Ex Bayelsa Security Adviser seeks transfer of Rape Trial to another Judge

The ongoing rape trial of Chief Richard Kpodo, a former Security Adviser to Ex-Governor Timipre Sylva was halted  on Wednesday as the accused sought transfer of the case to another judge.

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Although the accused defiance team was slated to open defense on Wednesday, state prosecutor Andrew Arthur Esq informed the court that there is a pending application by the accused to have the case tried by another judge.

The trial judge, Justice E Eradiri in a reaction to the development ruled that the case is adjourned indefinitely to await the decision of the Chief Judge of Bayelsa, Justice Kate Abiri.

Kachikwu to lead NCDMB, Amnesty Coordinator,industry operators to Bonny to parley on Nigerian Content in NLNG Train-7

The Niger Delta Youths Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDYCPP) on Tuesday said the group is collaborating with oil industry leadership to ensure the participation of youths in the NLNG Train-7.

Mr Chris Jumbo, Chairman, NDYCPP Organising Committee said in Yenagoa that arrangements have been concluded to hold a forum of stakeholders on the NLNG Train-7 in Bonny, on Nov 24.

He said that Dr Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State for Petroleum would lead other industry chiefs to the event.

According to him, Mr Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, (NCDM),Prof. Charles Dokubo, Special Adviser to the President and Amnesty Coordinator will be at the forum.

NLNG Train-7, is a gas production expansion project valued at over $7 billion by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) located in Bonny Island in Rivers.

Jumbo explained that NDYCPP was engaging other organisations in organizing and building the capacity of host communities to participate meaningfully in the business activities to be created by the project..

He said that the group was liaising with entrepreneurs and young business owners and sensitizing them of the opportunities in the NLNG Train-7 to ensure that host communities derive economic benefits from the project.

According to him, the expansion project would have a positive economic impact and boost the Nigerian Content drive of the federal government if host communities are factored into the project at the planning stage.

He said that the involvement of host communities in the project would further enhance peace and security as the people who have business ties would do everything to ensure that the project survives.

“We are encouraged by the resolve of the Federal Government to ensure that sizable portions of the NLNG Train-7 project is done by Nigerians where there is capacity and the NCDMB has insisted that Nigerian Content is sacrosanct.

“We are therefore leveraging on this policy of the NCDMB to bring communities hosting the project, regional players to showcase existing capacities and build new ones to reduce the dominance of foreigners.

“From Trains 1-6, local participation did not go beyond the construction phase, but what we are hoping to do is to fill the identified skills gap and prepare beyond Train-7,so the workshop can also be for Train 7 plus.

“We in NDYCPP have been making efforts to sensitise our people who have expertise in several aspects of the oil and gas sector on the big opportunity before us in the Train-7 project.

“There is so much opportunities and for those who already have the capacity we are linking them up, for those who lack the capacity, we have built up their skills base so that they fit in.

“We are collaborating with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) , Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta/Cordinator of Presidential Amnesty Programme and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited to host a business opportunity roundtable for stakeholders in the NLNG Train-7.

“The Managing Director of NLNG alongside the Amanyanabor of Bonny will be playing host Gov Nyesom Nwike of Rivers, other Managing Directors of many International Oil Companies participating in the project to the summit to be held in Bonny Island in Rivers..

 “This is the first time a bottom-top approach will be applied to create harmony amongst actors in the field towards achieving a win win solution in a project like this.

“We are encouraged by the policy thrust of NCDMB to use the project to push up the Nigerian Content further to its target from 30 per cent to 70 percent between 2017 and 2027.

“This feat is achievable if we harness the existing capacity and match it with opportunities, so in working closely with NCDMB, we showcase what we have to ensure that whatever can be done in Nigeria is given to Nigerians.

