Members of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, UNAA, Warri Branch recently paid a condolence visit to the family of Mr. Bernard Otiri at Ajamimogha, Warri Delta State, Nigeria on the death of his beloved wife, Mrs. Rebecca Ajabemiyo Oritse-Egbegbemi Otiri, Nee Kaka, who died at the age of 48.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Ahead April Polls: Uduaghan gets blessing of Urhobo traditional rulers
Traditional rulers in Urhobo land, Delta Central Senatorial District, have given their royal blessing to Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and other PDP candidates from the area in the April polls commencing Saturday April 9.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
DTHA: I’m not stepping down for anybody, Okudolor insists
The PPA House of Assembly candidate for Warri South Constituency II seat, Chief Vincent Okudolor has restated his earlier position that he has not stepped down for any candidate.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
Champions League: How Anceloti exposed his tactical deficiency against Manchester United
The uninspiring display of Chelsea against Manchester United Wednesday April 6 at Stanford Bridge roundly exposed the tactical deficiency of Chelsea’s Italian gaffer, Carlo Anceloti, Fresh Angle sports can authoritatively report.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
Bose, Segun cement divine passion in splendour
“True love is the most powerful passion much more quiet, always behind the scene and never hits any headline, yet it has the strongest influence on each of our daily lives”, this well thought out expression of Bose and Segun as reflected in their toast perfectly tells the story of a glamourous holy union that took lace Saturday March 12, 2011 in Warri, Delta State between former Miss Bamidele Safurani of late Mr. Safurani Adeyemi family of Irayi town in Epe local government area of Lagos State and Segun Michael Asare of Mr. Pius Asare family of Oka-Okoko in Akoko South West local government area of Ondo State.
see concluding event on www.thefreshangle,com, thanks
see concluding event on www.thefreshangle,com, thanks
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Rescheduled Polls: Jega has exposed Nigeria to ridicule – Ewherido
Former Deputy Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly and DPP Senatorial candidate for Delta Central in the April 9 rescheduled National Assembly polls, Akpor Pius Ewherido says the postponement of the National Assembly elections by INEC has exposed Nigeria to international ridicule.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
Delta guber candidate attacked • As mob set another cultist ablaze in Warri
As the April general elections draw nearer, reports have it that the Delta State gubernatorial candidate for Mega Peoples Party, Mr. Afro F.B. Biukeme was seriously beaten by angry mob recently at the Warri Garage.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
Monday, April 4, 2011
OVIRI – OLOMU CAME ALIVE AS COUNCIL STAFF LAID MOTHER TO REST
The serene town of Oviri –Olomu in Ughelli South local government area of Delta State came alive Friday and Saturday March 18 and 19 when an Administrative staff of Ughelli South local government council, Mr. Johnbull Ughwubetime laid his 74 year old mother, Late Mrs. Ohwoidie Anna Ughwubetime to rest.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
ASABA AIRPORT: STATE GOVERNMENT REVEALS PLAN TO REGULARIZE FLIGHTS SET TO CONSTRUCT MORE ROADS IN OKERE URHOBO
The Delta State government is in consultation with three Airlines to regularize flight operations at the Asaba International Airport, Fresh Angle can authoritatively report.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
TENURE VERDICT IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR UDUAGHAN TO MAKE HISTORY – OPUORU
Secretary of PDP Campaign Council for Warri South, Mr. Matthew Poko Opuoru says the recent judgment by an Asaba High Court that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan must contest the April 16 gubernatorial poll 3 months after winning the rerun is an opportunity for the Governor to make history in the state.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
THE DIRTY POLITICS OF NUJ REGISTRATION
When the Abnormal becomes normal, then we have a problem to contend with.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
Why All These Illegal revenue collection by EDSG?
Dear Sir,
It is flabbergasting and indeed denting and denigrating image of the Edo State Government (EDSG) towards the illegal revenue collection from motorists travelling across the state.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
It is flabbergasting and indeed denting and denigrating image of the Edo State Government (EDSG) towards the illegal revenue collection from motorists travelling across the state.
see concluding story on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Commissioner of Police (CP) Delta State Command Hear This
On Saturday 19th of March 2011, the Operation Storm parked their vehicle between 9am and 10.30am (which I observed) with the door opened and faced the bush, for people not to identify them easily at the Orerokpe expressway (that is, Orerokpe/Eku Road) and were busy harassing road users (motor cycles and vehicle owners).
see concluding stories on www.freshangle.com, thanks.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Delta State Command Hear This
On Saturday 19th of March 2011, the Operation Storm parked their vehicle between 9am and 10.30am (which I observed) with the door opened and faced the bush, for people not to identify them easily at the Orerokpe expressway (that is, Orerokpe/Eku Road) and were busy harassing road users (motor cycles and vehicle owners).
see concluding stories on www.freshangle.com, thanks.
2011 ELECTIONS AND POLITICAL OBITUARIES
The political algebra and strategic calculations by political aspirants as April 2011 elections approaches, is now gaining breadth-taking intensity. The vortexes and counter-vortexes of Machiavellianism manifesting in clandestine manipulations, intrigues, scheming, sioganeering, campaigneering and even blackmailing are now lethal and formidable tools in the arsenal of our politicians. Hence, the statesman Henry Brooks Adams (1838-1918) posited that, “Politics~ as a practice~ whatever its professions~ has always been the systematic organization of hatreds”•
see concluding stories on www.freshangle.com, thanks.
see concluding stories on www.freshangle.com, thanks.
CLERIC ADVISES POLITICAL OFFICE SEEKERS
The General Overseer (G.O.) and founder of God’s Covenant Christian Assembly (GCCA), Asheshe Street, off Jakpa Road, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, Rev. Fred Konavwose Arutere has advised political office seekers to follow the rules and regulations of the game, adding that they must not see politics as a do or die affair since political office should be seen as coming from God.
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
SUBEB BRANCH OF NASU GETS NEW EXECUTIVE
The Warri South branch of Non Academic Staff Union, NASU, State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, has elected a new executive to pilot its affairs for another four years
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
VOTE FOR JONATHAN, CAN PRESIDENT TELLS CONGREGATION
The National President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayodele Joseph Oritsejafor has told his estimated 25,000 congregation to vote Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in the April 16 Presidential election.
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
MISPLACED VALUES: EXPERTS CALL FOR CONTINUOUS RE-ORIENTATION IN THE TEACHING PROFESSION
A communications Consultant and former academic, Dr. Joyce Ogwezi has called for the provision of continuous re-orientation in school curriculum if the dream of checking misplaced values in our society is to be attained.
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com
WARRI SOUTH HAS THE LARGEST POPULATION IN DELTA – OTUMARA
Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Sisanmi Otumara says Warri South local government has the largest population in the state based on the recently held voter registration exercise.
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON www.thefreshangle.com, thanks.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Uduaghan’s spouse hinges support for Jonathan on regional ties Silent on Utomi, Okotie
Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Roli Sheila Uduaghan says her support for President Goodluck Jonathan in the forthcoming Presidential election is based on the fact that the former Bayelsa State Governor and Vice President is from the South-South geopolitical zone.
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
Warri South has the largest population in Delta – Otumara
Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Sisanmi Otumara says Warri South local government has the largest population in the state based on the recently held voter registration exercise.
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Role of Mass Media in the 2011 General Elections
The mass media as the fourth estate of the realm should in partnership with the government build a successful nation. In other words, the mass media are the perfect critic and minister of any nation. Consequently, they must be handled carefully. Based on this, the mass media in Nigeria have a great role in sustaining our nascent democracy. In the words of Ebo (1996:21) as quoted by Umechukwu (2004:45) ‘‘ the mass media serving as the mirror of the nation as well as being in partnership with the government, afford the nation the need and urge to check and review its series of seeing, feeling by conscience and touching, hearing, smelling, tasting by experience, etc. through their capacity to evaluate circumstances and situation, discern information, distortions or modifications, portraying disruptions, diversions, and other influences in administration of public concerns’’.
It is on record that the press played a vital role in stimulating constitutional development and nationalistic series of agitation in Nigeria as well as other parts of West Africa. It was after the end of the First World War that nationalist newspaper came in circulation in Nigeria. There were a number of newspapers that helped to spread the nationalist cause during the period stretching from the end of First World War to the Second World War.
Simply put, a journalist is a person whose job is to inform people, educate the people, entertain the people and to mobilize them towards a desired goal for their communities. The places where journalists work are usually radio and television stations, newspapers and magazine outfits and other public offices, which need and employ public relations officers, information officers, etc.
The mass media in carrying out its functions as the fourth estate of the realm brings out government’s policy to the knowledge of the public by their agenda setting role. The mass media or press by agenda-setting role structure our perception of the society. The media many scholars have observed, define and construct social reality by their ability to direct our attention to certain issues and shape our opinion about them. They provide us with frames that structure our perceptual reality within which,we develop our opinions about issues around us.
I think and believe in this forthcoming 2011 general elections, the mass media need to interview applicants so that the electorate should know them very well. Such interviews, should be based on previous positions held, achievements, educational background, how he left his previous office, what plan he has for the mass audience, how to execute it and by what means. In conducting such interviews, the issue of ‘‘bread and butter journalism’’ must not come up, it has to be genuinely conducted so that the electorate will know who to cast their votes for the betterment of all Nigerians.
The press as the watchdog of the society has the responsibility of keeping members of the public or society informed. This includes making the people to know the day-to-day activities and dealings of those in government, whether military or civilian. In addition, the press also helps to ensure that government knows the feelings and yearnings of those who it governs. However, for the press to perform these functions efficiently and effectively, there must be press freedom. According to Benjamin Disraeli, ‘‘the press is not only free, it is powerful. That power is ours. It is the proudest that man can apply’’.
The third American President, Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809), Democratic Republican once said ‘‘that a free press should be sacrosanct to the building of an enduring democratic culture’’. Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the United States and the greatest of the brightest minds of his time noted that the press is the engine room of any democratic system. He also said that journalism is best hope for a healthy policy. To this end therefore, the pen is not only mightier than the sword but it is mightier than the gun in modern journalism. This saying is used to illustrate the power of the press. It shows that the position of journalists should be properly recognized, they need to be respected in the society because they are ’Lions’ in their own rights. This is because the press can destroy any bad and illegal administration and can rebuild such if the need arises and improvement observed.
