Confusion As Soldiers Invade Borno Jamb Office ‘To Register Girlfriends’

Report has it that Some soldiers invaded the office of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Maiduguri, Borno state capital, on Friday, to assist some young ladies register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The officers who were unruly threatened to beat up anyone who did not follow their orders.

Since the commencement of registration last week, hundreds of applicants have been trooping to the JAMB office, located opposite a Zenith Bank branch in the state capital, on a daily basis.

Officials of the examination body had been attending to the candidates on a first-come-first-serve basis, until Friday’s invasion.

Some of the affected candidates, who are residents of the ancient city, confirmed that some of the officers were having affairs with the candidates who brought them there.

The soldiers were said to have harassed those who had been standing in queue for hours, because they failed to give way to their girlfriends to complete their registration.

They also threatened to beat up the JAMB officials who did not cooperate with them.

Zarah Musa, a frustrated applicant, narrated her experience to newsmen.

“We were all in the queue when these soldiers arrived with many girls. They insisted that we give way for their girlfriends to complete their registration,” she said.

“Initially we resisted but we had no choice than to comply when they threatened to beat us up, including the JAMB officials, who had been conducting the registration orderly.

“Now, we are left under the scorching sun, while the soldiers are inside facilitating registration for their lovers.”

Jummai Amidu, another applicant, corroborated Musa’s claim.

She said the whole process had turned into “soldiers’ affair”, wondering the fate of those who do not have soldiers as boyfriends.

When newsmen contacted JAMB officials to hear their own side of the story, they declined to speak, saying they were not authorised to comment on the issue.

Calls put to Sani Usman, spokesman of the army, did not connect, as his telephone line was out of reach.

A top military source said Usman was at the closing ceremony of the Small Arms Competition in Sambisa forest.

#BBNaija: Why I Didn't Tell Bisola That TTT Is Married — Bassey

Former Big Brother Naija Housemate, Bassey in an exclusive interview with Linda Ikeji TV explains why he never revealed Thin Tall Tony's marital status while in the house.

"Thin Tall Tony and I have known each other for quite a couple of months and I knew (His marital status) but I would like to base my response on the premise that I was not in Big Brother House from the first week. They both were. So I came in ehm in the second week and I already assumed that Introductions were in order. They had already said everything they had to say. 

Plus I heard from them that the first week they had this open session, were everybody just said things about themselves. So you would assume that everybody knows everybody at that point, I was never put in that spotlight where Bisola or anybody would ask me; "Bassey do you know this, do yo not know this? I didn't know if they spoke about it. They are friends and their friendship is really strong. It wasn't in my place. We spoke a lot, we played a lot but nothing was suggestive of that fact. But like I said, Big Brother is only a game and we cannot judge people based on that."

On whether he found out at any point that Bisola didn't know that Thin Tall Tony was married, Bassey said, "Nope. I respect everybody's privacy, so even if I know a million things about you, if there's no need to say, then why should I bother?"

Source: NigerianBulletin

I Will Write Another Memo To Buhari — El-Rufai

Nasir El rufai, Executive governor of Kaduna state

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state says he’s preparing to write another memo to President Muhammadu Buhari if the need arises.

El-Rufus whose recent memo to the President was leaked told DAILY POST that he will not stop giving Buhari advice.

"I will never stop giving our leader an honest advice in the interest of his success and the country."

"Anything I see something wrong I will do a memo to him, and if they leak it after seven months, it is alright. I will not relent," el-Rufai said.

Why I Lied About My Marriage — Tonto Dikeh

Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, has reacted to a fan who called her out for deceiving Nigerians about her marriage to her estranged husband, Olakunle Churchhill whom she called a Psychopath.

The reaction came after the actress shared a post on her Instagram page @Tontolet about how being abused by a psychopath is not obvious until when relationship is over.

The fan @gbolly_12 commented, saying the fact that she lied about her marriage was an abuse on all Nigerians.

“The fact you lied to your followers about being in a comfortable relationship and using your media power to hype the so called ‘Psychopath’ is an abuse on everybody.

“Yea it feels so good when you start dating him but I’m sure you can tell at some point that it doesn’t feel right but you chose to push on with it.

“Madam Move on with your life shit happens.

In response, she said that it wasn’t a move to deceive anyone.