“In so doing, Nigerian businesses will be given opportunities to reduce the dominance of foreigners in the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry space,” Jumbo said

We are mobilising Niger Delta youths to boost Nigerian Content in NLNG Train-7 –Youth Leader

Mr Kenedy West, Pioneer President, Niger Delta Youths Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDYCPP) said the group was working to ensure the participation of youths in the NLNG Train-7.

NLNG Train-7, is a gas production expansion project valued at over $7 billion by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) located in Bonny Island in Rivers.

West, a Senior Special Assistant to Bayelsa Governor on Niger Delta Youth Matters said in Yenagoa on Monday that NDYCPP was building the capacity of host communities to benefit from the project.

Kachikwu’s Global laurels has exposed and shamed his detractors- Niger Delta Youths

The Niger Delta Youths Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDYCPP) says the recent laurels and honorary citizenships awarded to Dr Ibe Kachikwu was well deserved.

Mr Tiedor Olayinka President of NDYCPP said in Yenagoa on Saturday that the global honours had vindicated the group

 Kachikwu, was on Thursday conferred with multiple honours, including honorary citizenship of the State of Georgia in the United States.

Kachikwu was also conferred with honorary doctorate degree by the Trinity International University of Ambassadors, and Keys to the State of South Carolina and City of Stonecrest, State of Georgia.

Frivolous attacks on Kachikwu provocative -Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum

Frivolous attacks on Kachikwu provocative -Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum

Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum (NDEF) on Sunday condemned ongoing smear campaign targeted at Dr Ibe  Kachikwu, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

Prince Amaibi Hornby President of NDEF said in Yenagoa, that the frivolous allegations made against Kachikwu were false and baseless.

He said that rather than applaud the results achieved by policies introduced by the minister, those who were aggrieved by Kachikwu’s policy of probity and transparency in the oil sector resorted to blackmail to discredit him.

Philanthropist donates N1 million, solicits support for Bayelsa flood victims.

A philanthropist in Bayelsa, Chief Reuben Okoya on Saturday appealed to the public to assist flood victims by donating relief materials to cushion the effect of flood on displaced people.

He said that the victims required rehabilitation even beyond the flood incident which according to reports is receeding as the water level was reducing.

Okoya noted that the impact of the flood was beyond what  government alone could handle and hence the call for public support.

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) put the number of displaced people at not less that 150,000 in Bayelsa.

Osinbajo visits Bayelsa flood victims, says it is a monumental disaster

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Friday described the ongoing flood in the state as a monumental disaster during a visit to affected people.

Osinbajo who spoke at the internally displaced people’s camp, (IDP) at Igbogene on the outskirts of Yenagoa said his visit was to assess the extent of damage caused by the flood.

He noted that he undertook an overfly on helicopter from Port Harcourt International airport through communities in Rivers State affected by the flood and others within Yenagoa metropolis.

SPDC empowers 100 entrepreneurs with N32 million start up capital in Ogbia, Bayelsa

The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) on Thursday presented a start-up capital to 100 entrepreneurs who successfully completed a business management training in Bayelsa sponsored by the oil firm.

Dr Akinwumi Fajola, Regional Community Health Manager , SPDC said the gesture , Ogbia Special LiveWIRE programme was targeted at Ogbial Local Government Area in Bayelsa where it struck oil in commercial quantities at Oloibiri over 60 years ago.

Fajola who was represented by Mrs Ufuoma Ovwigho, Clinical Surveillance Lead at SPDC noted that the oil firm has spent $5 million  to commemorate the 100 years anniversary of Shell’s oil prospecting activities in Nigeria.

She said that the company realizes the historic value of Oloibiri  in the oil and gas exploration in Nigeria and hence the sponsorship of the Oloibiri Health Project to give back to the Ogbia communities.

Niger Delta groups condemn smear campaign on Kachikwu

A coalition of leaders from nine states of the Niger Delta on Wednesday condemned ongoing smear campaign targeted at Dr Ibe  Kachikwu, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

The leaders who spoke in  Yenagoa, said that unwarranted attacks to tarnish the image of Kachikwu was unacceptable.