In the forthcoming general elections, the mass media should endeavour as much as practicable to appraise genuinely all political aspirants at different levels to inform the electorate through the mass media (print and broadcast) inclusive of genuine programmes and projects they have so far executed by means of supplement for the print media and documentary for he broadcast.
For the mass media to play their roles marvelously well in the forthcoming general elections, the Nigerian government should ensure that journalists work in the atmosphere of freedom from state harassment necessary for their protection. When government and security agencies are aware of the popular feeling of citizens in support of the democratic rights of journalists, they are more likely to reduce the frequency with which they invite editors and reporters for security chats. When the professional rights of journalists are tampered with, their defence should not be left to the effort of a few public-minded lawyers, but should concern everybody because of their roles. It is expected that journalists alias ‘pen soldiers’ should continue to live above board and exhibit professionalism and excellence. There should be no journalistic rascality in the practice of their profession so as to monitor properly and publish appropriately all about the activities of the 2011 general elections.
Charles Ikedikwa Soeze, fhnr, fcida, fcai, cpae, son, emba
is a mass communication scholar and Chief Officer (Administration) at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria.
charlessoeze@yahoo.ca (08036724193).
It is on record that the press played a vital role in stimulating constitutional development and nationalistic series of agitation in Nigeria as well as other parts of West Africa. It was after the end of the First World War that nationalist newspaper came in circulation in Nigeria. There were a number of newspapers that helped to spread the nationalist cause during the period stretching from the end of First World War to the Second World War.
Simply put, a journalist is a person whose job is to inform people, educate the people, entertain the people and to mobilize them towards a desired goal for their communities. The places where journalists work are usually radio and television stations, newspapers and magazine outfits and other public offices, which need and employ public relations officers, information officers, etc.
The mass media in carrying out its functions as the fourth estate of the realm brings out government’s policy to the knowledge of the public by their agenda setting role. The mass media or press by agenda-setting role structure our perception of the society. The media many scholars have observed, define and construct social reality by their ability to direct our attention to certain issues and shape our opinion about them. They provide us with frames that structure our perceptual reality within which,we develop our opinions about issues around us.
I think and believe in this forthcoming 2011 general elections, the mass media need to interview applicants so that the electorate should know them very well. Such interviews, should be based on previous positions held, achievements, educational background, how he left his previous office, what plan he has for the mass audience, how to execute it and by what means. In conducting such interviews, the issue of ‘‘bread and butter journalism’’ must not come up, it has to be genuinely conducted so that the electorate will know who to cast their votes for the betterment of all Nigerians.
The press as the watchdog of the society has the responsibility of keeping members of the public or society informed. This includes making the people to know the day-to-day activities and dealings of those in government, whether military or civilian. In addition, the press also helps to ensure that government knows the feelings and yearnings of those who it governs. However, for the press to perform these functions efficiently and effectively, there must be press freedom. According to Benjamin Disraeli, ‘‘the press is not only free, it is powerful. That power is ours. It is the proudest that man can apply’’.
The third American President, Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809), Democratic Republican once said ‘‘that a free press should be sacrosanct to the building of an enduring democratic culture’’. Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the United States and the greatest of the brightest minds of his time noted that the press is the engine room of any democratic system. He also said that journalism is best hope for a healthy policy. To this end therefore, the pen is not only mightier than the sword but it is mightier than the gun in modern journalism. This saying is used to illustrate the power of the press. It shows that the position of journalists should be properly recognized, they need to be respected in the society because they are ’Lions’ in their own rights. This is because the press can destroy any bad and illegal administration and can rebuild such if the need arises and improvement observed.
In the forthcoming general elections, the mass media should endeavour as much as practicable to appraise genuinely all political aspirants at different levels to inform the electorate through the mass media (print and broadcast) inclusive of genuine programmes and projects they have so far executed by means of supplement for the print media and documentary for he broadcast.
For the mass media to play their roles marvelously well in the forthcoming general elections, the Nigerian government should ensure that journalists work in the atmosphere of freedom from state harassment necessary for their protection. When government and security agencies are aware of the popular feeling of citizens in support of the democratic rights of journalists, they are more likely to reduce the frequency with which they invite editors and reporters for security chats. When the professional rights of journalists are tampered with, their defence should not be left to the effort of a few public-minded lawyers, but should concern everybody because of their roles. It is expected that journalists alias ‘pen soldiers’ should continue to live above board and exhibit professionalism and excellence. There should be no journalistic rascality in the practice of their profession so as to monitor properly and publish appropriately all about the activities of the 2011 general elections.
Charles Ikedikwa Soeze, fhnr, fcida, fcai, cpae, son, emba
is a mass communication scholar and Chief Officer (Administration) at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria.
charlessoeze@yahoo.ca (08036724193).
Need for the passage of Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB)
In writing for the need of final passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in Nigeria, I think it is necessary to give a brief history of the petroleum industry. It is true to say that the advent of the oil industry, can be traced back to 1908, when German entity, the Nigerian Bitumen Corporation (NBC), commenced exploitation activities in the Araromi area, West of Nigeria. These pioneering efforts ended abruptly with the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.
However, oil prospecting efforts resumed in 1937, when Shell D”Archy (the forerunner of Shell Development Company of Nigeria) was awarded the sole concessionary rights covering the whole territory of Nigeria. Their activities were also interrupted by the Second World War, but resumed in 1947. Concerted efforts after several years and an investment of over N30 million, led to the first commercial discovery in 1956 at Oloibiri in the present Bayelsa State and two years later (1958) oil was also discovered at Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Furthermore, the discovery opened up the oil industry in 1961, bringing in Mobil, Agip, Satrap (now Elf) Tenneco and Amoseas (Texaco and Chevron respectively) to join exploitation efforts both in the onshore and areas of Nigeria. This development was enhanced by the extension of the concessionary rights previously a monopoly of Shell, to the new comers. The objective of the government in doing this was to the pace of exploration and production of petroleum. Currently, more companies, both foreign and indigenous have won concessionary rights and are producing, Nigeria joined the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in July 1971 at a time when member-countries were consolidating on oil policies in their respective states with a view to exercising great control in the exploitation of their hydrocarbon resources.
On the issue of the PIB, it is a truism to say that the Bill is mainly to increase government revenue with minimal or no extra expenditure. In the words of Alhaji (Dr.) Rilwanu Lukman, a one-time oil minister, “the PIB represents the largest overhaul of the government. Petroleum revenue system in the last four decades went through four control objectives, to simplify the collection of government revenue; to cream off windfall profits in case of high oil prices; to collect more revenues from large profitable field in the deep offshore waters; and finally to create Nigerian employment and business opportunities by encouraging investment in small and gas fields.
To this end therefore, the final passage of the bill should be seen as a welcome rarity because it would place Nigeria in putting oil affairs in the correct and natural perspectives.
Speaking at the 8th Aret Adams annual lecture series, the current Minister of Petroleum cum oil administrator, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke stated that when the bill is passed, the gas sector will become the crux of our economy going forward. We have much more gas reserves than we have in crude. The PIB is a long and indepth bill, a historic, critical and extensive Bill encompassing the 16 hirtherto existing laws with the oil and gas industry.
Once the PIB, is fully passed, transparency in the oil and gas industry would be achieved. It is a truism to say that the oil and gas industry has been characterized by too much opaqueness, high level of confidentiality. To this end therefore, the PIB would remove opaqueness in a scale that has never been seen. Consequently, data would be accessible for all interested persons. One of the benefits of the Bill would be in the creation of over 300,000 jobs in the industry in the next four to five years, compulsory execution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for host communities, end of gas flaring and commercialization of the NNPC, among others.
A careful study of the bill reveals at a glance that it establishes the legal and regulatory framework, institutions and regulatory authorities for the Nigerian Petroleum Industry. It went further to stipulate guidelines for operations in the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors and for other purposes relevant to same.
With the passage of the PIB in place, the texts of all licences, leases and contracts and any of the changes to such documents will no longer be confidential. I think and believe Nigeria will move in one step from one of the most opaque petroleum nations in Africa, to one of most open and transparent in the world. This is because payments to the government of Nigeria will be through public information. It will not be through any secret or hidden agenda.
According to the immediate past President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, (of blessed memory) the new bill will form foundation for a revival of an industry where attacks on pipelines and constraints on investment have fuelled a growing sense of crisis among energy companies. However, executives from Nigeria’s biggest producers, which include ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, Total and Chevron said the proposed new terms were so stringent that they risked deterring investment rather than encouraging it.
In addition, the Bill aims to inject new vigour into the NNPC by reforming its opaque, octopus-like structure to create discrete units to handle tasks such as exploration and production, regulation and research. The PIB is to restructure joint ventures between the NNPC and Western majors to allow them to raise private capital, rather than rely on a notoriously unreliable annual injection of cash from Nigeria’s government.
The benefits of the bill include measures to ensure the government increases its take from a growing number of deep-water developments. Review of the royalties on gas by creating a new fiscal regime separate from rules governing oil. Changes to the way tax breaks are applied for new developments. Oil companies will be encouraged to refine at least 50 percent of their production in Nigeria by the end of the decade. In addition, new rules to boost employment of Nigerians in the oil industry. Also incentives to encourage development of marginal fields as well as improve community programmes in the Niger Delta.
It may be necessary to state at this point that Nigeria was the 11th and final country to join the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries in 1971. Nigeria’s 25 billion barrels of proven oil reserve place it among the world’s top oil-producing nations. One can boldly and proudly say that Nigeria plans to boost its oil reserves to at least 40 billion barrels after recently discovering large oil deposits in deeper offshore waters, according to OPEC and the Nigeria Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
It is abundantly clear that the United States is Nigeria’s top export partner. Nigeria in 2002 ranked as the U.S. fifth-largest oil supplier. However, its exports have dropped by 8 percent since 1997, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria. The U.S. office of Trace characterizes Nigerian-American commercial relations as “essentially strong”, noting that U.S. imports from Nigeria, mostly oil, totalled $5billion for the first half of 2001.
