved and excluded from party activities.

3.        In the course of our engagements across the country, we realized that the South West Geo-political Zone deserves some special attention and thus we recommend close personal interaction between the NWC and the zone.

4.        We equally received several complaints that border on the involvement of women. Thus we suggest that the party should deliberately crave the support and involvement of women. As the most women-friendly party in the country, the NWC should deliberately cultivate them and assure them that our doors shall remain open for them at all levels of the party.

5.        The most crucial part of our recommendations which the entire country hasreiterated is the party’s respect for the rule of law and internal democracy. Even though, we are adjudged the most Democratic Party in the country today, we must re-examine ourselves and create a level playing field for all aspirants at all times.

Concluding, the Governor once more thanked the party for the honour and privilege to serve and pledged that he and members of the committee are readily available to serve the party in whatever capacity whenever called upon. His words: "I and other members of the committee have pledged to work for the party and the nation until the nation is salvaged."

In his reply the National Chairman thanked the committee for the good work done. He stated that this report would serve as a guiding template for the going forward of the party. He added that henceforth, the committee has being designated as a standing committee to guide the party in the build-up to the 2019 elections.

Hear him: “This is a new PDP, rebranded and repositioned to regain lost power" adding that 'PDP is open to everyone with particular emphasis on women and youths. We want the party to be open to women and youths to aspire to the highest office in the land so we can jointly rescue our nation”. 

Prince Secondus stressed on the fact that even during the years of the Nigerian Civil War, the country was never as divided and disunited as it presently is under the watch of the APC government.

Hear him: “APC government is a threat to the unity of this country and only PDP has the capacity to restore the unity of the country once again”.

While positing that the party stands with the National Assembly to make laws for the land and the good of the people and not for any cabal in Aso Rock, the party chairman said 'The APC government is broken and we are ready with open doors for all the other parties to join hands and rescue this country from ruin'.

In his conclusion, the chairman said “We hope to form a government of national unity in 2019 where all Nigerians will have a sense of belonging irrespective of religion, tribe or gender.  Let me sound a note of warning, APC and INEC cannot rig the 2019 elections. The election is for Nigerians to decide who would lead them and Nigerians shall resist any attempt to rig the 2019 election at all cost”.

Restoration Cup, A Laudable Initiative – Singabele

Dr Singabele with Bayelsa State Commissioner of Information Daniel Iworiso Markson

Confederation of African Football (CAF) Medical Committee member, Dr Peter Singabele, has said the Governor Seriake Dickson Football Tournament otherwise known as the Restoration Cup is a laudable idea that would produce talents for Bayelsa State and Nigeria.

Besides, he said the competition would positively engage the youths.

Speaking in his office in Yenagoa, the football administrator said grassroots competitions were the only way to expose talents, especially those in the hinterlands.

"I am happy with the Governor Seriake Dickson Football Tournament. As stakeholders, we always advocate for competitions like this because lots of talents will be discovered. In fact, I hope the tournament is organised annually so that it help engage the youths. Those who didn't do well will want to do better the following year. Since it is community-based, it is a great idea," Singabele said.

He however called on the organisers to ensure a thorough screening of the teams to avoid the use of mercenaries or professional footballers by some of the communities.

"I want the organisers to be strict with the screening process. You know the prize money is huge and it will attract even some established players or even mercenaries outside Bayelsa State. I think it will defeat the purpose if this is not checked."

He urged youths to channel their strength to sports activities as it is one of the fast growing sectors in the country and all over the world.

Governor Udom Emmanuel Receives Power Minister, Reiterates Zeal For Improved Electricity Supply

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom States says that his administration’s investments in the power sector development are indicative of his zeal to enhance electricity development in the state.

He said his administration has so far completed an injection power station along Edet Akpan Avenue in the heart of the capital city, and has just completed a substation at the airport which had hitherto been on 24hours of generating plant energy.

The State Chief Executive spoke when he received in audience the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola in his office.

He revealed that several major institutions in the state such as the Airport, Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene, had no link to public power supply, saying he was actively trying to get those places connected.

“I know today, when you are talking about power and the efforts of the state governments in this country, I think we will rank Number 1,” said the governor who stressed the need for two more substations in Uyo to actually tackle the power problem in the city.

He appealed to the Minister for approval of a 90MV transformer lying idly in the region, saying it will help in providing uninterrupted power supply in at least six Local Governments of the state.

“With that alone, honestly I can give power to at least 6 local government areas on a 24/7 basis because what we are generating, we are not evacuating, we can consume and I really want to believe, we want to create a little bit of an industrial hub around the Ikot Abasi Area where we have the Akwa Ibom Power station.”

Mr Emmanuel said the state-owned Ibom Power Plant is generating over 115 megawatts everyday, but lamented that the power of evacuation resides with the distribution company.

The Governor commended the Minister for bringing the 2018 Power Summit to the state, saying it was an indication that he was ready to partner the state to succeed.