A Niger Delta  activist  Prince Tonye  Jemenimiema said that frivolous allegations of operating a foreign account while holding a public office was laughable and mischievous

According to him, Kachikwu had a fruitful career in the International Oil sector spanning several decades and worked in many countries rose to become a Vice President at Exxonmobil before his appointment.  

Jemenimiema who is also President Niger Delta Youth for Practical Development noted that certain interest groups seeking to discredit Kachikwu who is performing creditably in the oil and gas sector is regrettable.

The youth leader said it was an irony that Kachikwu who midwifed reforms in the downstream sector of the oil industry and brokered peace in the Niger Delta that stabilized oil production could be targeted by critics.

He said that the region would not condone further attacks on the Minister whose laudable polices has translated to transparency in the oil sector adding that those affected by Kachikwu’s reforms were behind the attacks.

“It is interesting that the cabal is out again, masquerading in another disguise. With bogus allegations to demonized the gentle, God fearing and upright personality in the face of the public.

“This is a man who brought transparency and orderliness to the system. One may ask what is the reputation of the faceless group behind these spurious allegations and campaign of calumny ?

“What have they contributed towards the advancement in the country?

 “We trust that the the frivolous litigation will fall like a pack of cards and the judiciary will not sacrifice the innocent for the wicked.

“We are very worried and concerned over the safety of our brother, who know such evil collaborators might just resort to going after his live. We know Kachikwu is innocent and must not bow to any pressure to bend him,” Jemenimiema said.

Also Pastor Tiedor Olayinka, President, Niger Delta Youths Coalition for Peace and Progress berated those who feel envious and intimidated by Kachikwu’s verifiable records as behind the campaigns to discredit him.

“Those affected by the reforms carried out under Kachikwu are the ones operating behind the scene to cause Kachikwu’s downfall.

“The steady attacks on kachikwu’s hard earned reputation is one too many. They say when you want to kill a dog you hang him a bad name. Who is desperate to take kachikwu's office.

“Who is offended by his giant strides as reforming the sector and bringing sanity to the once ailing industry? It is evident that result achieved by the current administration is traceable to Kachikwu.

‘If is not degree classification it is now baseless and unfounded allegations asking a man who rose up to the rank of Vice President of a multinational oil firm why he is operating foreign account, these have to stop” .Olayinka said.

He urged the public to be wary of groups whose stock in trade is spreading malicious false allegations against public office holders to blackmail them succumb to their demands for gratification.

He urged the federal government to scrutinize those making allegations merely to attract attention and sanction them if investigate show that allegations were false. 

Niger Delta youths back Kachikwu, dismiss claims on his degree classification

 Youths from the Niger Delta region on Sunday expressed solidarity with Dr Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State for Petroleum and dismissed reports that he lied about his degree class.

Pastor Tiedor Olayinka, Spokesman for coalition of Niger Delta Youth Leaders said in Yenagoa that reports that Kachikwu claimed to have obtained a first class degree was false and mischievous.

The group noted that records of Kachikwu’s academic background were in public domain, even as the Minister clarified in a statement at the weekend that he never claimed to hold a first class degree in law.

“Kachikwu’s profile has always been in public domain, and he is a man of impeccable character, we are therefore wondering the reason behind this mischievous report on him, which he has denied.

Ex Bayelsa Security Adviser’s Rape Trial: Prosecution closes case

The prosecution in the ongoing rape trial of Chief Richard Kpodo, a former Security Adviser to Ex-Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa on Thursday concluded its case a Bayelsa High Court.

The Bayelsa state government prosecuting team led by Andrew Arthur Esq called a total of four witnesses who testified before the court.

 The victim, a 26 year old , had earlier testified alongside her Uncle and a medical doctor who examined her on June 9 after she was allegedly raped the previous day.

It would be recalled that Kpodo, was on July 31, 2018 arranged for alleged rape at State High Court 7 in Yenagoa.