In spite of relative abundance of natural resources, the expansion of Nigeria’s oil sector has been affected by its out-dated items of equipment and the slow movement of goods through Nigeria’s major ports, according to the U.S. office of Trade in 2002. Furthermore, the U.S. government attributes these problems, which continue in 2003, according to the U.S, Department of Energy to mismanagement during the dictatorship of General Sani Abacha from 1993 to 1998.
Finally as part of efforts to boost the activities of the oil industry, the PIB will change the role of the NNPC. This is because the bill gives NNPC (currently funded by the Federal Government) the opportunities to create a viable and self-financing oil company.
Charles Ikedikwa Soeze, fhnr, fcida fcai, cpae, son, emba
is a mass communication scholar and
Chief Officer (Administration) in the Human
Resources Development Department (HRDD) of the
Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta
State, Nigeria. charlessoeze@yahoo.ca
(08036724193).
However, oil prospecting efforts resumed in 1937, when Shell D”Archy (the forerunner of Shell Development Company of Nigeria) was awarded the sole concessionary rights covering the whole territory of Nigeria. Their activities were also interrupted by the Second World War, but resumed in 1947. Concerted efforts after several years and an investment of over N30 million, led to the first commercial discovery in 1956 at Oloibiri in the present Bayelsa State and two years later (1958) oil was also discovered at Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Furthermore, the discovery opened up the oil industry in 1961, bringing in Mobil, Agip, Satrap (now Elf) Tenneco and Amoseas (Texaco and Chevron respectively) to join exploitation efforts both in the onshore and areas of Nigeria. This development was enhanced by the extension of the concessionary rights previously a monopoly of Shell, to the new comers. The objective of the government in doing this was to the pace of exploration and production of petroleum. Currently, more companies, both foreign and indigenous have won concessionary rights and are producing, Nigeria joined the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in July 1971 at a time when member-countries were consolidating on oil policies in their respective states with a view to exercising great control in the exploitation of their hydrocarbon resources.
On the issue of the PIB, it is a truism to say that the Bill is mainly to increase government revenue with minimal or no extra expenditure. In the words of Alhaji (Dr.) Rilwanu Lukman, a one-time oil minister, “the PIB represents the largest overhaul of the government. Petroleum revenue system in the last four decades went through four control objectives, to simplify the collection of government revenue; to cream off windfall profits in case of high oil prices; to collect more revenues from large profitable field in the deep offshore waters; and finally to create Nigerian employment and business opportunities by encouraging investment in small and gas fields.
To this end therefore, the final passage of the bill should be seen as a welcome rarity because it would place Nigeria in putting oil affairs in the correct and natural perspectives.
Speaking at the 8th Aret Adams annual lecture series, the current Minister of Petroleum cum oil administrator, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke stated that when the bill is passed, the gas sector will become the crux of our economy going forward. We have much more gas reserves than we have in crude. The PIB is a long and indepth bill, a historic, critical and extensive Bill encompassing the 16 hirtherto existing laws with the oil and gas industry.
Once the PIB, is fully passed, transparency in the oil and gas industry would be achieved. It is a truism to say that the oil and gas industry has been characterized by too much opaqueness, high level of confidentiality. To this end therefore, the PIB would remove opaqueness in a scale that has never been seen. Consequently, data would be accessible for all interested persons. One of the benefits of the Bill would be in the creation of over 300,000 jobs in the industry in the next four to five years, compulsory execution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for host communities, end of gas flaring and commercialization of the NNPC, among others.
A careful study of the bill reveals at a glance that it establishes the legal and regulatory framework, institutions and regulatory authorities for the Nigerian Petroleum Industry. It went further to stipulate guidelines for operations in the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors and for other purposes relevant to same.
With the passage of the PIB in place, the texts of all licences, leases and contracts and any of the changes to such documents will no longer be confidential. I think and believe Nigeria will move in one step from one of the most opaque petroleum nations in Africa, to one of most open and transparent in the world. This is because payments to the government of Nigeria will be through public information. It will not be through any secret or hidden agenda.
According to the immediate past President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, (of blessed memory) the new bill will form foundation for a revival of an industry where attacks on pipelines and constraints on investment have fuelled a growing sense of crisis among energy companies. However, executives from Nigeria’s biggest producers, which include ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, Total and Chevron said the proposed new terms were so stringent that they risked deterring investment rather than encouraging it.
In addition, the Bill aims to inject new vigour into the NNPC by reforming its opaque, octopus-like structure to create discrete units to handle tasks such as exploration and production, regulation and research. The PIB is to restructure joint ventures between the NNPC and Western majors to allow them to raise private capital, rather than rely on a notoriously unreliable annual injection of cash from Nigeria’s government.
The benefits of the bill include measures to ensure the government increases its take from a growing number of deep-water developments. Review of the royalties on gas by creating a new fiscal regime separate from rules governing oil. Changes to the way tax breaks are applied for new developments. Oil companies will be encouraged to refine at least 50 percent of their production in Nigeria by the end of the decade. In addition, new rules to boost employment of Nigerians in the oil industry. Also incentives to encourage development of marginal fields as well as improve community programmes in the Niger Delta.
It may be necessary to state at this point that Nigeria was the 11th and final country to join the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries in 1971. Nigeria’s 25 billion barrels of proven oil reserve place it among the world’s top oil-producing nations. One can boldly and proudly say that Nigeria plans to boost its oil reserves to at least 40 billion barrels after recently discovering large oil deposits in deeper offshore waters, according to OPEC and the Nigeria Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
It is abundantly clear that the United States is Nigeria’s top export partner. Nigeria in 2002 ranked as the U.S. fifth-largest oil supplier. However, its exports have dropped by 8 percent since 1997, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria. The U.S. office of Trace characterizes Nigerian-American commercial relations as “essentially strong”, noting that U.S. imports from Nigeria, mostly oil, totalled $5billion for the first half of 2001.
In spite of relative abundance of natural resources, the expansion of Nigeria’s oil sector has been affected by its out-dated items of equipment and the slow movement of goods through Nigeria’s major ports, according to the U.S. office of Trade in 2002. Furthermore, the U.S. government attributes these problems, which continue in 2003, according to the U.S, Department of Energy to mismanagement during the dictatorship of General Sani Abacha from 1993 to 1998.
Finally as part of efforts to boost the activities of the oil industry, the PIB will change the role of the NNPC. This is because the bill gives NNPC (currently funded by the Federal Government) the opportunities to create a viable and self-financing oil company.
Charles Ikedikwa Soeze, fhnr, fcida fcai, cpae, son, emba
is a mass communication scholar and
Chief Officer (Administration) in the Human
Resources Development Department (HRDD) of the
Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta
State, Nigeria. charlessoeze@yahoo.ca
(08036724193).
OBJ at 74
Former President Matthew Olusegun Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo popularly known as ‘‘OBJ’’ and ‘‘Baba Iyabo’’, one-time head of the military junta will be seventy-four years by March 2011. He is well-known for confronting a difficult situation with zeal, intelligence and expediency through prayers and can also laugh over irrelevant things through ‘‘I dey laugh oh’’ strategy but not with bad belle.
Chief Obasanjo was born on the 5th of March 1937 in Ibogun, near Ota, in the present Ogun State. He attended Baptist Boys High School in Abeokuta from 1952 to 1956 and performed competently well. Also, he attended the following military training, Mons officers cadet school, Aldershot, England; Royal College of Military Engineering, Chatham, England; School of Survey, Newbury, England; Indian Defence Staff College; Indian Army School of Engineering, Poona; Royal College of Defence Studies, London. He enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 1958.
His career in the military among others included the following, second Lieutenant, 1959; Lieutenant 1960; member of the Nigerian contingent of the United Nations Force in the Congo, 1960; Commander of the Nigerian Army Engineering Unit, 1963; Captain, 1963; Major, 1965; Lt-Col; 1967; Commander, Ibadan Garrison, 1967-69; Colonel 1969; General Officer Commanding, Third Engineering Corps1970-75; Brigadier, 1972; Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Nigerian Army 1975-1976.Member/Chairman, Supreme Military Council (SMC), 1976-1979; Lt-Gen, 1976; Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, 1976-79; General, Nigerian Army 1979. OBJ also served as Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing January-July, 1975.
When fate thrust the leadership of the country on him in February 1976 as a result of the assassination of the Kano-State born General Murtala Ramat Mohammed on Friday, 13th February, 1976 through an abortive coup led by Lt. Col. Buka Suka Dimka as well as Captain Dauda Usman and Sergeant Clement Yildar, some dismissed Chief Obasanjo as unfit for the job. Happily and interestingly, he disappointed his critics and went ahead to prove himself as one of the most successful, intelligent, dedicated, articulate, energetic and serious minded military ruler who exhibited agility and ability as one of the best military ruler Nigeria has ever had.
In October 1979, he voluntarily relinquished power to a democratically elected civilian government led by Alhaji Shehu Musa Aliyu Shagari of the outlawed National Party of Nigeria (N.P.N) who became the first Executive President of Nigeria. Many thought he would have steered clear from public life. Rather, he commenced a new life as an international Statesman and social critic. Since his junta introduced ‘Operation Feed the Nation’ (OFN), which metamorphosed into Green Revolution (GR) during the administration of Alhaji Shagari, Chief Obasanjo established a big mechanized loan-financed farm at Ota, Ogun State. Chief Obasanjo continued to travel round the World to brainstorm with other World leaders on the debt crisis, social inequality, the environment, transparency as well as accountability in the act of governance. It is on record that Chief Obasanjo’s contributions to domestic debates were powerful, brilliant and blunt. However, such blunt talk later got him into trouble for ‘planning a coup’ against the administration of the Gen. Abacha, a charge, which was later found to be a set up due to his outspokenness as an elder statesman.