Earlier, Mr Fashola had thanked the state government and people of Akwa Ibom for the unwavering efforts towards helping to improve the economy of the state and by extension the country.

He also thanked the Governor for the new industries which the Vice President came to commission recently, maintaining that, “this is the way really to grow the economy and create prosperity and opportunities for our people.”

He pledged on behalf of the President and the Federal Government to give continued support to power development in state, “by providing the Infrastructure in terms of power, roads and Housing within the remit of my ministry.”

Commending the Governor for providing land for the on-going National Housing Pilot Project which he earlier visited that evening, Mr Fashola said he was impressed with the young men working on the site, and suggested the need for access routes to the location of the project.

The Minister announced that the recently damaged substation transformer at Afaha Ube, Itam is being replaced, with the capacity raised from 120MVA to 180MVA.

He said this will help give some relief to places like Abak, Etinan, the Airport, Ikot Ekpene and so on.

He also explained that although it may seem slow in coming, the transmission company of Nigeria TCN is working hard to help improve transmission between Ikot Ekpene, Odukpani axis, adding that progress is being recorded.

Another area of partnership with the state government, Fashola explained was the Government’s provision of land to host the Ikot Ekpene switches station, “easily one of the largest if not the largest in the country. It has helped us to ramp up our power transmission since I came to commission it about a year.”

The Minister announced the approval of refunds for the substation executed by the state government, maintaining that “We count on this continued collaboration and we also are working to improve customer service at the last mile because all of these transmission, generations really means nothing to our people unless it translates to electricity.”

Dickson Represents The Hope Of A New Nigeria...Sen. Ekweremadu

Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu  (2nd left) cutting the tape to commission the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa Interns House Officers Quarters, initiated and  constructed by the Restoration Government in Yenagoa, while the State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (left) his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah rtd, (2nd right) Chairperson, Executive Committee, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Africa Region, Hon. Lindiwe Michelle Maseko (centre) and the Commissioner of Health. Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu (right) look on.

• Commissions Doctors Quarters

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu over the weekend described Governor of Bayelsa State, Honourable Seriake Dickson as a beacon of hope for a new Nigeria.

Senator Ekweremadu gave kudos to Governor Dickson during the commissioning of the House Officers and Interns Quarters, for the Federal Medical Centre, in Yenagoa.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo, said the Deputy Senate President was highly impressed with Governor Dickson administration's contributions towards deepening democratic principles not only at the state but also at the national level.

Senator Ekweremadu who lamented that, the country's democracy was being threatened, attributed the development to the conduct of some political leaders.
He saluted Governor Dickson's courage for defending and promoting democracy, describing him as a man whom God has brought to make positive impact on the lives of the people.

Senator Ekweremadu said he was proud of Governor Dickson's outstanding achievements in the health sector, with the state-of-the-art health facilities put in place to check infant and maternal mortality rate.

 His words: "Let me start by saying that, God is using this man mightily in this state. The bible tells us that when the righteous is in power, the people rejoice. They rejoice n the righteous man ensures justice for all. The righteous man will ensure that if there is food on his table, there is food on the table of everyone else.
"He also ensures that, if he is healthy, he also ensures that those he is leading will also be healthy. He is fair to all concerned and that's why you people rejoice when the righteous is in power.

"Today, I feel happy, satisfied and encouraged. A few days ago, the Senate took the whole day to debate about the worsening situation of our democracy because of the conduct of some of our political leaders. And we got worried that our democracy is being endangered not just by our statements but also by our actions.

"But today, we are here and we see a man making strong statements for democracy. So go forth from here and tell the world that democracy is working in Bayelsa State.  Action they say, speaks louder words. I am happy to be associated with you both at the professional level and in this generation of politicians.

"I want to congratulate our women. Last week, we spoke about infant and maternal mortality rate in Nigeria, we also spoke about life expectancy. So when you invest in the health sector, you are going to address that and the statistics will reduce; that's what will happen in Bayelsa.

"When I listened to the Commissioner for Health and the Chief Medical Director and yourself, I almost shed tears of joy because you represent the face of that hope in our country. So my dear people of Africa, as you return to your various countries, remember to mention that you met a man who is defending and promoting democracy in action.

"Bayelsa may seem to be geographically disadvantaged, in Nigeria but Governor Dickson is changing the narrative by opening Bayelsa to the world. Sometimes God raises a man to be the David or Moses of his time and I think God has decided to use you to change the narratives for the people of Bayelsa State.

"So your place in history is already assured, keep up the good work and be fair to all concerned. Continue in this trajectory and at the end of the day, history will vindicate you."

 In his remarks, Governor Seriake Dickson assured that Bayelsa would be a pacesetter in medical tourism, noting that government would continually upgrade its health infrastructure to meet the medical needs of the people.
According to him, the state government is taking healthcare delivery to a whole new level and urged the the private sector to key into government's policies and programmes particularly, the health insurance scheme.