Dickson’s aide, others urge Kachikwu to ensure regional interest in NLNG train --7

Mr Kenedy West, Senior Special Adviser to Gov Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa on Wednesday urged Minister of State for Petroleum Dr Ibe Kachikwu to include regional interest in train-7 of the NLNG.

West an aide to Dickson on Niger Delta youth matters said the provision of opportunities for host communities would meaningfully engage youths in productive ventures and hence curb restiveness.

West who made the call in an interview in Yenagoa said the economic interest of the host community of the NLNG in Bonny Island in Rivers was crucial to the success of the project.

Niger Delta youths congratulate Atiku, insist he owes the region an apology

Youth leaders, under the auspices of Niger Delta Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDCPP) on Sunday congratulated Atiku Abubakar for winning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential primaries.

The group said that the successful hosting of the primaries in Port Harcourt was an indication that the region was peaceful under the leadership of PDP state governments.

They commended Gov Nyisom Nwike, Gov Ifeanyi Okowa who chaired the convention planning committee  and Prince Uche Secondus , PDP National Chairman for successfully  hosting the convention

Returnees to PDP who deprived Jonathan second tenure should apologise-- Niger Delta Youths

Returnees to PDP who deprived Jonathan second tenure should apologise - Niger Delta Youths

Niger Delta Youth leaders,  under the auspices of Niger Delta Coalition for Peace and Progress has demanded that returnee aspirants who left the Peoples Democratic Party in the build up to the 2015 elections should apologise to the former President and the Niger Delta region.

 The youth group in a statement issued by its Spokesperson, Charles Kalada Dan-Jumbo, at the sidelines of the ongoing PDP Presidential Primaries noted that such apology was necessary even though the region had forgiven.

The youth group noted that exodus of PDP leaders to the All Progessives Congress was partly responsible for the loss of the 2015 presidential elections.

It said that on the backdrop of the activities that trailed the 2015 presidential elections, one would hardly believe that there'll be another mustering of Nigerians craving for succor from an epidemic majority of us brought upon the nation.

“Suffice to say that the Niger Delta region has always played a pivotal role in the shaping of the character and content of the nation called Nigeria.

“This can be displayed in the key roles great sons and daughters of the region have played in the history of the country, but yet she's the most abused, the most deprived, the most conned, and the most undermined.

“As youths of the Niger Delta we felicitate with the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike for facilitating the hosting of such a historic event in the Niger Delta.

“Of course we cannot overemphasize the economic benefits of this occasion, but one thing is sure, and that's the fact that the decision to reclaim Nigeria from the doldrums will be made here in Port Harcourt against 2019.

“Painfully, we all pretend like yesterday never existed, especially those of us who were key actors in disposing of the previous Govt. Today we must learn to apologise for our wrong deeds to rebuild trust else everything we present now is on a fallacious foundation.

“The Niger Delta Coalition for Peace and Progress, The Niger Delta non violence Youth Leaders Assembly, Niger Delta Ex Agitators Forum, and the Niger Delta Ex Freedom Fighters join forces to insist that the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, His Excellency Rabiu Kwankwaso and former vice president Atiku Abubarkar all render an unreserved apology to the Niger Delta region and former  President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for denying the region of a well deserved second tenure.

“Their action was due to impatience and misconstrued perceptions, especially since that same government took us from a weak economy to the No 1 economy in Africa and indeed around 2014 and early 2015, Nigeria was named the third fastest growing economy in the world by CNNMoney, with China and Qatar, taking the lead at 7.3 percent, 7.1 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth,” the statement read in part.

In the same vein the group commend the likes of Sule Lamido,  Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi and a host of others who stood by the party and supported a candidate from the region and most importantly, for being steadfast and showing unflinching support for Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan throughout the trying times.