“That am really sorry I did. I din’t do it to fool no one. I wanted this man to grow and it worked.

“People don’t associate with losers or not relevant people. I have no excuse for my behavior but my intention here was solely to help a man grow!!”

‘Papa, Get Out of My House if You Cannot Bring Defectors of Voting Age’ – Emeh Roars

It was quite dramatic on Saturday at Chief Glory Emeh's compound in Port Harcourt when highly infuriated Emeh ordered one Papa, the Youth Chairman of Rumuohia Emohua out of his house for bringing underaged defectors to his house.

Papa had called Chief Emeh on Saturday morning that he was coming from Emohua to his house in Port Harcourt in two hired buses loaded with defectors.

Josiah Whyte (Political Editor) of Independent News Managers (INM) in a report noted that an “elated Emeh pronto called media men who responded almost immediately. By the time the occupants of the two buses alighted, the unofficial SA to the Governor on Defection and Propaganda was disappointed to see boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 15 as persons arranged by Papa for defection in his house. At that point, Chief Emeh said to Papa in Ikwerre Language, "Papa, this is the worst embarrassment I have received in recent times. I told you to go for Sergeant Awuse boys in Rumuche who have been abandoned by their master to present to Gov. Wike. Was that not what we agreed on? Did I not ask you to go to Isiodu, the Chief of Staff's village to get some boys who were not taken care of by the Chief of Staff?”

“This is what you can bring. Is this not to ridicule me before the Governor? I have already arranged media men. Papa, from today don't come to my house again. Simple assignment I gave you to do you could not deliver but you want me to give you money every day. Get out of my house."

All efforts by Papa to demand money from Chief Emeh to pay the bus drivers fell on deaf ears as Emeh refused to release money for the buses. A sympathetic guest of Chief Emeh had to intervene by settling the bus drivers.

Giving his own account, Papa said he was asked to bring people and tag them defectors and get money. He said he was not aware that the people he convinced to follow him to Emeh's house were not yet of voting age.

Press Release: Rivers Councillors Forum

RE: DEFECTION OF RIVERS APC COUNCILLORS TO THE PDP. 

The attention of the Rivers APC Councillors Forum of the 8th Legislative Assembly, elected 2015 under the immediate past administration of His Excellency former governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has been drawn to an announcement on Rythm 93. 7 Fm 7.am news, a private radio station in Port Harcourt, insinuating that over 200 of our Honourable members across the state have defected or are on the verge of defection from the APC to the PDP. 

The statement also alleged that some of our elected councillors have concluded plans to withdraw our case against the Rivers State Government at the Port Harcourt division of the court of appeal. 

It further quoted one 'Tamunoemi Williams' in the radio voice inserts saying, he is a councillor from Bonny local government area, that he is leading 200 elected councillors to the PDP. 

It is on this note that we want to state clearly that none of our members from across the 319 wards of the state is defecting from our party APC to anywhere. None of our members have also defected. 

We also want to place on record that the Rivers APC Councillors Forum under our leadership has no plan whatsoever to seek for the withdrawal or the discontinuation of our case before the Appeal Court Port Harcourt. 

Our case in court is at advance stage and we believe justice shall be served in no distance time. Our grassroot supporters from across the state is hereby assured that we shall pursue our case to a  justifiable end. 

As a matter of fact, from records available to us at the state level of the Forum, there is no such councillor by the name "Tamunoemi Williams" on the list of our elected honorable members from Bonny LGA. 

For the avoidance of doubt, we've here list of authentic elected APC councillors with their contact information particularly from the 12 wards of Bonny LGA, as a proof that the said "Tamunoemi Williams" is an impostor. He is not on our list of membership from Bonny LGA, he is not a councillor. 

BONNY 8th LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY LIST. 

1. Hon Taribo Williams = 08161870661

2. Hon Ibiwangi Halliday = 08132395055

3. Hon Gogo Nathan = 08036723362

4. Hon Daniel Pollyn = 08033167633

5. Hon Michael Bluejack = 08134604357

6. Hon Happiness Pepple = 08068804480

7. Hon Hanson Hart = 08163756815

8. Hon Idaopu Halliday = 08188412480

9. Hon Chamberlain Brown = 08084715958

10. Hon Teimbo fresh Teimbo

11. Hon Michael Orumbie

12. Adawari Julius Jumbo

 Leader. 

