Niger Delta
Bayelsa D’Gov Receives APC Decampees … Reassures Of Equal Treatment In PDP
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on Wednesday received a fresh set of decampees from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) from Southern Ijaw LGA, who have elected to join the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Receiving the former APC faithfuls at his office in Government House, Yenagoa, Senator Ewhrudjakpo lauded them for their courage to move over to the PDP where they had originally belonged before they left and pitched tent with the opposition.
According to the Deputy Governor, the PDP family in Bayelsa was delighted to receive the defectors into its fold, noting that the relevant structures of the party would integrate them fully and recognize them as bona fide members of the PDP.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who assured the returning PDP faithfuls that they have full rights like anyone else in the party, stressed that they would not be treated as new members nor discriminated against for coming back to their original political home.
While encouraging others who are still “wallowing in deception and fake promises” made by the opposition to cross over to the PDP, he stressed that the party’s umbrella was large enough to accommodate everyone.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo promised the group that a formal ceremony would be organized to welcome them back fully, where the leader of the party in the state, Governor Douye Diri, and the members of State Working Committee would all be present.
“You were part of us, and as long as you were away, we were not complete. And now that you have come back to us, it is now that part of us that was missing has been recovered, and so, we are now complete.
“You are part of the PDP family. We felt your absence when you left us because you are veterans. We will not treat you as new comers in the party. You are returning to your original political home and nobody would discriminate against you.
“Be rest assured that you would fully be integrated into the party by its relevant structures. The Governor, Senator Douye Diri, would receive you formally in a bigger ceremony where all the members of the state working committee would be present”, he said.
Presenting the former APC members who now go by the name “Addicted To Diri/Law”, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Federal Projects, Hon. Basil Kenbo, said the group who were staunch members of the APC in Southern Ijaw LGA, had decided to officially join the PDP and work for the party in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Kenbo noted that their decision to decamp from the APC to join the PDP was informed by the maturity and open-mindedness being displayed by Governor Douye Diri in governing the state and the various infrastructural projects his administration had embarked on.
In their separate remarks, the leaders of the decampees, Mr. Cockman Kurobo, Mr. Helix Amakiri and Mr. Kuro Orubie, thanked the Deputy Governor for receiving them and their followers with open arms into the party and government.
According to them, they were fed-up with the leaders of the opposition party in the state who had always used them at every election and dumped them once the elections were over, hence their resolve to part with the APC for good.
While appreciating the Prosperity Administration for always building bridges of unity across political party lines and for the ongoing road project to Oporoma, they assured the Governor and his Deputy of their preparedness to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure victory for the PDP in the November 11 state governorship election.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Commodore Martins Fakrogha, the Commander, Nigerian Navy Shipyard (NNS), Jubilee in Akwa Ibom, says the navy is winning the fight against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the state.
Fakrogha made the expression at the opening of a free medical outreach programme yesterday in Ikot Abasi.
He said the Navy was using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in the campaign against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering.
The Commander said the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, had directed personnel to do everything possible to tackle oil theft, illegal bunkering and vandalism.
“We are doing everything possible to win the hearts of the civil populace. We need them to be in synergy with us. We can partner through intelligence sharing.
“It is our collective duty to tackle crime so that we can all have a safe and secure environment.
“This free medical outreach is our own way of building confidence and aligning with the community around us”, he said.
Fakrogha continued that the outreach was also part of the navy’s corporate social responsibility to residents of the area.
He said residents of the community would be tested for malaria, HIV, blood-sugar and vision.
“They will also enjoy free consultancy services. This is our second free medical outreach for the year”, he said.
Also speaking, the Village Head, Ikot Essien, Ikpa Ibekwe Clan, Eteidung Ufot Nathaniel, commended the Navy for its series of kind gestures to the community.
Nathaniel urged the navy to seek ways providing potable water for the community, saying, “we are in need of safe water”.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Unah Udoh thanked the navy for the outreach, describing it as well-intended.
The Akwa Ibom State Government says next year would establish one modern healthcare centre each across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State to tackle health issues of the people across the state.
The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, stated this during the 58th annual general meeting and scientific conference in Uyo .
The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenye, expressed the hope that the citizens would take advantage of the healthcare centres when faced with health challenges.
He urged the citizenry to understand that government will always take care of her citizens despite the economic challenges, and would not relent.
According to him, Government would do everything possible to provide necessary facilities, while also improving access to healthcare centres where pregnant women across the rural areas can access quality healthcare
The National President, Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Prof. Okechukwu Ikpeze, commended the government for the ideology to improve healthcare services in the state.
He said “the conference would provide great platforms and opportunities for members, partners, and other professional groups involved in women health to interact, share ideas, network and push the agenda to the highest level of healthcare for our women through their journey from childhood to reproductive years and beyond”.
He used the medium to inform members that SOGEN house has been upgraded with solar power installation that would provide 24hrs uninterrupted electricity supply.
This, he said , can enable them host workshops, training and other activities in SOGON house, “making us very much visible and better branded”.
The Chairman, local organizing committee, Prof. Emem Bassey, said they are thrilled to gather the best minds in obstetrics and gynecology to share knowledge, innovation and experience that would shape the future of women’s healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.
Christopher Tom, Uyo
The Edo State Chapter of Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) has congratulated Mr. Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration as the Governor of the state following his victory in the last governorship election.
The miners said the victory was an indication of the confidence the people of Edo have in his capacity to take the state to a greater height.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Mike Okhumode, Chairman and Mr Fatai Jimoh, Secretary of the association issued in Benin yesterday.
They appealed to the Governor to be magnanimous in victory by running an inclusive government for the purpose of developing the state.
While describing the Governor as a man of intellect and a performer judging from his previous records, the miners urged him to urgently consider the issue of double taxation and insecurity.
They said the double-edged sword was retrogressing businesses across Edo.
“We are fully aware of your antecedents in both public office and private capacities; we know that you will not fail to deliver on your campaign promises to the people of Edo state.
“Electioneering has come and gone, as you settle down to the business of developing the state, we urged you to be magnanimous in victory.
“This will be done by embracing all shades of opinions and suggestions aimed at developing our dear state”, they said.
The miners appealed to the people to support the new government to succeed in building a new Edo.
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