President Goodluck Jonathan

Following the controversies which shrouded the privatisation programme of the federal government during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) had in 1999 constituted the Electricity Power Sector Implementation Committee (EPIC) to undertake a comprehensive study and review of the entire industry in order to prepare grounds for liberalising the electricity power sector to attract private sector investment and ensure competition in the market.

Prior to the enactment of the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA), 2005, the Federal Government was responsible for policy formulation, regulation, operation, and investment in the Nigerian power sector. However, EPSRA Act became law in 2005, providing legal backing to the power sector reform programme, leading to the launch of the Power Sector Roadmap by President Goodluck Jonathan in August 2010.

Subsequently, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) was reconstituted to give the required institutional support to ensure a balanced regulatory framework to protect both investors and consumers. Also, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) was further created to provide securitisation which was seen as critical to driving power production efforts.

The services of a management contractor-Manitoba Hydro International (MHI) of Canada was also engaged in fulfilment of the power sector roadmap to reorganise the Transmission company of Nigeria (TCN) into technically, financially and commercially viable and market driven company.

The Unbundling of PHCN Companies
The federal government also established the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN – the initial holding company) and subsequently unbundled it into eighteen (18) successor companies to transfer of management and financing of successor company operations to the organised private sector; establish an independent and effective regulatory commission to oversee and monitor the industry as well as focus the federal government on policy formulation and long-term development of the industry, among others.
The objective was to achieve increased access to electricity services, improved efficiency, affordability, reliability and quality of service and greater investment in the sector to stimulate economic growth.

Successor Companies
However, the unbundling leaves the Federal Government with three hydro and seven thermal generating stations with a total installed capacity of about 6,852MW, with available capacity of 3,542MW (as of 31st July 2010).
Each entity had been incorporated as a single-asset generating company; a radial transmission grid (330kv and 132kv), owned and managed by the TCN, with the responsibility of undertaking the system operation and market settlement functions, respectively as well as eleven distribution companies (33kv and below) that undertake the wires, sales, billing, collection and customer care functions within their area of geographical monopoly.

A competitive tender was thereafter carried out to receive bids from core investor groups (inclusive of competent generation asset owner/operators) for a minimum of 51% of equity in the following successor thermal generating companies including Afam Power Plc; Sapele Power Plc; Ughelli Power Plc; Geregu Power Plc as well as a separate concessioning process for successor hydro generating companies including Shiroro Hydro Power Plc; Kainji Hydro Power.

A similar competitive tender was carried out to receive bids from core investor groups (inclusive of competent distribution asset owner/operators). They are Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc; Benin Electricity Distribution Plc; Eko Electricity Distribution Plc; Enugu Electricity Distribution Plc; Ibadan Electricity Distribution Plc ; Ikeja Electricity Distribution Plc; Jos Electricity Distribution Plc; Kaduna Electricity Distribution Plc; Kano Electricity Distribution Plc; Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc and Yola Electricity Distribution Plc.

Remarkable Patronage from Investors
In December 2010, the NCP advertised for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from prospective core investors interested in acquiring controlling stake in the 11 successor distribution firms created out of PHCN. By March 2011 deadline for submission of EOIs, 180 applications were received.

However, 80 bidders were shortlisted. The bidders were later reduced to 72-prequalified bidders when some of the prospective firms couldn’t pay the mandatory $20,000 fee to purchase the Request for Proposals (RFPs).

Further to the exercise, by the submission deadline of July 31, 2012, the BPE had received 54 proposals from pre-qualified bidders, out of which 10 of the bids failed the first test of completeness and responsiveness. The remaining 44 bids were subjected to full technical evaluation out of which 32 bids submitted by 20 bidders scored the minimum of 75 per cent that was needed to move to the next stage. They were subsequently asked to submit post qualification bidders’ guarantee following approval of the evaluation by the NCP.

Eventually, after several hurdles, the NCP in October 2012 approved 14 preferred bidders for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) generation and distribution companies in its ongoing privatisation programme.

Rising from its sixth meeting, the Council, in Abuja, affirmed Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc Consortium, CMEC/Eurafic JV Consortium, Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited and North-South Power Limited as the preferred bidders for the five thermal and hydro power stations being sold by the Federal Government to core investors. However, billionaire businessman, Mr. Emeka Offor, who failed the consistency test conducted by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), but fought very hard to hold on to the Abuja and Enugu Distribution Companies (Discos), was forced to settle for only Enugu Disco.

The NCP also disqualified Southern Electricity Distribution Company for submission of multiple bids for Benin Disco and announced Vigeo Power Consortium as the preferred bidder for the distribution company.
At the expiration of the January 31 deadline for the submission of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from prospective bidders for the two companies, the BPE received 19 applications for Kaduna Disco and 29 applications for Afam Generation Company.
Consequently, on February 4, the privatisation agency sent Requests for Proposals (RFP) to the 48 prospective bidders.
The Afam and Kaduna discos were among the 17 PHCN successor companies that were earlier advertised for sale in December 2010 along with the 15 other PHCN Successor Companies that went through a full competitive tender process, which culminated in the submission of technical and financial proposals in July 2012.

Temporary Hitch in privatisation Process
However, following the rigorous technical evaluation that all bids were subjected to, none of the bids received for the Afam and Kaduna utilities scored the minimum 75 per cent required to progress to the financial bid stage.