At this particular period, many Nigerians thought that Chief Obasanjo would die in prison just like his former deputy while he was the head of junta, General Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua, who was convicted and jailed for the same alleged coup. However, Chief Obasanjo not only emerged from prison alive, he became the overwhelming choice of a nation desperate for a strong, reliable, energetic and purposeful leadership. As a result of this, he won the February 1999 presidential election on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the biggest political party in Africa with more than 60% of the total votes cast. Majority of Nigerians especially his Yoruba people from the South-West never thought that OBJ was up to the task. A newspaper columnist called him a joker. Based on OBJ’s statement he had made earlier, many Nigerians wondered if he had left something behind at the State House which he would like to retrieve. One can boldly and proudly say that the sentiments changed during the eight years of democratic rule that could be termed ‘‘Obasanjonic theory of speed and decency’’.
Interestingly, OBJ became popular among his Yoruba people who voted against him. This is because ‘Baba Iyabo’ took some bold and imaginative steps to restore confidence in government and he was credited with restoring seriousness, intelligence, accountability, order and transparency into the act of governance.
When OBJ handed over power on the date promised, his reputation as a sincere and trustworthy leader was established. It is on record that the reputation has continued to grow, and since relinquishing power, he has engaged himself in a number of worthy causes all over the world. He has continued to speak out against military rule, openly describing it as an aberration.
OBJ as a democratic president was elected Chairman of the African Union (AU) and he held the position for two-term due to his re-election. President Alberto Chissano of Mozambique handed over to OBJ at a colourful and grand ceremony in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, where the African Union then Organization of African Unity (OAU) was formed on May 25, 1963.
Going by the monumental level of corruption in Nigeria, which reached its peak during the military era, OBJ running as a presidential candidate of the PDP promised to curb corruption in our national life if elected into office. Indeed, the resolve to fight corruption in its entire ramification, and re-orientate the value of Nigeria, which had become perverted over the years, constituted the cardinal programmes of Chief Obasanjo during the electioneering campaigns.
As part of efforts to fight corruption, Chief Obasanjo in his first few weeks of his administration forwarded a comprehensive bill on anti-corruption to the National Assembly for consideration and passage into law. This quickly brought the establishment of Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The day that saw the inauguration of Chief Obasanjo as the President of the Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, marked the beginning of a new and glorious chapter in all facets of the country’s national life. His administration showed a great zeal, determination and remarkable capacity to give the nation a new sense of direction, and ensure a clean break from the sordid and inglorious past, which had attracted international opprobrium at a time in Nigeria.
OBJ took a major stride in this direction on Monday, June 14, 1999 when he inaugurated the Human Rights Investigation panel headed by an eminent jurist and retired Supreme Court Judge, Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Oputa to investigate past cases of human rights violations in the country. The inauguration of the Justice Oputa Commission was preceded by extensive nationwide consultations by OBJ with the human right community, opinion and religious leaders, labour unions and other interest groups.
While wishing OBJ a happy birthday at 74 and many more years of stay on this earth, we need to see and recognize him as a true father of Nigeria and Africa in general based on all his activities. One can conclude by saying comme ci comme ca, in other words, so far, so good.
Charles Ikedikwa Soeze, fhnr, fcida, fcai, cpae, son, emba
is a Public Affairs Analyst/Commentator on national and international issues and Chief officer (Administration) in the Human Resources Development Department (HRDD) of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria. (08036724193)
charlessoeze@yahoo.com
Chief Obasanjo was born on the 5th of March 1937 in Ibogun, near Ota, in the present Ogun State. He attended Baptist Boys High School in Abeokuta from 1952 to 1956 and performed competently well. Also, he attended the following military training, Mons officers cadet school, Aldershot, England; Royal College of Military Engineering, Chatham, England; School of Survey, Newbury, England; Indian Defence Staff College; Indian Army School of Engineering, Poona; Royal College of Defence Studies, London. He enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 1958.
His career in the military among others included the following, second Lieutenant, 1959; Lieutenant 1960; member of the Nigerian contingent of the United Nations Force in the Congo, 1960; Commander of the Nigerian Army Engineering Unit, 1963; Captain, 1963; Major, 1965; Lt-Col; 1967; Commander, Ibadan Garrison, 1967-69; Colonel 1969; General Officer Commanding, Third Engineering Corps1970-75; Brigadier, 1972; Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Nigerian Army 1975-1976.Member/Chairman, Supreme Military Council (SMC), 1976-1979; Lt-Gen, 1976; Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, 1976-79; General, Nigerian Army 1979. OBJ also served as Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing January-July, 1975.
When fate thrust the leadership of the country on him in February 1976 as a result of the assassination of the Kano-State born General Murtala Ramat Mohammed on Friday, 13th February, 1976 through an abortive coup led by Lt. Col. Buka Suka Dimka as well as Captain Dauda Usman and Sergeant Clement Yildar, some dismissed Chief Obasanjo as unfit for the job. Happily and interestingly, he disappointed his critics and went ahead to prove himself as one of the most successful, intelligent, dedicated, articulate, energetic and serious minded military ruler who exhibited agility and ability as one of the best military ruler Nigeria has ever had.
In October 1979, he voluntarily relinquished power to a democratically elected civilian government led by Alhaji Shehu Musa Aliyu Shagari of the outlawed National Party of Nigeria (N.P.N) who became the first Executive President of Nigeria. Many thought he would have steered clear from public life. Rather, he commenced a new life as an international Statesman and social critic. Since his junta introduced ‘Operation Feed the Nation’ (OFN), which metamorphosed into Green Revolution (GR) during the administration of Alhaji Shagari, Chief Obasanjo established a big mechanized loan-financed farm at Ota, Ogun State. Chief Obasanjo continued to travel round the World to brainstorm with other World leaders on the debt crisis, social inequality, the environment, transparency as well as accountability in the act of governance. It is on record that Chief Obasanjo’s contributions to domestic debates were powerful, brilliant and blunt. However, such blunt talk later got him into trouble for ‘planning a coup’ against the administration of the Gen. Abacha, a charge, which was later found to be a set up due to his outspokenness as an elder statesman.
At this particular period, many Nigerians thought that Chief Obasanjo would die in prison just like his former deputy while he was the head of junta, General Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua, who was convicted and jailed for the same alleged coup. However, Chief Obasanjo not only emerged from prison alive, he became the overwhelming choice of a nation desperate for a strong, reliable, energetic and purposeful leadership. As a result of this, he won the February 1999 presidential election on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the biggest political party in Africa with more than 60% of the total votes cast. Majority of Nigerians especially his Yoruba people from the South-West never thought that OBJ was up to the task. A newspaper columnist called him a joker. Based on OBJ’s statement he had made earlier, many Nigerians wondered if he had left something behind at the State House which he would like to retrieve. One can boldly and proudly say that the sentiments changed during the eight years of democratic rule that could be termed ‘‘Obasanjonic theory of speed and decency’’.
Interestingly, OBJ became popular among his Yoruba people who voted against him. This is because ‘Baba Iyabo’ took some bold and imaginative steps to restore confidence in government and he was credited with restoring seriousness, intelligence, accountability, order and transparency into the act of governance.
When OBJ handed over power on the date promised, his reputation as a sincere and trustworthy leader was established. It is on record that the reputation has continued to grow, and since relinquishing power, he has engaged himself in a number of worthy causes all over the world. He has continued to speak out against military rule, openly describing it as an aberration.
OBJ as a democratic president was elected Chairman of the African Union (AU) and he held the position for two-term due to his re-election. President Alberto Chissano of Mozambique handed over to OBJ at a colourful and grand ceremony in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, where the African Union then Organization of African Unity (OAU) was formed on May 25, 1963.
Going by the monumental level of corruption in Nigeria, which reached its peak during the military era, OBJ running as a presidential candidate of the PDP promised to curb corruption in our national life if elected into office. Indeed, the resolve to fight corruption in its entire ramification, and re-orientate the value of Nigeria, which had become perverted over the years, constituted the cardinal programmes of Chief Obasanjo during the electioneering campaigns.
As part of efforts to fight corruption, Chief Obasanjo in his first few weeks of his administration forwarded a comprehensive bill on anti-corruption to the National Assembly for consideration and passage into law. This quickly brought the establishment of Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The day that saw the inauguration of Chief Obasanjo as the President of the Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, marked the beginning of a new and glorious chapter in all facets of the country’s national life. His administration showed a great zeal, determination and remarkable capacity to give the nation a new sense of direction, and ensure a clean break from the sordid and inglorious past, which had attracted international opprobrium at a time in Nigeria.
OBJ took a major stride in this direction on Monday, June 14, 1999 when he inaugurated the Human Rights Investigation panel headed by an eminent jurist and retired Supreme Court Judge, Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Oputa to investigate past cases of human rights violations in the country. The inauguration of the Justice Oputa Commission was preceded by extensive nationwide consultations by OBJ with the human right community, opinion and religious leaders, labour unions and other interest groups.
While wishing OBJ a happy birthday at 74 and many more years of stay on this earth, we need to see and recognize him as a true father of Nigeria and Africa in general based on all his activities. One can conclude by saying comme ci comme ca, in other words, so far, so good.
Charles Ikedikwa Soeze, fhnr, fcida, fcai, cpae, son, emba
is a Public Affairs Analyst/Commentator on national and international issues and Chief officer (Administration) in the Human Resources Development Department (HRDD) of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria. (08036724193)
charlessoeze@yahoo.com
2011 Elections and the Future of Nigeria
At a recent open and free discussion with a group of educated, experienced and exposed Nigerians most of whom are in responsible positions in the civil/public service, the media and the industry, our deliberations quickly drifted to the current Nigerian political scene. To this end therefore, it became apparent that most of us were so disenchanted with the primaries by some of our politicians who are either looking for a second term, or aspiring for higher political offices. We further observed that some of the political office holders are busy holding meetings in one part of the country and another, thereby putting in oblivion their basic and constitutional responsibilities.
We further observed that in previous campaigns, there was a discernible lack of serious debates on national issues and objectives, instead there was plenty of personal mudslinging and the electorates were being compelled to vote for personalities rather than issues. Based on the versatility, training and background of my group of emergency elite friends at that discussion, most of us were at a loss on how to cast our votes in the forthcoming 2011 elections especially for some of them who have not achieved anything meaningful in their first tenure and are looking for a second term, higher political office or planting their cronies to continue and defend them and still make treasury available to them from where they will stop, come May 29, 2011.