"We are taking our health care delivery to the grassroots. I encourage all especially corporate organizations to be part of our health insurance programme."

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu said the Doctors Quarters contains 60 suites that would accommodate 120 health personnel. 

The Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Dr. Dennis Allagoa, described the medical quarters as a miracle and the largest in the South-South zone of the country. He said the project was conceived 18 years ago but was made a reality by the present administration.

Dr. Allagoa who noted that Governor Dickson's name would remain indelible in the medical history of the state, however urged government to ensure the completion of the parking lot and adjoining road to the hospital.

Dickson, Dogara, Ekweremadu Advocate Better Deal For African Member Nations In Commonwealth

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (2nd L), felicitates with the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu (2nd R), while the President, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, CPA, Africa Region and Speaker, Parliament of Botswana, Hon. Gladys Kokorwe (L), and the Chairperson, Executive Committee, CPA, Africa Region, Hon. Lindiwe Michelle Maseko (R), watches with delight, during the Opening Ceremony of the 74th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Africa Region, Executive Committee Meeting, at the Harold Dappa Biriye Conference Centre, Creek Haven Resort, Yenagoa.

Bayelsa State Governor, Honorable Seriake Dickson, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu have called on African member nations of the Commonwealth to close ranks, with a view to achieving sustainable peace, stability and development.

Speaking on Saturday at the opening session of the 74th executive council meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, CPA, Africa Region, in Yenagoa, the trio stressed the need for African nations to enter into mutually beneficial partnerships that will promote investments and prosperity.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Francis Ottah-Agbo, Honourable Dickson also urged Commonwealth members in the African region to do business amongst themselves, as well as encourage each other in tackling their developmental challenges.

While thanking the leadership of CPA for accepting to host its meeting Yenagoa, he restated his call on parliamentarians to continue to defend democracy and the rule of law in Africa.

Responding to a motion moved by Senator Ike Ekweremadu for the establishment of a CPA liaison office in Yenagoa, Governor Dickson noted that, the government made the offer in good faith, with the aim of promoting the activities of the organization.

His words, “I want to thank you for accepting the Speakers invitation to host this particular Executive Committee Meeting here in Bayelsa State. Parliamentary democracy is all about consultation, it’s all about building capacity and consensus. Our offer has been made in good faith and I believe it is going to be a win-win situation”

“If you have a liaison office in a state that understands the role of parliaments and the importance of the CPA and the cross-fertilisation of ideas, I think it will be ultimately to the advantage of the organization itself, after all, you have most of your members from Nigeria.

“Let us as Africans do more businesses among ourselves; create jobs and develop skills for our people. We can not continue to look up to former colonial masters and others to do that for us. And these are some of the good things that you in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association can do”

In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt, Hon. Yakubu Dogara underscored the importance of the CPA, noting that, the organization has over the years, provided a robust platform for deepening parliamentary practices and conventions of member nations.

Dogara, who was represented by a member of the House Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Matters, Honourable Samuel Ikon urged legislators to intensify their effort at holding governments accountable to enable their people get better dividends of democracy.

According to him, “It is our role to ensure that our primary role of law-making, appropriation and oversight are strengthened as they  deepen our democracy and ensures that we hold our governments accountable.

And once we hold our governments accountable, it will lead to ensuring that our people get the benefits of democracy”

On his part, Senator Ekweremadu emphasized the need for African member nations to renegotiate the terms of their membership of the Commonwealth to enable them have a better deal by entering into new partnerships that will promote justice and equity. 

“We are going to see a new era and the CPA Africa Region should be prepared for this new era. The new era is coming because of the Brexit. Britain has left Europe and they are going to look for new friends and sign new partnership agreements. So as we go into this new era of commonwealth, Africa must be ready to put on their thinking cap for better negotiations and for better deals” 

“If we say we have a commonwealth, is it Commonwealth of Nations or Commonwealth of People? I think what we need is a Commonwealth of People where everybody will have a sense of belonging to such a super-national organization, where a Nigerian or somebody from Ghana, South Africa, Kenya and so on, can go to the United Kingdom without a visa”

In their separate remarks, the President of CPA, Africa Region, Right Hon. Gladys Kokorwe and the Chairperson, Executive Committee, Hon. Lindiwe Maseko, commended Governor Dickson for his gender-friendly policies and for providing the enabling environment for the meeting, which they described as the best in terms of organization.

While urging the governor to do more in the area of women representation, they however, condemned in strong terms, the recent abduction of school girls in Dapchi, Yobe State by insurgents and called on the federal government, the African Union, the United Nations and other international bodies to intensify efforts at ensuring their release.

Earlier in his welcome address, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Konbowei Benson, also highlighted the significance of the CPA, pointing out that, through the organization, legislators have developed their capacity in different areas.

 

He attributed the prevailing cordial working relationship among the three arms of government in the state to Governor Dickson’s love and passion to develop the state, adding that, Bayelsa has been chosen to host the next (50th) CPA meeting in 2019.