The Afam plant bid was particularly nullified because the former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji was said to have links with one of the firms which bided for the asset. The incident led to the Minister’s resignation, thereby raising doubts over the transparency of the programme while many doubted if it would ever be concluded successfully.
The development forced the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) to order a re-run of the entire transaction as it was not prepared to settle for a second best. Consequently, the pre-due diligence conference for the re-tender of Afam Power Plc and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Plc was on March 4 in Abuja.

Grappling with Payment Deadline
Initially, some of the preferred bidders had difficulties getting credit from their financiers over controversial circumstance. However, at the end of the August 21 deadline, 13 preferred bidders fulfilled the payment of the remaining 75 per cent of their bids for the power generation and distribution companies, except for Interstate, the preferred bidder for Enugu Distribution Company failed to meet the deadline. It eventually complied. CMEC/EUAFRIC Energy JV, which also had compliance issues was referred to the legal arm of the NCP for advise.

Labour issues
The privatisation programme had however, been bedevilled by labour related issues. Power sector workers had vowed to cripple the exercise if their severance benefits were not taken care of before the companies were eventually transferred to their new owners.
As a result, there had been pockets of protests by workers to compel government to accede to their demands.

However, the Federal Government which was determined to create a hitch free transition had said it had equally set aside the entire proceed of N384 billion from the sale of power assets to settle labour liabilities. A total of $3 billion is expected from the proceeds.
At the last count, the BPE said it had despatched a team of consultants and its staff for the biometric data capture of 1, 478 employees of the Enugu Distribution Company who could not be audited because of virus attack on the system were their names were stored.

The Labour Angle
However, on September 30, President Goodluck Jonathan formally handed over Share certificates and licences to 14 new core owners of PHCN successor companies.
Jonathan praised Nigerians for exercising great patience and confidence “putting up often with darkness, noisy power generating sets, related pollution and daily disruption in their lives” and assured them of better days ahead.

Ordinarily, the formal transfer of assets should have allowed the new investors immediate access to the power utilities but Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said that could only be possible when the remaining PHCN workers would have been paid their entitlements within October in order to have a smooth and peaceful transition.

Meanwhile, Jonathan, while admitting a number of limitations with actual service delivery noted that there had been remarkable progress with steady and sustained increase in national power generating capacity.
He however, promised Nigerians that “things can only get better, from this point onwards.”
Jonathan further said while the power sector could not be revitalised overnight, measures were being carefully worked out to address all other issues particularly the resolution of labour-related concerns.

He said: “In partnership with the labour unions, we have been able to come up with an outcome that is beneficial for all stakeholders…the payment of all labour-related benefits commenced earlier in August this year, and is almost concluded as a condition precedent to today’s event.”
Jonathan said: “We can all look forward to a better time very soon as we have seen in telecommunication and banking sectors. I am confident that the power sector will promise no less, knowing the calibre of those who are taking over.”

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PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has been urged to remain steadfast, selfless and committed to his responsibilities as president of the country. This was part of the resolutions reached at the end of a one-day consultative meeting of Ijaw elders and leaders of thought in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital over the weekend.

  The Ijaw opinion leaders also passed a vote of confidence on the president, expressing satisfaction with what they described as his uncommon commitment to the progress, peace, harmony and stability of the country.

  In the same vein, ahead of the 2015 general election, Delta Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has canvassed support for President Goodluck Jonathan in order to score an emphatic victory like he did at the 2011 polls.

  Uduaghan, speaking Friday in Asaba at a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders’ meeting, deplored the activities of the dreaded terrorists Boko Haram and the industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), noting that they have impacted on Jonathan’s presidency.

  In a communiqué the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Daniel Iworiso-Markson made available to The Guardian yesterday, the Ijaw leaders condemned in its entirety, the various voices of distraction aimed at thwarting the lofty achievements of the Federal Government under the leadership of Dr. Jonathan and called on the generality of Nigerians to work with government in its efforts at building a peaceful and progressive country.

  It said the consultative meeting, which was presided over by Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, was also attended by former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State Retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, one time member of Armed Forces Ruling Council, Retired Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni, among others.

   The communiqué noted with appreciation, “the decision of the Federal Government to create a platform for discussion, dialogue and brotherly exchange of ideas, stressing that, the decision underscores the president’s deep-rooted commitment to addressing the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.”

  It said further that the elders’ council position that President Goodluck Jonathan has brought Nigeria to an uncommon level of International respect, acceptance and prestige as reflected in the outcome of recent visits to South Africa, Kenya, China, United States, Israel, and in Nigeria’s recent election into the United Nation’s Security Council.

  Applauding the determination of the Federal Government to continue to uphold the rule of law, due process and constitutionalism in the nation’s body polity, especially in the run up to 2015, it stated that it was a clear manifestation of the commitment of government to building on the globally acclaimed success and transparency of the 2011 elections and subsequent polls across the country.

  It added that the transformation agenda of the Federal Government led by President Goodluck Jonathan is making steady progress in various areas including rehabilitation of roads, railways and airports nationwide, power sector reforms, the completion of NIPP projects, job creation through SURE-P, YouWin, massive healthcare reform through upgrading and modernization of teaching hospitals and federal medical centres. 

  Uduaghan said that the activities of Boko Haram and the industrial action by members of ASUU were posing serious challenge to governance in the country, noting however, that the Federal Government has met the demands of ASUU except “there is something else behind it.”

  Besides, he said the Federal Government was tackling the issues of Boko Haram and appealed to everyone to rally round the President.  

  He added that Delta State is fully a PDP state, the strongest supporter of President Goodluck Jonathan and his administration and assured the president of support his policies and vision.”