For a genuine appraisal and recognition/appreciation of each elected office holder, there is need for our politicians at different levels to inform the electorate through the mass media (print and broadcast) of genuine programmes and projects they have so far executed by means of supplement for the print media and documentary for the broadcast.
In some of the states, there would have been urgent need for political power rotation and not the popular power shift to check nepotism, favouritism, tribalism, corruption among others. It is a truism to say that power rotation is becoming impossible due to malpractice in the primaries conducted in some of the states. These have led to series of protest and demonstration calling for urgent cancellation of such primaries.
It is flabbergasting that some governors make their Kinsmen to hold important and juicy portfolios like secretary to government, abuse seniority in the civil service and appoint their relation as Head of Civil Service, commissioners of finance, works, education, health, sensitive and lucrative board appointments without taking their background and training into consideration. The state affairs will now be run under kitchen cabinet and nothing tangible will be achieved. This is too appalling for state affairs to become family affairs, which in the final analysis will bring no progress.
The first Nigerian media mogul, the late Rt. Hon. Dr. Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe said in one of his soap box appearances that what is morally wrong cannot be politically right. He made the statement to sensitize and educate the electorates into casting their votes for candidates with impeccable integrity. In other words, there is need for us to avoid the election of ‘applicants’ and ‘baby’ politicians.
However, Nigeria appears to have gone to the dogs. Apart from the treasury looters, made up of some unscrupulous elements in government and mandarins who steal from contracts of corruption, there exist in the states and local governments, looters who corner every kobo that the government intends to spend for some little improvement in the miserable lives of the citizens in the rural areas.
Furthermore, there is need for the electorates to apply the 5Ws and the H in news element, which was popularized by Rudyard Kiplin (1865-1936), a Nobel Prize winner in literature in 1907 and well known British novelist and poet. Before casting their votes, Nigerians should be interested in knowing who the person is, what office he held previously, where, when he vacated the office, why and how he did vacate it.
United States first President, George Washington (1789-1797), a federalist, once said that, ‘‘with reputation you can do anything; without it one can do nothing’’. This suggests that our reputation is one of our most important qualities and ought to be guided jealously and rigorously too. There should be need for the Governors and the office of the Presidency to also consider the 5Ws and H as propounded by communication and management experts in forming their cabinets. It beats my imagination when officials who ruined some organizations are usually appointed into political offices. What does that signify? ‘‘kill or maim the more’’. Politicians and those elected into offices should take public opinion into consideration in forming their cabinets like Roger Haywood, a former President of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) said, ‘‘Public opinion on which reputation is built, can close a company, or remove a government, stop a war or build an international brand’’. Consequently, I think and believe it will not be appropriate to base political appointments on favouritism, nepotism, tribalism or any other unreasonable factor.
It was flabbergasting when it was reported prior to the 2007 elections, that a mechanized farm settlement across the Delta State that occupies strategic position in Nigeria have become haven for training willing youths in AK 47 guns and other sophisticated weaponry in modern warfare. Refer to the Midwest Herald newspaper report of Friday, August 18-August 24, 2006 p.9. The paper further reported ‘‘there are big farms especially in the Delta Central where they train these youths with guns for the 2007 elections. We pray we will not witness such in the 2011 elections. However, there is the need for the law enforcement agents to closely monitor politicians and their thugs to ensure a successful election in the April 2011 polls.
In the previous democratic dispensation, it was abundantly clear that many projects were not properly executed. Those at the helm of affairs of such projects enriched themselves. We were all aware of corrupt practices through substandard renovation works on public schools, ‘ghost’ teachers and pensioners, among others. The electorates are no fools. Each and everyone of us must purge himself or herself of corruption because as the celebrated English poet, John Donne said ‘‘Do not ask for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for me and you’’.
President Olusegun Obasanjo at the inauguration of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) International branch in Rome, Italy in 2001 (during his first tenure), called the local government chairmen in Nigeria, ‘‘thieves’’, pointing out that they converted resource allocations meant for grassroots development to their personal use. Some other Nigerians had equally made similar allegations. Have we forgotten the owambe or akperio governors who were then looking for second term or higher political office.
I am always sad and I pity our dear country Nigeria when I see different political groups in different ‘executive’ names all under what I may describe as ‘special thugs’ praising some of our leaders especially Governors and some aspirants to high heavens. It is indeed ridiculous because of the bad behavior of some of these leaders. Most of our leaders pursue the goal of ‘maximum suffering for the largest number’’. If you are in doubt take a look around you, especially if you are not one of the ‘blind’ or demented praise singers. You can see among many Nigerians, misery, gloom, pluck and nervous fear, wrinkles and furrows on the faces of those around you signifying poor characteristics of some leaders.
A pertinent question has been aptly put by the wise novelist of Igbo extraction, Professor Chinua Achebe, thus: ‘‘where did the rain start beating us? A sufficient number of Nigerians, both professional and lay, have tried to diagnose the problem with Nigeria. The general consensus is that our problems stem principally from previous bad leadership. Even some of the leaders have admitted failure before fellow Nigerians. It is therefore abundantly clear that from a logical point of view, both leadership and followership from the extremes of a graduated continuum is such that the failure of leadership must somehow be the lengthened shadow of poor quality citizenship.
It is a truism to say that different people occupy different leadership positions from time to time, and they carry onto their new positions all the dispositions and character structures they had acquired earlier. In other words, if the person who eventually emerges president, governor, minister, local government chairman or whatever, has over the years been avaricious or a greedy scoundrel, that is precisely what he would manifest while in office.
We can see at the moment political gatherings in public places and even private homes are getting suffused with elements of intimidation, victimization and harassment. While the phenomenon is growing, those who are already in power and legitimately interested in renewing their mandate or ‘planting and watering’ their cronies to take over have equally began to organize openly, ‘executive’ thugs. The immutable truth still remains that another term for or higher political office or ‘planting’ cronies to continue from where they stopped by some of these failed politicians is baseless, ungodly, doom and continuous glorification of poverty in their respective states.
It seems to me that the list of our woes is endless. The events, which have unfolded during 1990 and 1991 in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, clearly show the heavy price nations pay when they build their future on wishful thinking. I hope we don’t have to wait the next one hundred (100) years before we learn the correct lesson.
Charles Ikedikwa Soeze fhnr, fcida,fcai,cpae,son,emba,
is a mass communication scholar and Chief officer (Administration) at the Human Resources Development Department (HRDD) of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun,Delta State, Nigeria. (08036724193)
charlessoeze@yahoo.com
We further observed that in previous campaigns, there was a discernible lack of serious debates on national issues and objectives, instead there was plenty of personal mudslinging and the electorates were being compelled to vote for personalities rather than issues. Based on the versatility, training and background of my group of emergency elite friends at that discussion, most of us were at a loss on how to cast our votes in the forthcoming 2011 elections especially for some of them who have not achieved anything meaningful in their first tenure and are looking for a second term, higher political office or planting their cronies to continue and defend them and still make treasury available to them from where they will stop, come May 29, 2011.
For a genuine appraisal and recognition/appreciation of each elected office holder, there is need for our politicians at different levels to inform the electorate through the mass media (print and broadcast) of genuine programmes and projects they have so far executed by means of supplement for the print media and documentary for the broadcast.
In some of the states, there would have been urgent need for political power rotation and not the popular power shift to check nepotism, favouritism, tribalism, corruption among others. It is a truism to say that power rotation is becoming impossible due to malpractice in the primaries conducted in some of the states. These have led to series of protest and demonstration calling for urgent cancellation of such primaries.
It is flabbergasting that some governors make their Kinsmen to hold important and juicy portfolios like secretary to government, abuse seniority in the civil service and appoint their relation as Head of Civil Service, commissioners of finance, works, education, health, sensitive and lucrative board appointments without taking their background and training into consideration. The state affairs will now be run under kitchen cabinet and nothing tangible will be achieved. This is too appalling for state affairs to become family affairs, which in the final analysis will bring no progress.
The first Nigerian media mogul, the late Rt. Hon. Dr. Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe said in one of his soap box appearances that what is morally wrong cannot be politically right. He made the statement to sensitize and educate the electorates into casting their votes for candidates with impeccable integrity. In other words, there is need for us to avoid the election of ‘applicants’ and ‘baby’ politicians.
However, Nigeria appears to have gone to the dogs. Apart from the treasury looters, made up of some unscrupulous elements in government and mandarins who steal from contracts of corruption, there exist in the states and local governments, looters who corner every kobo that the government intends to spend for some little improvement in the miserable lives of the citizens in the rural areas.
Furthermore, there is need for the electorates to apply the 5Ws and the H in news element, which was popularized by Rudyard Kiplin (1865-1936), a Nobel Prize winner in literature in 1907 and well known British novelist and poet. Before casting their votes, Nigerians should be interested in knowing who the person is, what office he held previously, where, when he vacated the office, why and how he did vacate it.
United States first President, George Washington (1789-1797), a federalist, once said that, ‘‘with reputation you can do anything; without it one can do nothing’’. This suggests that our reputation is one of our most important qualities and ought to be guided jealously and rigorously too. There should be need for the Governors and the office of the Presidency to also consider the 5Ws and H as propounded by communication and management experts in forming their cabinets. It beats my imagination when officials who ruined some organizations are usually appointed into political offices. What does that signify? ‘‘kill or maim the more’’. Politicians and those elected into offices should take public opinion into consideration in forming their cabinets like Roger Haywood, a former President of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) said, ‘‘Public opinion on which reputation is built, can close a company, or remove a government, stop a war or build an international brand’’. Consequently, I think and believe it will not be appropriate to base political appointments on favouritism, nepotism, tribalism or any other unreasonable factor.
It was flabbergasting when it was reported prior to the 2007 elections, that a mechanized farm settlement across the Delta State that occupies strategic position in Nigeria have become haven for training willing youths in AK 47 guns and other sophisticated weaponry in modern warfare. Refer to the Midwest Herald newspaper report of Friday, August 18-August 24, 2006 p.9. The paper further reported ‘‘there are big farms especially in the Delta Central where they train these youths with guns for the 2007 elections. We pray we will not witness such in the 2011 elections. However, there is the need for the law enforcement agents to closely monitor politicians and their thugs to ensure a successful election in the April 2011 polls.