On the strength of the above, it is now crystal clear that the said radio announcement has no atom of truth in it. It is mere figment of imagination of the gullible author struggling to satisfy his selfish desires . 

The Leadership of the Rivers Councillors Forum, on behalf of 319 elected honorable members will like to unequivocally denounce this baseless defection rumors making the rounds. They are all false and are handiwork of mischief makers professionally crafted to deceive our supporters and some unsuspecting members of the public, and with the aim of setting confusion in our ranks. 

Unbehalf of the 319 APC elected councillors of Rivers State, we will like to seize this opportunity to pledge our unshakable loyalty and confidence in our party APC under the able Leadership of Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

None of our councillors is defecting to nowhere. We remain steadfast and comfortable in the APC because we believe our future and destiny can be better guaranteed within the progressive family. 

Finally, we'll like to advise journalist especially Rythm 93. 7 Fm to always crosscheck there facts before rushing to publication. 

Thank you! 

Dae Stephen Deegbara. 

Chairman, Rivers Councillors Forum. 

28/03/2017.

Hon. Igbuya Declares Warri South 1 State Constituency Seat Vacant

The Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya has declared the Warri South 1 State Constituency seat vacant, setting in motion the process of bye-election in the area.

The position became vacant following the death of Hon. Beatrice Omawumi Udoh.

Igbuya informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the vacancy on Monday morning.

“Pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) and the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) which empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct election into any vacant seat in state Houses of Assembly in Nigeria and following the demise of Hon Omawumi Udoh, I hereby inform you that the Delta State House of Assembly has declared Warri South 1 State Constituency seat vacant”

“This information is necessary to enable your commission act in line with the Statutory Provisions of conducting a bye-election to fill the vacant seat” 

Udoh died at the age of 56

Is Aso Rock Under A Curse? By Tayo Demola

By: TAYO DEMOLA

At this moment of our national life where Nigeria has been plunged into avoidable economic hardship and the living standard of many Nigerians instead of improving, has gradually deteriorated below poverty level, many Nigerians are shocked by what they got from the Buhari government which has failed to make any positive change in the lives of the people. And with the way we are all astonished as to how a government that promised us heaven could turn around to give us hell instead, many Nigerians have wondered if that Presidential Villa, Aso Rock is truly a blessing to Nigeria or a curse.

Is the President even aware that many Nigerians are killing themselves due the hardship and suffering brought about by his incompetent government? Does he even know that an average Nigerian is so disenchanted with his government that Nigerians are now even ashamed to call him their President? Does he even know that due to the high expectations Nigerians had of him when he was sworn in, that Nigerians now regret voting for him in the first place? But the President knows all these, he cannot pretend not to know but the activities of praise singers and the enemies of Nigeria who would tell him that all is well would not make him realize the magnitude of the public disenchantment and disconnection of his government from the masses of Nigeria and from the reality on the ground.

The Nigerian government has undoubtedly been hijacked by a certain selfish cabal who are no doubt enemies of Nigeria and who would do anything possible to entrench their own selfish agenda on Nigeria. People like the President’s Special adviser on Media Mr Femi Adeshina would always tell him that all is well and that Nigerians are wailing wailers. And talking about wailing wailers, Mr Femi Adeshina has introduced another vocabulary into the Nigerian political arena which we shall make reference to from time to time.

But let’s look at this critically. Does Mr Femi Adeshina have any right as a political appointee who is paid with the Nigerian taxpayer’s money to even call Nigerians who are complaining about bad government as wailing wailers? Does he not know that the Nigerian masses have the ultimate power to choose whoever should lead them and after choosing such person the people have every right to complain about the government if their expectations are not met? Does he not know he is a public servant and that his duty is to serve the interest of the people and that it is completely disrespectful to call the people of Nigeria wailing wailers?

If as a government you have failed the people and you failed to meet up with the expectations of Nigerians, then don’t expect Nigerians to be happy with your government. It is completely unacceptable to continue to take Nigerians for a ride after we have voted you into power and instead of you to improve the lives of the people, you ended up increasing their sorrow. What sort of government is that? I noticed that every Presidential candidate or political party in Nigeria would always come with sugarcoated mouth and promise heaven and earth during campaigns and the people will be so deceived into voting for them thinking they would change their lives for the better but as soon as they get power, they would not fulfill such deceitful promises to the people.