  Uduaghan used the occasion to thank those who have indicated interest to become the next Governor of Delta State for not heating up the polity with their interests and informed that he does not have the power to install his successor.

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UGHELLI-THE people of Niger Delta under the aegis of Niger Delta for Peace, Credible and Visionary Leadership, has berated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Aminu Tambuwal for accusing President Goodluck Jonathan of aiding corruption in the country.

National President King Prebor (Snr) who stated this while chatting with newsmen, described the comment as hypocritic and self serving, adding that President Goodluck Jonathan was doing well in his crusade against corruption.

He held that; “it is the duty of every Nigerian to wage war against corruption and corrupt practices. The President alone cannot fight corruption.

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Ughelli — A group, Niger Delta for Peaceful, Credible and Visionary Leadership, has berated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, for allegedly accusing President Goodluck Jonathan of aiding corruption in the country.

National President of the group, King Prebor (Snr), who said this while chatting with newsmen, described the comment as hypocritical and self-serving, adding that President Goodluck Jonathan was doing well in his crusade against corruption.

He said: “It is the duty of every Nigerian to wage war against corruption and corrupt practices. The President alone cannot fight corruption.

“I, therefore, urge all those in government to declare a state of emergency on corruption from the Presidency to the state down to the local government governments.”

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President Goodluck Jonathan flagged off the 2nd Niger Bridge on Monday.

A cross section of prominent Nigerians on Monday commended President Goodluck Jonathan for initiating the construction of the Second Niger Bridge.

The Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe; former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, and All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Chairman, Victor Umeh, made the commendation when they spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria in Onitsha on Monday.

Mr. Achebe said that the bridge would play a great role in the lives of all Nigerians.

He said this was so because the bridge would connect the south to the west and the north to the south and east.

“The construction of the bridge means a lot to us in Anambra; apart from the fact that it will increase commerce, it will also bring Nigerians closer to each other.

“It is a national project and it will help in transforming the nation in a very good way.

“The Federal Government has done its part by financing the project and we the locals on ground would make available a secured environment for the contractors to work and ensure peace.”

He, however, urged the contractors to work effectively to deliver a quality job and on time.

Mr. Nnamani expressed happiness that President Jonathan had finally delivered the project after many administrations failed.

He said the construction of the bridge meant increased economy for all the zones of the country.

“If this project succeeds as I know it would, it must have opened a new chapter of PPP in funding infrastructure in Nigeria.

“Everywhere the world over, the government is tapping into the PPP since it cannot fund infrastructure alone.

“So if this one succeeds it will be a good example for other projects.”

Mr. Nnamani, who is also the Chairman of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, said that steps would be taken to effectively monitor the project to ensure that it complied with the ICRC Act of 2005.

In his reaction, Mr. Umeh lauded the president for the “giant stride” in the construction sector.

Mr. Umeh said that this was the first time Nigeria would have such a huge amount of project being done with availability of funds from the beginning. He said this showed that the project would be delivered on time and Nigerians were sure of its completion.

Mary Nwosu, a trader, said the bridge would open up markets and make food items to be very cheap.

“We always travel to Asaba and other states for trade but the hold up on the bridge makes drivers to charge us highly.

“I’m sure when the bridge is completed, we would have more cheap products and we won’t need to spend all those hours travelling to buy things because the road will be shorter,” she said.

She also thanked the government for the initiative, adding that “when December comes there will be no fear of hold-up because there will be more routes to ply.”

(NAN)

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The chairman of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Dr. Ngozi Olejeme has lauded the nomination of Dr. Stephen Oruh as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In a statement issued in Asaba by former Delta State Commissioner of Lands, Survey and Urban Development, Barrister Raymos Guanah, Olejeme described Dr. Oruh as a detribalized Nigerian and a gentleman per excellence.

She lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for his nomination and the honour done to the Urhobo nation.

“I am appreciative to President Goodluck Jonathan for nominating Oruh as minister”

She urged the ministerial nominee to continue advancing the course of Nigeria.

“My prayer is that the Almighty God gives Dr. Oruh the wisdom and direction to deliver on the transformation agenda of this administration”

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‘The Director General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Commission (NTDC) Mrs. Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo may be doing everything possible to cover up an alleged fraud in her participation in the ongoing Brazil 2014 World Cup after a failed attempt to chew up a piece of incriminating document in a Brazilian hotel June 18.

She has asked for a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan to explain her role in the alleged fraud that is threatening her credibility,.

Mbanefo was alleged to have diverted an undisclosed amount of money meant for the sponsorship of a proposed Nigerian Fan’s village in Brazil, after which she asked for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between her and Za Entertainment, the contractor for the project; tore it and began to chew the paper. Her attempt to chew and swallow the MoU led to a physical altercation between her and President of Za Entertainment, Mr. Azania Omo-Agege who held her tightly forcing the papers out of her mouth.

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Source: #CKNigeria

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Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State on Wednesday in Asaba warned against using the state of insecurity in the nation to whip up sentiments that could lead to war or civil crisis.

Also, the Women Arise and Campaign for Democracy at a rally in Lagos called on the Nigerian military to put in more efforts to put end to terrorism and bring back the abducted Chibok schoolgirls. They also urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the girls’ freedom.

Uduaghan gave the warning at a special prayer called by the Delta State Government to mark the 100 days of the abduction of the students of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State by the Boko Haram sect.