In the previous democratic dispensation, it was abundantly clear that many projects were not properly executed. Those at the helm of affairs of such projects enriched themselves. We were all aware of corrupt practices through substandard renovation works on public schools, ‘ghost’ teachers and pensioners, among others. The electorates are no fools. Each and everyone of us must purge himself or herself of corruption because as the celebrated English poet, John Donne said ‘‘Do not ask for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for me and you’’.
President Olusegun Obasanjo at the inauguration of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) International branch in Rome, Italy in 2001 (during his first tenure), called the local government chairmen in Nigeria, ‘‘thieves’’, pointing out that they converted resource allocations meant for grassroots development to their personal use. Some other Nigerians had equally made similar allegations. Have we forgotten the owambe or akperio governors who were then looking for second term or higher political office.
I am always sad and I pity our dear country Nigeria when I see different political groups in different ‘executive’ names all under what I may describe as ‘special thugs’ praising some of our leaders especially Governors and some aspirants to high heavens. It is indeed ridiculous because of the bad behavior of some of these leaders. Most of our leaders pursue the goal of ‘maximum suffering for the largest number’’. If you are in doubt take a look around you, especially if you are not one of the ‘blind’ or demented praise singers. You can see among many Nigerians, misery, gloom, pluck and nervous fear, wrinkles and furrows on the faces of those around you signifying poor characteristics of some leaders.
A pertinent question has been aptly put by the wise novelist of Igbo extraction, Professor Chinua Achebe, thus: ‘‘where did the rain start beating us? A sufficient number of Nigerians, both professional and lay, have tried to diagnose the problem with Nigeria. The general consensus is that our problems stem principally from previous bad leadership. Even some of the leaders have admitted failure before fellow Nigerians. It is therefore abundantly clear that from a logical point of view, both leadership and followership from the extremes of a graduated continuum is such that the failure of leadership must somehow be the lengthened shadow of poor quality citizenship.
It is a truism to say that different people occupy different leadership positions from time to time, and they carry onto their new positions all the dispositions and character structures they had acquired earlier. In other words, if the person who eventually emerges president, governor, minister, local government chairman or whatever, has over the years been avaricious or a greedy scoundrel, that is precisely what he would manifest while in office.
We can see at the moment political gatherings in public places and even private homes are getting suffused with elements of intimidation, victimization and harassment. While the phenomenon is growing, those who are already in power and legitimately interested in renewing their mandate or ‘planting and watering’ their cronies to take over have equally began to organize openly, ‘executive’ thugs. The immutable truth still remains that another term for or higher political office or ‘planting’ cronies to continue from where they stopped by some of these failed politicians is baseless, ungodly, doom and continuous glorification of poverty in their respective states.
It seems to me that the list of our woes is endless. The events, which have unfolded during 1990 and 1991 in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, clearly show the heavy price nations pay when they build their future on wishful thinking. I hope we don’t have to wait the next one hundred (100) years before we learn the correct lesson.
Charles Ikedikwa Soeze fhnr, fcida,fcai,cpae,son,emba,
is a mass communication scholar and Chief officer (Administration) at the Human Resources Development Department (HRDD) of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun,Delta State, Nigeria. (08036724193)
charlessoeze@yahoo.com
More than a Dream
Our elementary poem says row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream, merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily life is but a dream.
There is no doubt that life is a series of films put together in the dark room of our minds to form an album of dreams which is translated into reality of physical pictures (achievements) which we can hold, talk about and share with others.
A man once gave one of the greatest speeches of modern times, he titled it “I have a dream, just incase you miss it, he didn’t say “I have two dreams” no he said “I have a dream”. Ladies and gentlemen, all you need in this world is just a “dream” not two but one. I want you to have and believe in dream but life is much more than just a dream, it is a world of possibilities where-by anything can be achieved, but first you must have a dream so as to get to reality.
Our past is a questionnaire into the present, but it is not our guide, stop leaving in the past, the past does not see the future, it only sees the mistakes it should have corrected while it was still in the present, which it may not be able to correct in today’s reality called present. The worst thing a person can do is to base life on the past events whether good or bad. For instance, if a love relationship did not work, so be it, cry over it, beat yourself about it for a while and after that dust yourself up continually, you just cannot stop. Humans pass judgement based on past events, life’s judgement is not by the past, but by present actions. The more you dwell in past mistakes, it just robs you of today’s success and peace of mind, there-by stealing you future, for the future is a collection of present tenses. We all know tomorrow never comes.
There is no doubt that we sometimes get beaten down by life, but we cannot stay in that state for the rest of our life, we have to deliberately and consciously move ahead. The only thing constant in life is change not “regret”
There is nothing you and I can do about mistakes. Do you know that the greatest people who ever lived on earth made mistakes, including the meekest man that ever lived “MOSES”. Mistakes are part of being successful, the more mistakes you make the more likely your chances of getting it right. Without the desire to get it right, you would not be making mistakes, mistakes establish one thing, that you are a step away to accomplishing your desired result. If you must live as a champion, you must keep a healthy mind of possibilities, because our minds are nothing but cable box carrying negative and can look into mirror of life and see that we are “ugly, unfit, fearful, deprived, unloved and lonely” all at once. Our minds tell us even God doesn’t care about us, how then should anybody “care?” It’s so funny how our minds work, but I tell you friend, the mirror of life is always wrong. Look at life from the original mirror, in this mirror is hope for a better tomorrow, written on this mirror is you being loved above all creatures, it is always written clearly that you are more than a conqueror, beautiful and wonderfully made. The mirror also says you have not been given the spirit of fear but of boldness, love and self control, it is written on this mirror that you are not deprived but accepted. The mirror says God stand at the door of our hearts with arms open wide ready to receive you the way you are, if only you call on Him.
For God so love you that He sent his only son to die a shameful death to be able to give you a future in this world and in the word to come. On the mirror called the Holy Bible is written, you are not lonely, for he Jesus said “I am here”. I am the friend that sticketh closer than a brother and He gave the greatest assurance, “for I will never leave you nor forsake you, lo, l am with you always even till the end of times.
Friends, the decision is yours, you can pick which mirror you feel you shall base your life upon, every morning you get out of bed, you can decide to fail or succeed.
Let me ask you a question! What did you think was running through the mind of Dr Martin Luther King when he wrote and said “I have a dream” Let’s go into history for a minute, at that time the African, Americans who were children of former slaves were being discriminated against at every area of life.
They were told by their slave masters from generation that they were not fit to be humans, accusing them of being lazy, sloppy and having lives not worth more than that of flies. They were stripped of legal and civic rights, there was no education for their minds, no food for their hungry stomach, no shoes for their soared feet, no clothes for their naked bodies, no shelter for their tired and battered bodies, the worst of all, they were stripped of their God given rights to think and act freely. Generations after generations of them grew to believe and saw themselves as not good. Dr King could choose to see all the odds against him and his people or he could see the “dream” of a whole new world of possibility. I admire Dr King, he stood before thousands of people who had come to hear him speak a word of hope at the steps of Lincoln.
At the memorial in Washington, DC, August 28, 1963, he spoke the words that will forever shape the minds of millions of people all over the world irrespective of their race or religious background. “I have a dream” said Dr. King, he saw possibilities in the present difficulties. There was no doubt in his mind that someday they will produce a black president and that happened forty-five years after the speech, in the person of Barrack Obama, the 44th President of United States of America.
Let me show you that he knew and believe that one day they will be free to hold any position of their choice. In “I have a dream” speech, he said, I quote “I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character”.
He then ended the speech by saying “Free at last! Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty we are free at last”!
There is no doubt he saw the big picture, the question is, do you see the big picture in your circumstances or you see defeat?
Dr King stood in the gap for his people, why don’t you stand in the gap for your future and dream? If Dr King can, you can also, stop looking at your problems but look out for the possibilities. As we march on with the prophetic declaration of Papa Ayo Oritsejafor who said that this year 2011, is a year of possibilities, let’s take fear off our minds and see the big picture of life which is more than a dream.
I believe that together as a team, as we look at life from the big picture, we will achieve our dreams.
This write up is dedicated to Josephine Oweghoro, a true leader indeed, we the morning session of International School of Ministry (ISOM) are proud of you, you have truly shown us that life is more than a dream.
Wise Quotes
I have a dream – Dr King
2011 a year of possibility – Papa Ayo Oritsejafor
The past never sees the future – Jesse Duplatis
A man is dead officially when he stops breathing, but a man without a dream is dead before his official date – Emibiojo Okoka
The only thing worst than not achieving a dream is a life that never had a dream – Emibiojo-Okoka
Followers of life applaud history, but only men of dream make history – Emibiojo Okoka
There is no doubt that life is a series of films put together in the dark room of our minds to form an album of dreams which is translated into reality of physical pictures (achievements) which we can hold, talk about and share with others.
A man once gave one of the greatest speeches of modern times, he titled it “I have a dream, just incase you miss it, he didn’t say “I have two dreams” no he said “I have a dream”. Ladies and gentlemen, all you need in this world is just a “dream” not two but one. I want you to have and believe in dream but life is much more than just a dream, it is a world of possibilities where-by anything can be achieved, but first you must have a dream so as to get to reality.
Our past is a questionnaire into the present, but it is not our guide, stop leaving in the past, the past does not see the future, it only sees the mistakes it should have corrected while it was still in the present, which it may not be able to correct in today’s reality called present. The worst thing a person can do is to base life on the past events whether good or bad. For instance, if a love relationship did not work, so be it, cry over it, beat yourself about it for a while and after that dust yourself up continually, you just cannot stop. Humans pass judgement based on past events, life’s judgement is not by the past, but by present actions. The more you dwell in past mistakes, it just robs you of today’s success and peace of mind, there-by stealing you future, for the future is a collection of present tenses. We all know tomorrow never comes.
