Land Racketeering: Bayelsa takes over land allocation, inaugurates committee

Gov. Seriake Dickson on Thursday inaugurated a 10-member Land Use and Allocation Committee to check sharp practices associated with land administration in Bayelsa.

The governor said that henceforth, government would be responsible for the provision and sale of land to members of the public for private, commercial and industrial purposes.

The Committee has as its Chairman, Mr. Joseph Akedesuo, with Mr. Moses Teibowei as Secretary, while the Surveyor General of the state, Surv. Moses Gede is a member.

Suspected cultists kill youth corps member in Yenagoa snatch mobile phone, cash

Gunmen, suspected by Police to be members of a cult group, have killed a 30-year-old corps member and dispossessed him of his cell phone, money in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

Armed violence and killing has witnessed an upsurge in the past weeks with more than 5 reported cases in the pat few weeks leaving residents at the mercy of gun wielding gangs.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa Command, Mr. Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the incident on Sunday in Yenagoa said the probability that the crime was cult related was very high..

Bayelsa Govt extols virtues of late Ejim, New Telegraph Correspondent

Bayelsa Govt extols virtues of late Ejim, New Telegraph Correspondent

The Bayelsa Government has extolled the virtues of Late Chris Ejim who until his death was the State Correspondent of New Telegraph Newspapers in Bayelsa.

Mr Jonathan Obuebite, Bayelsa Commissioner of Information spoke on the life and times of the late reporter at a service of songs organised by the Correspondents chapel of Nigerian Union of Journalists on Wednesday night..

The Commissioner noted that Ejim was frank, forthright and spoke truth to power without fear of the consequences and urged journalists in the state to leave worthy legacies for posterity.

50 year old man defiles 15 month old baby in Bayelsa

A 50 year old man was on Wednesday arrested over alleged defilement of a 15 month old baby at the Swali area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa capital.

Chairperson of Bayelsa chapter of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Mrs  Dise Ogbise said on Wednesday that the arrest followed a report by FIDA to the Police.

She described the development as barbaric and ‎wicked act to impede the healthy development of the child.

‘It is barbaric and inhuman. We condemn it and call on mothers to be vigilante and careful with their girl child.” She said

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The suspect, identified as Oku Ekanem,  was arrested by the men of the State Antii-Crime squad known as Door Akpor.

The occurred at about 1am on Monday sparked off anger among residents particularly the Women Lawyers who took up the case and vowed to ensure prosecution of the suspect.

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‎The accused, who was a lover to Madam Blessing Joshua, the 40 year old mother of the victim, was caught red handed while defiling the crying child.

Joshua, the mother of the victim, had told FIDA that “It happened on Monday at about 1am. I was watching television with my neighbour till late and retired to bed at about 1am.

“It was not quit long, I heard the cream of my child and ran to the side, but was shocked when I saw him defiling my child.

” He claimed it was the work of the devil and I told him that this would be last time, the devil will use him and that I will take matter serious. He pleaded and barricaded the door to prevent me from calling neigbours.

“But I tricked him and ran outside with my child to call Police patrol team at our junction.

“He was arrested and denied the act. But a test carried out at the hospital showed otherwise.”

Tax Evasion: Bayelsa BIR seals Chinese Oil Services firm over N109 m tax liability

Tax Evasion: Bayelsa BIR seals Chinese Oil Services firm over N109 m tax liability

The Bayelsa Board of Internal Revenue, on Wednesday, sealed off a Chinese company, Hilong Oil Services and Engineering Company Limited, over alleged tax default of N109.5m.

It was learnt that the company, an oil services firm is providing service at oilfields operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company, had allegedly owed the state government for five years.

The enforcement team of Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) and armed policemen and Civil Defense personnel sealed the premises of the oil services firm on Wednesday.

The company’s office is located at Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area in Bayelsa.

Flood warning : Bayelsa Govt seeks FG intervention in building flood shelters

Flood warning : Bayelsa Govt seeks FG intervention in building flood shelters

The Bayelsa government on Monday urged the Federal Government to fastrack the delivery of 'flood shelters' promised in the wake of the 2012 flood following the warning that the state may be prone to flood in 2017.

Rear Admiral John Jonah (Rtd), Depity Governor of the state who represented Gov Dickson of Bayelsa made the appeal at the ceremony to mark the 2017 World Environment Day at the Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.

Jonah noted that the state was grappling with several environmental challenges including land slides, oil spills, marine erosion, flash flodding which were beyond the capacity of the state to deal with.