Uduaghan cautioned against acts and utterances that had the potential to plunge the country into war, warning that war in Nigeria could throw the West Africa region into serious humanitarian crisis.

He said, “What we should not do is to politicise what is happening in the country today because if there is crisis in Nigeria, a country of more than 150 million people, it will affect the whole of West Africa.

“We must never pray for war, we must never encourage those who are at war against us.”

He decried some reactions trailing activities of Boko Haram sect noting, “Nigeria is a place where almost everybody is an expert in every field. Please, we should manage our expertise in the best way to check Boko Haram,” he said.

The governor urged Nigerians to pray for President Goodluck Jonathan, saying, “You might not understand what it means to be in a leadership position in the time of crisis until you are in such a position.

“We should always use Psalm 23 to pray for President Goodluck Jonathan and we should ask, Boko Haram, what do they want?” Uduaghan said.

Revd. Justin Okoroji in a sermon called for prayers for peace by Nigerians rather than criticism, adding that with humility of heart by the citizenry, God would hear their prayers and the abducted Chibok girls would be released.

“The government of Nigeria should do everything to check unguarded and inciting utterances.

“God is interested in the peace of this nation and today we call on God to liberate these girls, we call on God to liberate our nation,” Okoroji said.

At the solemn assembly which was attended by the state’s Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), senators, members of the state House of Assembly, traditional rulers, politicians and the general public, prayers were offered for Nigeria, Delta State, President Goodluck Jonathan,

Also, the Women Arise and Campaign for Democracy at a rally on Wednesday in Lagos to mark the 100 days in captivity of the Chibok girls, asked Nigerians to pray for the girls.

“It is 100 days today (Wednesday). We pray with faith and also urge the Nigerian security forces to step up efforts and strategies at ensuring that all the girls are rescued.

“We call on all Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnic differences, to unite as we hope together for the return of all our girls; come together to end the reign of terror and to make Nigeria safe for all of us. Every Nigerian deserves justice and peace of mind irrespective of which part of the country they come from or their religious affiliations.

“The terror effect has so far not exempted any religion, ethnic origin or social status.

“Therefore, let Nigerians unite against terror. As Nigerians, we must use this incidence of the abduction to end the entire menace of terrorism,” the statement said.

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Ughelli — A NGO, Niger Delta Network, has passed vote of confidence in President Goodluck Jonathan and National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adamu Mu’azu, saying their administration is the best ever in the country.

The group, in a statement by its president, Lucky Ayomanor, after its biannual meeting held in Calabar, the Cross Rivers State capital, said the President has performed creditably well and apparently deserves a second term in office.

Ayomanor said the President’s achievements are there for everyone to see, as his ‘Transformation Agenda’ has brought good tidings to the entire country.

Ayomanor, who is also the member representing Delta Central Senatorial District on the board of Delta State Direct Labour Agency, particularly made reference to Jonathan’s achievement in the area of infrastructural development, which he described as unprecedented.

The organisation similarly passed a vote of confidence in Mu’azu, whom its said has led the PDP meritoriously since his assumption of office as the chairman.

According to Ayomanor, no other fact demonstrates the ability of Mu’azu to lead the party to greatness and successful run, than the outcome of the recently conducted Ekiti State governorship election where the PDP candidate, Ayo Fayose, trounced the incumbent Governor, Kayode Fayemi.

He enjoined members of the PDP to rally round the Mu’azu, whom, he added, was committed to engendering internal democracy and discipline within the party.

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Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has frowned at the action of the new management of the Delta Steel Company (DSC), Ovwian-Aladja for arbitrarily sacking the heads of the DSC Hospital and the DSC Technical High School.

Governor Uduaghan who described the action as “wicked, insensitive and inhuman” has threatened to petition the management to President Goodluck Jonathan, the National Assembly, the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON).

Dr. Uduaghan receiving the Senate Committee on Privatisation said that staff of the two institutions were doing good jobs despite several months of unpaid salaries.

According to him, the state government felt concerned about the plight of the workers and decided to assist them with stipends equivalent of their salaries for which the new management of DSC suspended the heads.

“Before Aladja was sold the workers there were not being paid especially in the area of education and in the area of health. We had workers who were working in the hospital for years they were not being paid. Teachers who were teaching in the school were not being paid. But the school was still doing very well, it was one of the best schools.

“When I visited I found out that these workers were not being paid but they were doing very well . I said as a state since most of the people they teach and treat are our children we felt that we could assist them with some stipends which is equivalent to their salaries until a new management takes over and they start to pay them salary.

“But as soon as this new management took over they suspended the heads of the two institutions, both the hospital and the school that they should not have gone into that kind of arrangement with the state government,” he said.

Dr. Uduaghan noted, “I just think that that is wicked for somebody who has not received salaries for years, I think that that was wicked, insensitive and inhuman for anybody to do.

“I’m doing an official letter first to Mr. President, to the Senate, to AMCON. That they must take a second look at that decision,” he said.

Governor Uduaghan commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the various initiatives he has undertaken to boost power supply in the country.

He observed that the recent action of President Jonathan in coordinating the activities of relevant ministries and agencies towards improving gas supply to the nation’s power pants, including the expansion of Otorogu Gas Plant in Delta State would lead to improve power supply.

The governor explained that the decision of the State Government to invest in the power plants at Ughelli , Sapele and the Benin Distribution Company was to enable it monitor their activities and also use accruing funds to subsidise cost of power for the rural communities in the event of increase in tariff.