There is no doubt that we sometimes get beaten down by life, but we cannot stay in that state for the rest of our life, we have to deliberately and consciously move ahead. The only thing constant in life is change not “regret”
There is nothing you and I can do about mistakes. Do you know that the greatest people who ever lived on earth made mistakes, including the meekest man that ever lived “MOSES”. Mistakes are part of being successful, the more mistakes you make the more likely your chances of getting it right. Without the desire to get it right, you would not be making mistakes, mistakes establish one thing, that you are a step away to accomplishing your desired result. If you must live as a champion, you must keep a healthy mind of possibilities, because our minds are nothing but cable box carrying negative and can look into mirror of life and see that we are “ugly, unfit, fearful, deprived, unloved and lonely” all at once. Our minds tell us even God doesn’t care about us, how then should anybody “care?” It’s so funny how our minds work, but I tell you friend, the mirror of life is always wrong. Look at life from the original mirror, in this mirror is hope for a better tomorrow, written on this mirror is you being loved above all creatures, it is always written clearly that you are more than a conqueror, beautiful and wonderfully made. The mirror also says you have not been given the spirit of fear but of boldness, love and self control, it is written on this mirror that you are not deprived but accepted. The mirror says God stand at the door of our hearts with arms open wide ready to receive you the way you are, if only you call on Him.
For God so love you that He sent his only son to die a shameful death to be able to give you a future in this world and in the word to come. On the mirror called the Holy Bible is written, you are not lonely, for he Jesus said “I am here”. I am the friend that sticketh closer than a brother and He gave the greatest assurance, “for I will never leave you nor forsake you, lo, l am with you always even till the end of times.
Friends, the decision is yours, you can pick which mirror you feel you shall base your life upon, every morning you get out of bed, you can decide to fail or succeed.
Let me ask you a question! What did you think was running through the mind of Dr Martin Luther King when he wrote and said “I have a dream” Let’s go into history for a minute, at that time the African, Americans who were children of former slaves were being discriminated against at every area of life.
They were told by their slave masters from generation that they were not fit to be humans, accusing them of being lazy, sloppy and having lives not worth more than that of flies. They were stripped of legal and civic rights, there was no education for their minds, no food for their hungry stomach, no shoes for their soared feet, no clothes for their naked bodies, no shelter for their tired and battered bodies, the worst of all, they were stripped of their God given rights to think and act freely. Generations after generations of them grew to believe and saw themselves as not good. Dr King could choose to see all the odds against him and his people or he could see the “dream” of a whole new world of possibility. I admire Dr King, he stood before thousands of people who had come to hear him speak a word of hope at the steps of Lincoln.
At the memorial in Washington, DC, August 28, 1963, he spoke the words that will forever shape the minds of millions of people all over the world irrespective of their race or religious background. “I have a dream” said Dr. King, he saw possibilities in the present difficulties. There was no doubt in his mind that someday they will produce a black president and that happened forty-five years after the speech, in the person of Barrack Obama, the 44th President of United States of America.
Let me show you that he knew and believe that one day they will be free to hold any position of their choice. In “I have a dream” speech, he said, I quote “I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character”.
He then ended the speech by saying “Free at last! Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty we are free at last”!
There is no doubt he saw the big picture, the question is, do you see the big picture in your circumstances or you see defeat?
Dr King stood in the gap for his people, why don’t you stand in the gap for your future and dream? If Dr King can, you can also, stop looking at your problems but look out for the possibilities. As we march on with the prophetic declaration of Papa Ayo Oritsejafor who said that this year 2011, is a year of possibilities, let’s take fear off our minds and see the big picture of life which is more than a dream.
I believe that together as a team, as we look at life from the big picture, we will achieve our dreams.
This write up is dedicated to Josephine Oweghoro, a true leader indeed, we the morning session of International School of Ministry (ISOM) are proud of you, you have truly shown us that life is more than a dream.
Wise Quotes
I have a dream – Dr King
2011 a year of possibility – Papa Ayo Oritsejafor
The past never sees the future – Jesse Duplatis
A man is dead officially when he stops breathing, but a man without a dream is dead before his official date – Emibiojo Okoka
The only thing worst than not achieving a dream is a life that never had a dream – Emibiojo-Okoka
Followers of life applaud history, but only men of dream make history – Emibiojo Okoka
Misplaced Moral Values: NGO moves to reawake parental responsibilities
In a bid to check misplaced values in our society, a non governmental organization, Virtuous Children Organization, VCO, has concluded plans to organize an enlightenment seminar for parents and Teachers of primary and junior secondary schools in Warri South local government area.
The seminar slated for White House along Esisi Road in Warri, Delta State with the theme “Repositioning your status as children’s custodian” is being put together to build confidence and security between children of ages 6 to 15 as well as to disabuse their minds from the negative perceptions that Nigeria is a corrupt nation and Niger Delta is a no go area.
According to a statement by President of the group, Mrs. Flora Omolola, VCO is burdened by recent misplaced moral and societal values which have made many young children, especially those between 18 and 25 years hold parents responsible for the present situation as well as accusing them of neglect due to “the quest for fame, power and money”. The statement adds that as part of its strategies, VCO will continually liaise with schools, agencies, similar NGOs, Old student associations and other stakeholders to empower the children with literature, writing materials as well as other educational tools that would aid learning.
VCO which started its operation from Delta State has a vision to spread its operation in due course. Fresh Angle reliably gathered that VCO has so far donated notebooks to 4 primary and secondary schools in the Warri area as well as organized a holiday workshop with the theme “The Impact of Positive Role Model to the Lives of Young Children”. The group has also organized excursion for selected pupils and students in Warri South local government.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Misplaced Moral Values: NGO moves to reawake parental responsibilities
In a bid to check misplaced values in our society, a non governmental organization, Virtuous Children Organization, VCO, has concluded plans to organize an enlightenment seminar for parents and Teachers of primary and junior secondary schools in Warri South local government area.
The seminar slated for White House along Esisi Road in Warri, Delta State with the theme “Repositioning your status as children’s custodian” is being put together to build confidence and security between children of ages 6 to 15 as well as to disabuse their minds from the negative perceptions that Nigeria is a corrupt nation and Niger Delta is a no go area.
According to a statement by President of the group, Mrs. Flora Omolola, VCO is burdened by recent misplaced moral and societal values which have made many young children, especially those between 18 and 25 years hold parents responsible for the present situation as well as accusing them of neglect due to “the quest for fame, power and money”. The statement adds that as part of its strategies, VCO will continually liaise with schools, agencies, similar NGOs, Old student associations and other stakeholders to empower the children with literature, writing materials as well as other educational tools that would aid learning.
VCO which started its operation from Delta State has a vision to spread its operation in due course. Fresh Angle reliably gathered that VCO has so far donated notebooks to 4 primary and secondary schools in the Warri area as well as organized a holiday workshop with the theme “The Impact of Positive Role Model to the Lives of Young Children”. The group has also organized excursion for selected pupils and students in Warri South local government.
The seminar slated for White House along Esisi Road in Warri, Delta State with the theme “Repositioning your status as children’s custodian” is being put together to build confidence and security between children of ages 6 to 15 as well as to disabuse their minds from the negative perceptions that Nigeria is a corrupt nation and Niger Delta is a no go area.
According to a statement by President of the group, Mrs. Flora Omolola, VCO is burdened by recent misplaced moral and societal values which have made many young children, especially those between 18 and 25 years hold parents responsible for the present situation as well as accusing them of neglect due to “the quest for fame, power and money”. The statement adds that as part of its strategies, VCO will continually liaise with schools, agencies, similar NGOs, Old student associations and other stakeholders to empower the children with literature, writing materials as well as other educational tools that would aid learning.
VCO which started its operation from Delta State has a vision to spread its operation in due course. Fresh Angle reliably gathered that VCO has so far donated notebooks to 4 primary and secondary schools in the Warri area as well as organized a holiday workshop with the theme “The Impact of Positive Role Model to the Lives of Young Children”. The group has also organized excursion for selected pupils and students in Warri South local government.
PTI out-going Registrar urges workers to embrace Human Relations
Workers of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Effurun in Delta State, Nigeria have been called upon to embrace modern human relations technique anywhere they find themselves.
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
Warri : Security Chief traces resurgence of kidnapping on politics No, it is not – Council boss
The new Director of Security in Charge of Delta State, Florence Oghre-Ikanone has traced the recent resurgence of kidnapping in Warri and its environs to the political situation in the state.
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
Community youths set 3 suspected cult members ablaze
In a bid to rid their community of cult activities, Okere – Urhobo youths on Monday March 7 set three suspected cult members ablaze at three different locations in Warri.
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
Miss Fresh
“I love reading Novels, browsing and watching movies, particularly those from Bollywood” says Patricia Okpini, our dashing Miss Fresh for this month.
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
see concluding stories on www.thefreshangle.com, thanks
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Our new website address
Our new web address is www.thefreshangle.com. That is not to say that this site is no longer valid. The reverse is the case. The new site was created to suit the taste of our readers who are not familar with the blog site and so that readers can easily drop their comments. For us to know how to serve you, leave a comment on the new site www.thefreshangle.com regarding areas where you think we can improve on.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Warri South commissions 18 projects
A total of 18 projects ranging from solar powered street lights, water and infrastructural beautification projects have been commissioned by authorities of Warri South local government.
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON WWW.FRESHANGLE.COM
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON WWW.FRESHANGLE.COM
How Hussey College tutors saved alleged GSM thief from being set ablaze
Teachers of Hussey College in Warri, Delta State have saved the life of one Ufuoma, a student of Delta College, Warri from being set ablaze, Fresh Angle can authoritatively report.
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON WWW.FRESHANGLE.COM
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON WWW.FRESHANGLE.COM
Battle for Patani Constituency: Battle for Patani Constituency
As the battle over who represent Patani Constituency between the State Deputy Speaker, Hon. Basil Ganagana of the PDP and Barr. Raymos Guanah, a chieftain of PDP who only recently defected to Fresh Democratic Party reaches its crescendo, the Fresh Democratic Party candidate has promised automatic chairmanship position to people of Kumbowei/Tarakiri clan if given the mandate to represent the constituency.