Bayelsa Oil Community bemoans neglect by SPDC

The people of Akenfa Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa on Sunday bemoaned the lack of social amenities expected in host communities to oil exploration firms.

They expressed concern that the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has yet to embark on any community development project since it started its 

operation in the area.

The Paramount Ruler of Akenfa 1, 2 and 3 communities, Chief Obadiah Osomu, raised this concern when the Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDYCPP) paid a fact finding visit to the monarch.

CBN’s Anchor Borrowers Scheme: Bayelsa Govt alerts farmers to shun middlemen, extortionists

The Bayelsa government on Sunday raised the alarm of the activities of middlemen who extort money from farmers seeking to participate on the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers Scheme.

The middlemen float fictitious Cooperative Societies soliciting membership from agric loan seeking farmers for a fee.

Bayelsa Agric Development Company (BADC), has therefore advised farmers in the state to avoid the middlemen describing the act as fraudulent

Youth group backs Bayelsa Govt development projects despite recession

The Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDYCPP) on Saturday applauded the developmental strides of the Seriake Dickson led administration in Bayelsa amidst the trying times.

The Coalition made which made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Bayelsa Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, also lauded the Works Commissioner, Lawrence Ewhrujiakpor,

The group lauded Ewhrujiakpor for his supportive role to the Bayelsa State Government towards the realization of projects it has embarked upon, describing the ministry as a backbone of the state government.

Paris Club Refunds: Bayelsa Govt admits receiving additional N6.6 bn

Bayelsa government has shifted its position admitting receiving additional funds after pressure from Sahara Reporters following Federal Ministry of Finance’s disclosure on the state’s share of the first tranche of the N516.38 billion Paris Club debt refund.

At the transparency briefing, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa Rear Admiral John Jonah (Rtd) recanted the government’s position.

Jonah admitted the receipt of additional N6.61 billion in the month of March.

“The Paris Club refund to states is not a gift from the Federal Government to pay salaries; it is state governments’ money that was deducted without consulting the states.

Paris Club Refunds: Bayelsa Govt. denies receiving N24.89 bn, insists it got only N14.5 bn

 Paris Club Refunds: Bayelsa Govt. denies receiving N24.89 bn, insists it got only N14.5 bn

Bayelsa government on Wednesday dismissed figures released by Federal Ministry of Finance on the state’s share of the first tranche of the N516.38 billion Paris Club debt refund.

Federal Ministry of Finance on Friday published reimbursement to the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Hon. Jonathan Obuebite, Bayelsa Commissioner for Information and Orientation, said in Yenagoa, that the report of N24.89 bn was a rumour.

Quit Notice On Igbos: Dickson preaches unity

Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa has condemned the quit notice recently given to Igbos living in northern Nigeria by Arewa Youth Coalition and sued for unity among Nigerians.

In a statement in by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, in Yanegoa on Monday, Dickson said it was regrettable that some people would deliberately build up hatred against fellow Nigerians.

He said that all Nigerians were guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, to live in any place of their choice and pursue their legitimate businesses without molestation.

Dickson said that it was high time the Federal Government showed leadership by designing a comprehensive master plan to reconcile all citizens irrespective of tribe or religion.

Education stakeholders task Bayelsa Govt on Education funding

Concerned stakeholders in Bayelsa  have asked the Governor Seriake Dickson-led government to properly fund education, rather than engaging in rhetorics and propaganda to score political points.

The stakeholders made their positions known at the weekend during a public hearing on "Compulsory Primary and Secondary Education Bill, 2017", organised by the state House of Assembly.

The representatives of Bayelsa State Non-Governmental Organisarions Forum, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Union of Journalists and Association of Private School Owners, were among stakeholders who participated in the public hearing.

 Also, Dein Benadoumene, Chairman, Post-Primary Schools Board, Flora Williams-Ebi, Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Abbey Ayebaemi River, state President, All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools, spoke at the event.

Environmentalist urged FG to end gas flare by 2018

An Environmentalist Mr Iniruo Will on Sunday called on Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to use executive order to declare December 31, 2017 as deadline for gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

Wills  said that Osibanjo could as well pronounce 31 December 2018 "the final irreversible deadline" for the gas flaring if there are genuine and compelling factors that could make the earlier suggested date unrealizable.Environmentalist urged FG to end gas flare by 2018

Dickson’s intervention ended IYC leadership tussle – Aide

Mr Kennedy Tonjo-West, Senior Special Assistant to Bayelsa Gov. Seriake Dickson  on Niger Delta Youth Matters, says the intervention of the governor in the Ijaw youths leadership crisis led to a peaceful resolution.