Governor Uduaghan scored the management of Ughelli Power Plant and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company high in performance but lamented that Sapele Power Plant on the other hand was yet to live up to its production capacity.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privitization , Olugbenga Obadara who informed the governor that they were in the state on oversight functions commended Dr. Uduaghan for the keen interest he has shown towards power institutions in the state.

“As a governor of the state you are really working for your people, you are defending their interests and you are really defending the common wealth of Delta State,” he said.

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THE Federal Government has completed the capital dredging of the 527 kilometre (km) Lower River Niger from Warri in Delta  State to Baro in Niger State.

  Speaking in Lagos Tuesday at a stakeholder’s forum organised by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), President Goodluck Jonathan said the development is expected to aid all-year navigation along the axis.

   Jonathan explained that the channel runs through major town such Warri, in Delta State, Onitsha in Anambra State, Agenebode in Edo State, Idah, Jamata in Kogi State and Baro in Niger State.

   The President, who was represented by the Minister of transport, Idris Umar, said goods are transported over long distances at relatedly low rate along the channels.

   Jonathan said concerted efforts are being put in place for sustainable channel management arrangement in partnership with the private sector.

   He said: “Today, River Niger has come to life with ferries and barges plying the river daily carrying passengers and goods respectively.

  “As you are aware, the Inland Waterways sub-sector is significant component of the Federal Government Transformation Agenda. Reasonable milestones have   been achieved as evidence in the completion of the rehabilitation of Onitsha River Portwhich was commissioned in August, 2012.

  “The process for the concession of the port is in progress with the appointment of a Transaction Adviser to midwife the process, who has a contractual obligation to conclude the process for the concessioning within months.

   “Other major River Ports located at Baro in Niger State, Oguta in Imo State and Lokoja in Kogi are being constructed as well as several jetties in various communities across the country. All the River Ports will be concessioned to private sector operators upon completion” said Jonathan

Jonathan told the gathering that Nigeria’s navigable waterways linking more than 20 states and comprising 12 major rivers, creek, lagoon, lakes and intra-coastal waters aggregate to a total navigable distance of over 10,000km constituting an important natural resources “that offers extensive opportunities for inland water transportation.

   Welcoming participants to the three-day event, the Managing Director of NIWA, Hajia Inna Maryam Ciroma said for the dredged River Niger to be put into proper and efficient use, the Federal Government also approved the rehabilitation of the abandoned Onitsha River Port, “which is being put-up for concessioning by Messrs Green Stratos of Indian under supervision of ICRC.

The three-day event, which also feature exhibition, is tagged: “Modernising Inland Waterways Infrastructure and Vessel for safe and Sustainable Inland Water Transport in Nigeria.”    

   NIWA recently announced that it  has deployed not less than 700million as part of measures  to tackle water hyacinths and ensure safe and uninterrupted navigation.

  According to Ciroma, the exhibition also seeks to unveil Federal and States government’s  programmes, policies,  and relationships with stakeholders from different sectors.

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PATANI–Patani Local Government Area Students Association, Delta State, has raised alarmed over what they described as an unruly and unguided statement credited to some past students union leaders, calling on President Goodluck Jonathan to asked Chief Edwin Clark to hands off the politics of Patani council.

The association, in a statement by its President, Mr. Bina-Ebi Brakoru, called on Clark not to join issues with “Mr. Ologe and the faceless past students union leaders,” describing it as the ranting of a loser.

The students said that Mr. Godfrey Regha, who is from Ughelli North Local Government Area was the one that signed the purported statement, therefore, does not have the authority to speak for present and past students union leaders from the Patani council. They called on Clark ignore the threat by the group.

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interview

By Dapo Akinrefon

MAJOR-GENERAL Philip Onyekweli (rtd), an Ndokwa leader, in this interview, argues that the agitation for power shift to Delta North in 2015 is justifiable. He also speaks on the ultimatum given by the Northern Elders Forum to President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure the release of the abducted Chibok girls or forget 2015 among other issues. Excerpts:

With the National Conference over, what is your take on the resolutions taken at the conference? Would you say it ended on a good note?

Certainly. I personally believe it ended on a good note given the hard combative positions of various groups and individuals that tended to polarise the conference into North /South boxing match. Luckily the conferees put the nation above little interest groups to the admiration of Nigerians. From events it would appear Jonathan transformation agenda is on course on this and I will say well done.

But do you think the president has the political will to implement to resolutions taken at the conference because we have had previous conference where implementation becomes a problem?

Mr President has exhibited good enough political will in the first instance by creating enabling platform for Nigerians of diverse interest to dialogue on contentious issues. His position now is to one pass the recommendations to legislate by amending the 1999 Constitution to provide for referendum , which most Nigerians will prefer (We the people) or include the recommendations in the on going amendments .Whichever way Nigerians want a change to issues that are making governance purposeful. We all want Nigeria to move on to greater height in unison.

The level of insecurity in the country is getting worrisome especially with the failure of the Federal government to ensure the release of the abducted Chibok girls. What is your take on this?

Yes the Chibok Girls return which has lingered for long is of great concern to all. They are Nigerians and our children. Approach to this serious issue most be carefully considered for the lives of the girls. While I agree that people should not forget the girls, it is pertinent that various security considerations ate weighed. They will be released but not at the danger of their lives.

Still on the Chibok girls, the Northern Elders Forum has given President Goodluck Jonathan till end of October to secure the release of the girls or forget about 2015? How do you see this threat?