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON WWW.FRESHANGLE.COM
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON WWW.FRESHANGLE.COM
David, Amoma mark 11years of marital fruitfulness
The Ugbuwangue private residence of popular Itsekiri activist, Prince David Iwere was on the evening of Saturday February 6, 2011 enveloped with social frenzy when Prince David Iwere and his charming jewel, Mrs. Amoma Akporaye Iwere marked their 11th year marital fruitfulness.
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES AND VIEW PICTURES ON WWW.FRESHANGLE.COM
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES AND VIEW PICTURES ON WWW.FRESHANGLE.COM
Rights’ activist calls for suspension of CJN, President of Appeal court
The National Coordinator of Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defense, FJHD, Barr. Oghenejabor Ikimi has called for the suspension of Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Aloysius Katsina Alu and the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami over the recent show of shame in the Judiciary.
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON WWW.FRESHANGLE.COM
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON WWW.FRESHANGLE.COM
Misplaced Moral Values:Misplaced Moral Values:
In a bid to check misplaced values in our society, a non governmental organization, Virtuous Children Organization, VCO, has concluded plans to organize an enlightenment seminar for parents and Teachers of primary and junior secondary schools in Warri South local government area.
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON WWW.FRESHANGLE.COM
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON WWW.FRESHANGLE.COM
Don’t vote Omene, Ogbon-Day tells Urhobos Says the LP candidate has faced charges in the US
The Delta Central Senatorial hopeful under the platform of All Nigeria Peoples Party, Ambassador Elizabeth Ogbon-Day have alleged that one Mr. Ogheneovo Omene has faced charges for child support back in America, calling on people of the senatorial district not to vote candidates of his caliber.
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON WWW.FRESHANGLE2004.COM
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON WWW.FRESHANGLE2004.COM
April Polls:Brume canvasses support for Jonathan
A former Senator and pioneer Boss of Delta Steel Company, Ovwian-Ajadja, Senator Fred Brume has called on Nigerians to support President Goodluck Jonathan in the forthcoming April polls.
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON www.freshangle.com
SEE CONCLUDING STORIES ON www.freshangle.com
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Event 3
Pa. Thompson Golly, Michael Golly laid to rest in Ubeji, Warri
Papa was a quiet gentle man, hard working and peace loving. He loves everybody and takes care of other people’s children like his own………Hon. E.O. Golly
My father was a generous giver, an encourager of people’s dreams and one that feared God, he did everything possible not to hurt people for him not be hurt…….Mr. Alex Golly
Those were the words used in describing late Pa. Thompson Oritsejolomi Golly who died at the age of 75.
Hon. Emmanuel Golly’s residence at Bank Road, Ubeji in Warri South local government area was agog Friday January 28 when Pa. Thompson Oritsejolomi Golly who died 1999 during the unfortunate Warri crisis and Delta Referee Deputy Chair, Comrade Michael Golly who died December 18, 2010 were finally laid to rest.
Below are exclusive shots taken at the well attended ceremony as covered by our Senor Correspondent/Photo journalist, Omonigho Matthew
e
EVENT 2
Ife stands still as Ariyo, In-laws inter Late Pa. Adedokun Ogunleye
The ancient city of Ile-Ife, home to one of Nigeria’s Premier Ivory tower, Obafemi Awolowo University was on Friday and Saturday January 4 and 5 held to stand still when Abuja based legal practitioner and Publisher of one time Warri based tabloid, Warri Today, Barr. Robinson Ariyo and his in-laws interred renowned educationist and septuagenarian, late Prince Matthew Adedokun Fadehan Ogunleye at his No. 8 Eleyele Street, Ile-Ife, Osun State after Service of Songs and Funeral Service held at First Baptist Church, Ilare, Ile-Ife.
We present exclusive shots taken at both ceremonies which attracted guests from Delta, Osun and other states.
EVENT 1
Iwere affirms allegiance, as Ugbo Mefa Elders Assembly inaugurates Working Committee
Prominent Itsekiri activist and pioneer chairman of newly inaugurated Ugbo Mefa Working Committee, Prince David Eyekonogban Iwere aka Onne has promised to carry out all functions as given to him by the Ugbo Mefa Elders Assembly.
Prince Iwere who was the pioneer chairman of Okere Youth in Warri Urban made the affirmation Saturday February 5 at the residence of Chairman of Ugbo Mefa Elders Assembly, Prince Agindotan Yonwuren in Ugbuwangue, Warri during the inauguration of the Working Committee to cater for the interests of Ugbuwangue, Ode-Itsekiri Olu, Okere, Ekurede, Ugbori and Orugbo communities as far as dealings with Delta Ports and other corporate bodies operating within its area is concerned.
Fresh Angle reliably gathered that the committee’s tenure will be for a period of 3 years, unless otherwise stated by the General Assembly.
The inauguration of the committee had earlier been communicated to the Port Manager of Delta Ports in Warri in a letter dated January 26, 2011 requesting the Port and its affiliate companies to co-operate with the working committee.
Other members of the committee are: Johnson Eyenuro, Sunday Beji, Ani Henry Olugbo, Mark Agbeyegbe, Tosan Okorodudu, Kingsley Ajanemiwa, Alfred Apoh, Anthony Odongharo, Steve Ejejigbe, Joseph Ogholaja and Roland Omagbemi.
We present selected shots taken at the well attended colourful ceremony.
April Polls:PDP poised to retain Warri federal, state constituency seats • As Uduaghan keeps Deltans guessing on cabinet dissolution.
By: Tonebsky Nesta
Despite the controversy trailing the number of votes credited to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the 3 Warri local government areas, the party appears poised to clear all constituency seats in the councils, Fresh Angle investigations reveal.
Reports gathered in the three councils during the just concluded voter registration exercise shows that only foot soldiers of the PDP including those in governance mobilized eligible voters in the area, while the few pockets of opposition who appears financially insufficient watched events unfold.
Fresh Angle checks also reveal that the inclusion of credible ACN Chieftains like Dr. Alex Ideh, former Delta State House of Assembly member, Hon. Misan Ukubeyinje as well as former House of Assembly candidate, Dr. Ayo Ayomike alongside top PDP Chieftains on the Itsekiri voter registration committee has further weakened what is left of the opposition in the much anticipated April general elections.
Anyone who is conversant with Warri politics, which is largely dominated by the Itsekiris, will waist not time to tell you that of the single federal and four state constituencies in the area, only Warri South Constituency II which is currently being represented by Hon. Dennis Omovie may witness any real contest due to the quality of oppositions.
The roll call includes member of Delta Waterways Security Committee, Chief Vincent Okudolor, who only recently dumped the PDP for PPP to actualize his House of Assembly aspiration. Though he enjoys reasonable followership in his constituency, particularly in Ekurede Urhobo and Ogunu, political pundits are yet to come to terms with his intent, especially against increasing moves to convince him to drop his aspiration and return to the PDP which he worked tirelessly for in the just concluded gubernatorial rerun election.
Another aspirant who has been talking tough for the Warri South Constituency II Seat is Odjuwu Okumagba of the Democratic Peoples Party. While members of the PDP are quick to brush his opposition aside, the strength of the Okumagba family in that constituency cannot be easily overlooked. There are however indications that Hon. Omovie enjoys the support of PDP Chieftains in the area, particularly those of Itsekiri extraction who can easily sway the votes of Itsekiri dominated wards in the constituency in his favour.
For the Warri federal constituency seat, the incumbent member representing the constituency, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, a PDP Chieftain appears to be having a one way traffic, as the few who have indicated interest to battle him are mostly unknown with posters in selected streets in Warri. Hon. Daniel Reyenieju’s relationship with the Itsekiri youth leadership as well as prominent Ijaw and Itsekiri political leaders further consolidates his strength.
One other constituency that the PDP appears to be waiting for announcement of result by INEC in April is Warri South West Constituency seat, which is currently being represented by Hon. Daniel Mayuku, who has secured the PDP ticket to contest the April poll.
The candidature of a few Ijaw speaking politicians and that of publisher of Warri Mirror Magazine, Comrade Alex Eyengho is being viewed as no match to the political weight of Hon. Daniel Mayuku. Those who argue in favour of the lawmaker who has maintained his position as Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation in the State Assembly will quickly point to the large gathering of Ijaw and Itsekiri youth leaders that graced his campaign flag off last year at Ogbe-Ijoh. They include Frank Omare, Boro Opudu, Frank Enekorogha of the State House of Assembly, Rev. Sam Ken, Mofe Pirah, Ayiri Emami (PDP Chairman, Warri South West) Chairman of Warri South West, George Ekpemupolo, Vice Chairman of the local government, Blexon Omadoye and a host of Itsekiri and Ijaw traditional chiefs.
For the Warri South I Constituency Seat, the race is between the incumbent, Hon. (Mrs.) Omawumi Beatrice Udoh of the PDP and Comrade Michael Ajueyitse Tidi of the ACN. While Comrade Michael Tidi of the ACN enjoys some sympathy cum supportership, Hon. Omawumi Udoh of the PDP appears unruffled due to her noticeable achievements in human capital, educational as well as influencing of infrastructural developments to her constituency. Her humble disposition, religious inclinations as well as the support base she enjoys from prominent political leaders in the area puts her in pole position to return to the House come April 2011.
The coast appears clear for Hon. Irene Imilar in Warri North Constituency seat after the immediate past council boss and popular Itsekiri youth leader, Hon. Michael Diden withdrew his aspiration on the insistence of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. This largely accounts for the near political inactivity in the local government.
Meanwhile, Deltans are largely awaiting the dissolution of the State cabinet by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan following hints dropped by the Governor himself as well as strong statements made by his close followers. One of the Governor’s close associates told Fresh Angle of an imminent dissolution weeks earlier but the governor has surprisingly kept everyone guessing.
The rumoured dissolution barely two months to the April poll Fresh Angle gathered is not unconnected to advice by President Goodluck Jonathan that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan should incorporate aggrieved members of the PDP loyal to Ijaw National leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. It was not however clear as at press time if the refusal of those loyal to the Governor to key into that proposal has anything to do with the delay in announcing the dissolution.
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