Two factions of Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) emerged from separate elections conducted in Burutu, Delta, and Okrika in Rivers.

Both claimed the leadership of the organisation.

Arewa Youths Quit Notice: Ohaneze Youths Council sues for peace

Chief Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, Chairman of Ohaneze Youths Council (OYC) in Bayelsa on Thursday urged members of the group to remain law abiding and peaceful across the nation.

Arthur-Ugwa gave the advise against backdrop of a quit notice purportedly issued to Ndigbo by the Arewa youths to leave the Northern parts of the country.

Arthur-Ugwa said in Yenagoa that preliminary investigations indicate that the purported quit order had no basis and should be disregarded as Igbos were an integral part of Nigeria.

Ijaw Youths Council backs House of Reps for consolidated passage of PIB

The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) on Monday threw its weight behind the House of Representatives’ decision to consider all tranches of Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and pass same together.

The youth group expressed the support in a statement issued by IYC Spokesman Mr Henry Iyalla in Yenagoa.

“The  National Executives of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) led by its President Barr. Eric Omare commends the Federal House of Representatives for acceding to our earlier position for the holistic passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

“This will include the Host community Fund Act and the Fiscal Regime.

“While we commend the House of Representatives for moving to ensure that the PIB is passed in its entirety, we wish to state that the definition of host communities must be made clear and unambiguous.

“Host communities must be restricted to oil and gas producing communities of the Niger Delta region and not like the 6th National Assembly that sought to extend the definition of Host Communities to the entirety of Nigeria,” IYC stated.

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IYC stated that it views the apt response by the House of Representative on the PIB as a step in the right direction.

The group emphasised that the people of the Niger Delta Region yearns to see good and selfless leadership at the Federal level. 

“We wish to state unequivocally our support for the passage of the complete PIB and hope the House members follow through with this stand irrespective of pressure from any quarters.

“The passage of the complete PIB will guarantee participation of Host communities in the management and control of her resources.

Passage of the bill will also ensure a smooth operation of all International Oil Companies (IOC) in the Niger Delta Region,” Iyalla stated   

Oct 1 2010 bomb blast: Group seeks pardon for convicted Edmun Ebiware

Hundreds of people on Monday held a procession in Yenagoa to seek judicial review of the life sentence on Mr Edmun Ebiware for his involvement in the Oct. 1, 2010 blast in Abuja.

Ebiware was convicted of accessory to treason by a Federal High Court presided over by Justice Gabriel Kolawole on January 25, 2013.

Addressing the procession under the auspices of Concerned Nigerians, Mr Miebi Biribina, said they were appealing to the federal government to review the judgment haven spent seven years in detention.

George Turnah Writes NDDC, EFCC seeks disclosure of contracts

 Mr George Turnah, an aide to former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has urged the commission to disclose its contracts awards to clear him from allegations levelled against him.

 Turnar said that he never got multiple contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as being alleged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Turnah is facing trial at Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt on a 12-count charge, bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering and abuse of office.

Oil Spil: Environmentalist writes Bayelsa Governor seeks help for impacted community

Mr Alagoa Morris, an Environmentalist has written a protest letter to Governor Seriake Dickson, deploring the poor response to oil pollution incidents in Bayelsa.

The environmental rights activist in the letter availed to newsmen on Sunday lamented the state government's loud silence on the lingering oil spillage incident at Yiba-Ama community in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

Resident Doctors to seek legal redress over NSCDC shooting, brutality of member in Yenagoa

Federal Medical Centre, (FMC) Yenagoa chapter of Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) on Sunday said it would seek legal redress over shooting of its member by a Civil Defence personnel.

Spokesman of ARD, Dr   Suobite Ephraim said on Sunday the association opted for legal action following unsatisfactory effort by Bayelsa Command of Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The ARD condemned the beating of its member, Dr Bekewari Samson attached to the FMC, Yenagoa, by an operative of the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),

Sen. Uba accuses Gov. Obiano of running a government of propaganda

The state chairman of APC, Mr Emeka Ibe ( right) presenting a car key to Mr Steven Ezenwankwo, the Aguata Local Government chairman of the party at the occasion.

 Sen. Uba accuses Gov. Obiano of running a government of propaganda

Sen. Andy Uba, representing Anambra South Federal Constituency says Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra is running a “government of propaganda”.

Uba stated this on Saturday when he presented 24 Sienna mini – vans to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Uga in Aguata Local Government Area of the state.

The senator alleged that the governor did not listen to advice and had failed to carry out people-oriented projects.