The so called Northern Elders Forum have some people I respect. I doubt if they are speaking for the people of the North. They do not have anyone’s mandate. They contributed to the woes of their region and are still doing so. They must find solution to contentious issues in their area and join effort with the rest of Nigerians to find lasting solutions for the uplift meet of their teaming young ones. Majority of our people in the North do not support their stand. They support the government and will support the constitutional position for presidential election. Jonathan is eminently qualified to seek for second term .If wants to contest he will coast home on the vote of all including the North.

How do you see the controversy over power shift heating up Delta state?

No political heat is being generated .What is going on is expected for the struggle and gain attention. Power shift is for equity, justice, fair play and unity. All sections of the polity know this and support it.

Culled from :Here

Over 300 phase three ex-militants from Delta, Edo and Ondo states, have vowed to match words with actions against Northern Elders Forum, NEF, following its issuance of October 2014 ultimatum to President Goodluck Jonathan to secure the release of the abducted Chibok girls or forget his 2015 ambition.

The ex-warlords, who spoke at Bomadi Delta State, described the purported publication by NEF as provocative, unbecoming, and a smear campaign, adding that neither the NEF nor a segment of the country can decide the fate of Mr. President come 2015.

The chairman, Delta phase three amnesty programme, Mr. Preye Ekpebide, who led the ex-militants alleged that NEF was behind the abduction of the Chibok girls and was using the insurgents, who are committing havoc in the North East as their foot soldiers.

Ekpebide warned NEF to desist from using the Chibok girls as bait to negotiate Jonathan out of the 2015 polls.

Culled from :Here

interview

By Henry Umoru

Professor Sylvester Monye who is the Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation hails from Onicha Ugbo in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State. Before his present appointment, Monye was Secretary, National Planning Commission, where he was in charge of the administration of the Commission, with oversight responsibility for the Centre for Management Development, CMD, Lagos, the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research, NISER, Ibadan; and the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, Abuja.

With this appointment, he served as Secretary of the National Economic Council. Monye who had served as member, Committee on Management of the Excess Crude Account; Committee on the Niger Delta; the Steering Committee of Vision 20:2020; and the National Steering Council on the National Integrated Power Project, NIPP, is currently the Chairman, Presidential Monitoring Committee on Ports Reform. In this interview, Monye bares his mind on decongestion of the ports, achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan in the sectors, the Railway System, the economy, among others. Excerpts:

YOU are the Chairman, Presidential Monitoring Committee on Ports Reform and decongestion, how has it been so far?

I am the chairman of Ports Decongestion Committee, our mandate basically is to assist the federal government to decongest, not just the activities at the Port, but also to decongest the gridlock on the Apapa Oshodi express way which has made life difficult for the road users, so it is a two- prong assignment.

On the port side, we have done a lot of changes that have resulted to tangible results. Some of the tangible results may not be immediately known or seen by non port users. But those who use the port will attest to the progress we have made there.

For example, when we started the assignment, there were about 14 federal agencies who would normally constitute delay in the process in the clearance of the goods. At that time, each agency would stop and search containers and cargoes being brought in. The first thing we did was to examine the need for each agency at the port to determine whether they should really be there or not. So the finance minister with her transport counterpart set up a Technical Working Committee made up of experts and headed by the then managing director of the Nigerian ports authority to examine the role of these government agencies at the port.

It was the technical committee that recommended the removal of so many agencies from the port whose activities were constituting a bottle neck to the operations of the port. The technical committee also recommended for the abolition of cargo tracking notes and so many other activities that they regarded as been obstacle to easy flow of traffic and cargo at the port.

With that initial work, our committee was to implement those recommendations. We were very successful at that; we reduced the number of clearing institutions from 14 to 7. It was actually from 14 to 5, but due to the pressure of the peculiarity of our environment. For example we had recommended that SSS should no longer operate out of the ports because of the nature of our country where people are smuggling arms as well as other initiatives of the port; we also reduced the number of clearing bills from 39 to 7. That is the first benefit that we derived from that move.

Now if I say reduction from 39 to 7, it will put things in context. So I like to put it in monetary terms so that people would understand what that reduction means to the importer. Now if you are an importer and you borrowed money from the bank for a period of six months at the interest rate of 20 per cent, what that technically means is that for every single day you are paying $40,000 on interest.

Culled from :Here

By John Dugbe

Ughelli — AHEAD of the 2015 general elections, the people of Sapele, on Wednesday, adopted President Goodluck Jonathan and Tony Obuh as their presidential and governorship candidates respectively.

Moving the motion for their adoption during a well attended meeting of Delta United for Tony Obuh, hosted by the member representing Sapele in the state House of Assembly, Monday Igbuya, at Sapele, another lawmaker, Efe Ofobruku, said the duo are most qualified for presidential and governorship seats.

Buttressing reasons for the motion, which was unanimously adopted by the people, Ofobruku said Jonathan and Obuh are marketable candidates, expressing resolve of the group to work for their victories in the 2015 elections.

Convener of the meeting, Ayiri Emami, while addressing the people, said Obuh is the most qualified for the governorship job having worked as a civil servant for 23 years and grew to become a permanent secretary.

Emami said: “You people should go back home and market Dr Goodluck Jonathan and Mr Tony Obuh in your homes, units, wards and local government areas. Mr Tony Obuh has learnt the job and he will be good in the governance of our state”.

Continuing, he said: “Dr Goodluck and Mr Tony Obuh are being widely accepted by the people of the state. Let me tell you, Mr Tony Obuh’s aspiration is signed and sealed by God himself and no man can change it.