“Let it be on note that as of today the 6th of October 2018, we have no particular candidate in mind as we believe all the PDP aspirants have the pedigree to do far better than the current situation we are in, and we have no sentiments for anyone of these aspirants, nonetheless it is our belief that the party will employ every necessary resources to make sure that a rigorous selection process is put in place to ensure that the best candidate emerges.

 “Every other aspirant will muster the tolerance and courage to rally their supporters around the product of this convention,” the group stated.

Dikson confirms use of firearms in PDP's National Assembly primaries in Yenagoa

Dickson confirms use of firearms at  PDP’s National Assembly primaries in Yenagoa

Gov Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa on Thursday confirmed reports of violence and use of firearms resulting to widespread shootings with several casualties during Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Assembly primaries held on Wednesday in Yenagoa, Sagbama and Ogbia senatorial headquarters in Bayelsa.

Armed thugs loyal to some PDP aspirants considered by Gov Dickson.as disloyal sht sporadically at the Samson Siasia Stadium and Ogbia venues of the primaries opposed Dickson anointed candidates.

Dickson who spoke during a meeting with his loyalists,  leaders  of the party in Government House, Yenagoa vowed to deal with disloyal members of pDP who he acused of being the masterminds behind the violence which had injured the reputation of the party.

Senators Ben Bruce of Bayelsa West, Foster Ogola of Bayelsa West and Emmanuel Paulker  of Bayelsa Central all lost their re-election tickets to return to the Senate on the platform of PDP.

Dickson , while reacting to the development condemned reported case of valence during the PDP’s Senatorial and House of Representatives primaries at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenagoa and at Ogbia town on Wednesday.

He called on the people to always conduct themselves peacefully, as elections were not a do-or-die affair.

Dickson described  the primaries that had taken place across the state as largely peaceful and transparent.

He said the full weight of the law would be brought to bear on all those involved in the attempt to disrupt the process no matter how highly placed.

"I have made it clear to the party and the panel that, we don't want any more violence or any attempt at violence.

“The exercise in our state has gone on fairly smoothly. And, I condemn those who shot guns yesterday at the Sports Complex and at Ogbia Town and I have directed investigations.

"When people take the laws into their hands and do what is wrong, there are consequences and those consequences must flow irrespective of who is concerned.

“And when the consequences come, people should not read meanings.  When the law takes its course, they will now be looking for people to blame.

“We will punish each and every one who took part in that. Investigations have already started." Dickson said.

Dickson also urged all political aspirants in the state to exhibit team spirit, stressing that, politics should be seen as an opportunity to serve the people and not a one man game.

"In politics, things change. There are some people, if it is not their own way, it is the highway, everybody will go and crash, they don't care. Those are not politicians but mercenaries.

“This game is a group game and never about one man or one woman. The day we worked for them and they became senators, it was not imposition.

“Some stayed there for eight and 12 years and others for four years. They tend to forget that this game of political service requires loyalty." Dickson said.

Dickson said he would convene a meeting with all those, who lost the primaries, noting that, the political system has a way of making them relevant by offering other opportunities to contribute to the development of the state.

According to the Governor, Bayelsa delegates to Saturday’s Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Presidential primaries, will vote en bloc for the candidate that will restructure the country.

PDP’s Presidential Convention is scheduled to take place on Saturday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers capital.

He said that, the state and the entire Ijaw nation would only vote for a candidate that is ready to promote mutual respect for all Nigerians as well as create a level playing ground for all Nigerians.

Dickson explained that the Ijaw nation would only support and work with a candidate that will give the people equal opportunities and stake in the oil and gas industry.

According to him, the Ijaws have been relegated to the background in the oil and gas sector over the years, despite, their enviable role as oil producing areas.

 “Why I have assembled you all is about the position that we will all take as a state and the entire Ijaw nation.

“All the delegates will vote at the PDP Presidential Convention in one direction and as a bloc.

“No one delegate’s vote will be lost because the 2019 general election is a very serious election for our people." Dickson said.