“All he does is propaganda; most of the projects claimed to have been executed by the governor were only done in the media while the visible ones are substandard.

“We are using this opportunity to call on him to start preparing his handover note because APC is coming to take over,” he said.

Uba said the vehicles were donated to enable the party commence mobilisation and sensitisation of the grassroots ahead of the November 18 governorship election in the state.

“We will still do more because it is important for us to make sure that APC wins the state, what is happening right now is not acceptable,” he added.

The state Chairman of the party, Mr Emeka Ibe while commending Uba, said the gesture would help boost the activities of the party in the state.

Ibe expressed displeasure over the destruction of campaign billboards of APC aspirants in the state, saying “this is not the best way to go about politicking”.

The chairman said the donation had shown that Uba was a party man but assured that the donation would have no impact on the party primaries to select the party’s flag bearer.

“Our primary is going to be free and fair; there will not be anything like imposition of candidate on the state, aspirants are free to approach the delegates for votes,” Ibe said.

Two beneficiaries of the vehicles, Mr Larry Emenghini and Mr Steven Ezenwankwo, APC chairmen for Awka South and Aguata local council areas respectively commended Uba for the gesture.

However, while reacting to Uba’s accusations, the state Publicity Secretary of APGA, Mr Chinedu Nkwonta said “APGA is not a propaganda party but a people-oriented political party”.

“Obiano has been doing the right thing for the people in the past three years; in APGA we walk the talk.

“APC is wasting its time because the people know that the party has no agenda to develop the state but to simply grab power,” Nkwonta said.

FG to completed grains storage silo in Bayelsa

The Federal Government has expressed commitment to the completion of the south south grains storage facility located in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

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The Minister of state for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri,  made this known on Saturday after a tour of the project site in Igbogene area of Yenagoa.

Lokpobiri said funds had been released to complete 100,000 ton capacity silo by  August 2017.

The silo projects initiated in 2009  is part of the Strategic Grains Reserve scheme to ensure food security by the federal government.

There are six grains storage facilities awarded for each of the six geo-political zones.

Inspecting the site for the south south region in Yenagoa,  Lokpobiri, who noted that while the silo in other zones had been completed, the level of completion of the one in Bayelsa is not encouraging.

Senator Lokpobiri,who said he was not happy with the level of job done so far, directed the contractors to come to Abuja for further briefings to work out strategy for the timely completion of the silo in Yenagoa.

 Lokopobiri, stated that the silo when completed would preserve grains including rice and maize from farmers in various states in the south south region to boost preservation and food security in the country.

The Minister of state who is on tour of silos across the nation, said the completion of the projects  would also support the agricultural revolution of the present administration.

The Director, Strategic Grains Reserve, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Shehu Bello, said the project was slowed down because of some engineering challenges at the construction site.

An official of the contracting firm, Mr. Otun Abiodun, said the company had applied for the review of the contract sum to take care of the extra cost incurred due to the difficult terrain of the project site, which is largely swampy.

JTF kills 4 suspected sea robbers in Rivers, destroys kidnappers den in Bayelsa

The Joint Task Force (JTF) deployed to the Niger Delta says it has destroyed a hideout used by kidnappers in Bayelsa and killed four suspected sea robbers in crossfire.

Maj. Abubakar Abdullahi, Spokesman of the JTF, christened Operation Delta Safe, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday in Yenagoa.

Abdullahi said that the JTF also recovered two AK-47 rifles during the two operations.

“Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE on Tuesday ambushed a gang of sea robbers along KM-45 AWOBA Waterways in Rivers State.

“During the ambush operation, four robbers met their waterloo.

“Items recovered include 2× AK-47 rifles, quantity 3× AK-47 magazines, quantity 22 ammunitions and one speed boat mounted with one 200 Horse-Power engine.

“In another development, troops patrol along Bayelsa waterways acting on information, raided a sea pirates hideout along FORUPA-LOBIA waterways.

“However, sea pirates on sighting troops advance fled the hideout, and left behind 3× fiber boats and one 75 Horse-Power engine.

“The hideout was subsequently destroyed instantly while the troops continue with their patrols,” he said.

The spokesman said that the Commander Operation DELTA SAFE, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, commended law abiding citizens for their support by providing timely and useful information to troops.

He appealed for more cooperation from inhabitants of Joint Operation Area.

He assured the communities, oil companies and other stakeholders of OPDS resolve to protect oil and gas infrastructure.

He said that the military would stop at nothing to prevent and deter crude oil theft, sea robbery, pipeline vandalism and other form of criminalities in the region that could impact negatively on the economy of the nation.