“Again, people are saying Ayiri said sometimes ago that President Goodluck Jonathan should do one term and ago. I have changed that position because Mr President is performing. Look at the East/West Road and the Benin/Lagos Road; he is doing well and should be supported for a second term.”

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Ethiope East Local Government Area, Faith Majemite, and Temple Mudi, who also spoke in the same vain, said: “Wherever you find yourself, market Obuh; he is the only sellable product in Delta”.

Culled from :Here

[ Masterweb Reports ] – The National Coordinator, Initiative For National Rebirth, Mr. Patrick Okpomu has declared that President Goodluck Jonathan remained the Nigerian Consensus Candidate come 2015 Presidential Election.
 
He stated this in a congratulatory message on behalf of Nigerians and Nigerians in Diaspora to felicitate with the President, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR and the Vice President, His Excellency Arc. Namadi Sambo GCON in marking Nigeria’s 54th Independence Anniversary Celebration. He used the opportunity to pray for PEACE and UNITY of the country that God Almighty would continue to grant the President and his Vice the WISDOM and GRACE to continue delivering to the good people of Nigeria DIVIDENDS OF DEMOCRACY and GOOD GOVERNANCE, pledging the organization’s loyalty and to galvanize support for total victory in the 2015 Presidential Election.
 
Mr. Okpomu urged the President to keep moving for history is on his side no matter what people say or print in ignorance. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to appreciate the current rebasing of the country’s GDP as the biggest in Africa as a positive step in the right direction for the current administration’s TRANSFORMATION AGENDA.
 
THE National Coordinator of INR eulogized the President’s untiring and genuine efforts coupled with the NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION AGENDA adopted as a policy and regulatory framework to move the country forward, and with God Almighty on his side as the NIGERIAN CONSENSUS CANDIDATE, victory at the 2015 Presidential Election is a foregone conclusion.
 
He also commended the Federal Government under the able leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan for the proactive approach to curtailing the Ebola Virus Disease and gave kudos to the Hon. Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu and Minister of State Dr. Khaliru Alhassan acknowledged worldwide as round pegs in round hole for their giant strides in HEALTH CARE REFORMS of the TRANSFORMATION AGENDA.
 
On the insecurity situation in the northern part of the country, Mr. Okpomu asserted that insurgency and terrorism was alien to the Nigerian culture which is the next thing that sits close to the Devil, and appreciated the recent success recorded by the Nigerian Armed Forces in tackling the menace which would soon be a thing of the past.
 
He further affirmed that what God has decreed from His Throne of grace, no mortal being can change it, emphasizing that Mr. President’s Election had been ordained by God, only its manifestation that is left. And concluded that the President reward is in the hands of God Almighty and the Nigerian Electorate comes 14th February, 2015.
 
Mr. Patrick Okpomu was born on the 4th February 1972 in Warri. A Native of Ogodobri town, Bomadi L.G.A, Delta State of Nigeria. He is an acclaimed Writer, Essayist, Publisher, Composer and Poet. At 42 years of age, Mr. Okpomu has made great impact in many spheres of life especially in the literary world.
 
 In 1991, he won the overall best prize of “All Secondary Schools Essay Competition” in Warri L.G.A in the defunct Bendel State organized by Inner Wheel Club of Warri. Also in the same year,he won the best prize in English language, History and Literature in English for graduating students at Essi College Warri, Delta State of Nigeria. Mr. Okpomu gained admission into the Edo State University, Ekpoma in 1993 to Study Philosophy. In 1994 he participated in the “All African Universities Essay Competition” organized by Udemba Communications Limited New York USA on the topic “The Problems of Your Country and the Way Forward”. His essay was listed amongst the best 100 in Africa by the panel of judges. In the 90’s he had written numerous articles on Global Issues published in National and International journals e.g. London Times, Ebony Magazine, Fortune e.t.c. The International Biographic Centre, Cambridge, England Publishers of “International Who Is Who of Intellectuals” gave kudos to some of his published articles. Mr. Okpomu is a Member of the Songwriters Club of America and recipient of Harmonious Honor Award in the Hollywood Song Jubilee, Hollywood, California, USA in 1993 and 1996 editions. He was listed among the best 100 Composers and number 57th on the list being the only African earned him a CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT from the organizers in the 1993 edition. He composed the “Diamond Anniversary Song” for Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II (Queen of England) on Her Royal Majesty’s 63rd Wedding Anniversary in 2010 and the song was performed on May 2012 marking Her Majesty’s Diamond Anniversary on the Throne where Mr. Okpomu received enormous commendations from the Queen of England and the Rt. Hon. Jeremy Hunt (MP) then British Secretary of State for Culture, Media, Arts Sports and currently British Secretary of State for Health. In 1999 and 2001 editions, Mr. Okpomu submitted Radio Drama Scripts to “Write Around The World” in the BBC World Service/British Council International Radio Playwriting contest in London.
 
He also composed the TRANSFORMATION JINGLE in 2013 which highlights President Goodluck Jonathan’s Achievements with a view to taking part in the campaign. He is in the Special Members Forum-Bible Society of Nigeria, and Coordinator, SOON READERS CLUBS-Africa and the Middle East (a Christian Missionary Organization based in Willington, Derby England). Mr. Okpomu has composed numerous poems to his credit. By dint of hard work, commitment and dedication to vision, Mr. Okpomu is the National Coordinator, Initiative for National Rebirth, Publisher Believers Mission International (BMI) Magazine and Vice Chairman, Delta State Sports Council Wrestling Association Governing Board appointed by the Delta State Government. He has deployed his Global network Sensitizing, Mobilizing and Networking Western powers and Nigerians in Diaspora to supporting the TRANSFORMATION AGENDA of the current administration and the 2015 re-election project.
 
During the recent Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, Mr. Okpomu pulled some strings by getting the attention of the British Secretary of State for Health Rt. Hon. Jeremy Hunt (MP) to collaborate with Nigeria’s Health authorities in taming the Ebola Virus Disease. 
 
*Photo Caption – President Goodluck Jonathan

Culled from :Here

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Nollywood actress and award-winning movie producer was recently honoured with the title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja and during the nation’s independence anniversary on October 1, 2014, the actress acknowledged the ‘suffering and smiling’ mentality that describes the resilience of the citizenry.

“I went, got awarded and decorated and am Truly Appreciative… Appreciative of a country who still produces opportunities for her children, despite the many abuses and mismanagement by her children… Appreciative of a strong country that never fails to smile even sometimes annoyingly “suffering and smiling” irrespective of her situation… Appreciative of a country that is proud to call me it’s own, groom me and present me to the world, trained and ready to fight,” Omotola said.

When do you think Nigeria will overcome the challenge of suffering to enable the citizens smile without suffering?

#OmotolaJaladeEkeinde #NollywoodActress #NigeriaIndependence

Culled from :Here

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By Brisibe Perez

Ughelli — The Delta State chapter of the Goodluck 2 Goodluck support group has harped on the need for the electorate to elect credible and worthy representatives at the House of Representatives and Senate to help in making laws that will boost the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking during a visit to a Delta Central senatorial aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Solomon Edoja, in Ughelli, leaders of the group, Mr Francis Ikweki and Mr Charles Oniyere in their remarks, said that the transformation agenda of President Jonathan can best be driven if the people understand it themselves via those they choose to represent them.

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Culled from :Here

 Wives of the Local Government Chairmen in Anambra State have commended the transformational policies of the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano, especially in the areas of security and agriculture, which they noted, were part of the major areas of economic growth.They also commended the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan for, “elevating and uplifting” the lives of Nigerians in the past four years of leadership. The women noted that the administration of Governor Obiano in the past few months had recorded tremendous success stories.

According to Mrs. Chioma Enekwe, chairperson of Orumba North Local Government Area, Obiano was building on the foundation built by his predecessor.

Her words: “Obiano is the answer to the insecurity in the state because the former governor did his best in laying the foundation of continuity government, but Obiano was all out to fight the criminals and the kidnappers who had ravaged the state scaring away investors and tourists. But now, businesses are coming back and investors have lined up both in agriculture, brewery and other areas. The newly established Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) revealed that the state had received about 120 enquiries from investors across the world in the past four months of his administration. Is that not a great feat for a governor and wife, who have only been in office for about six months? I am aware that last May, Obiano commissioned the farm project at Anaku in Ayamelum Local Government Area, which has the capacity to produce 120,000 metric tons of rice and create over 1,000 jobs.

“His administration has attracted over $220 million investments, including investments from Joseph Agro Limited that is investing $150 million in Agriculture and Car-dinal Developers and Trust Ltd that is investing $70 million in the area of hospitality and tourism. Joseph Agro Ltd has a capacity to produce 120,000 metric tons of rice and Cardinal Developers and Trust Ltd will create 400 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect jobs.

“The company, in addition to Coched Farms Ltd, will almost completely erase Anambra’s rice supply defi-cit by 99 per cent. It will also create 10,000 direct jobs and about 25,000 indirect jobs for our people. What are we saying? Anambra State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an indigenous organisation, Ekcel Farms Limited, for the production of tomato and cassava in large scale. The company is owned by an oil magnate, Sir Emeka Okwuosa, who is the chairman of Oil Serve Group. Okwuosa said he was coming home to farm, “in an industrial manner,” not to make money but to set up factories to produce tomato and cassava with a view to creating jobs.”

Wife of Oyi Council Chairman, Mrs. Ogechukwu Nebolisa Okafor, described the governor’s wife, Ebele Obiano as a virtuous woman who workeddiligently with her husband to deliver on their campaign promises, citing, “adequate security” as an example.

But for Mrs Oluchi Obiora the administration of Obiano is a blessing to the people of the state, even as she added that President Goodluck Jonathan was the best man for the job.

Lady Ogechukwu Okeke, (Dunukofia), Chioma Ejiofor, (Aniocha), and Mrs Rosemary Okonkwo, (Awka North) declared that they would continue to support the administration of Willie Obiano to ensure that his economic policies are achieved.

Mrs Chinyere Umeoji (Idemmili North), Mrs Ogechukwu Linda Onuora (Njikoka); Jennifer Udeanor, (Anambra East); Dr Ify Mmadukasi SPA Events and Protocol to her excellency noted that massive construction embarked by the governor would ameliorate the sufferings of the road users at completion, noting that harmonious working relationship between the President Jonathan and Gov. Obiano would go a long way to uplift the state.

Meanwhile, Mrs Oge Okeke (Dunukofia), Mrs Egoyibo Agulue (Ogbaru), Ogochukwu Ezenwa (Idemmili South), Mrs Idemobi Nkiru (Idemmili North), and Mrs Ijeoma (Ekwusigo), Mrs C.E.E. Ezii, SA women mobilisation declared their readiness to continue to support the Obiano led administration.

Culled from :Here