It looks as if there is something in that Aso Rock that twists the head of every President that gets there and makes him forget all the promises he made to the people. It looks as if that Aso Rock is jinxed against the Nigerian people. It seems to me Nigeria may never make any meaningful headway until that Aso Rock is completely disbanded to pave way for the building of another Presidential Villa by a Godly and properly elected Nigerian leader who would lay a good foundation for the building of that new Presidential Villa.

It is very clear that there are many forces militating against the performance of any Nigerian leader who enters that Aso Rock. It is very possible that our lovely Aso Rock which we built with a lot of money during the military era may actually be the problem of Nigeria. If not, why do leaders suddenly turn against the masses as soon as they’ve taken over the mantle of leadership? Why do they say one thing and do the complete opposite of what they say? Is there not something mysterious about that Aso Rock?

The one thing that also amazes me is how the President allows certain people, praise singers and cabal to hijack his government without standing up to the occasion for the sake of Nigeria. Is the interest of Nigeria not above any selfish personal interest? The level Nigeria is now economically shows clearly that this government is either unprepared for leadership from the onset or completely incompetent and therefore does not deserve to lead Nigeria any more. Nigerians were even better off during the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan and things were not so bad. We are tired of promises that will never materialize, we want action. We want an action government that will ameliorate the suffering of the masses of Nigeria within a reasonable period of time and better the lives of Nigerians and any government that cannot do this should be shown the way out of Aso Rock for another government to take over.

Nigerians have never had it so bad and even during Jonathan’s government, the economy was not so harsh on Nigerians. Despite all the efforts of Jonathan, we called him clueless because he could not meet up with a whole lot of our expectations. He didn’t fight corruption and he exhibited a lackadaisical attitude to the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents who destroyed countless lives and property in the Northern part of Nigeria. But while Jonathan could not do any of these and Nigerians hated him so much and voted him out, we now have a President who we think is fighting Boko haram and corruption but the people are dying of hunger and committing suicide on a daily basis due to the excruciating economic hardship in Nigeria.

But under Jonathan Nigerians could still afford to eat what they wanted and the cost of things in the market was never so outrageous.             We called Jonathan clueless but I bet you many Nigerians are so disappointed now that they don’t even know what name to call the Buhari government. But this government is worse than clueless because if in a clueless government the people are better off and in a supposedly ‘‘non-clueless’’ government the people are suffering, then what is means is that the Buhari government is worse than clueless. And it is very clear that things were quite better for an average Nigerian under the Jonathan government and despite his supposed ‘‘cluelessness’’, Nigerians even wish they never voted him out in the first place.

If at all you are fighting corruption and Boko Haram, this is never enough if the people are suffering. And what manner of corruption is the government fighting in the first place? Is the corruption fight all encompassing or is it only against some perceived opponents and enemies? Is it only against certain people while some sacred cows are left off the hook? What about those in the President’s cabinet and those in the current government who have been indicted and who should have been investigated and prosecuted if found wanting? Now we can see that it’s the usual ‘‘paddy-paddy’’ government which our all-time legend Fela told us from time immemorial. The fight against corruption can never be holistic if certain people who are indicted for corruption and tainted are still in this government without being shown the way out. It would be hypocritical to do so and that would mean taking Nigerians for granted.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently told us that President Buhari is not good with the economy. Now some Nigerians might take that statement with a pinch of salt but that is the plain truth. If Buhari was good with the economy, if he were a good manager of the economy, by now the Nigerian economy would not have gone from good to bad and now to worse. This clearly tells us that we made a great mistake for voting in the Buhari government into office in the first place since he is not a good manager of the economy. It’s just like someone who doesn’t know how to cook and you ask him to go and manage the kitchen and get a good meal out of that kitchen, how possible is that? He will only go there and turn the kitchen upside down and get you a badly prepared meal that will turn your stomach upside down. That is what you get when you make the mistake of voting in someone who doesn’t know how to manage the economy.

But mind you, former President Obasanjo cannot be wrong on this statement because we can all see how the Nigerian economy is being badly managed with all sorts of trials and errors that keep impoverishing the masses the more. And the funny thing is that the President acts as if he has all the time in the world to make the change that we Nigerians desire.

He acts with so much slow pace and reckless abandon as if he has ten or twenty years more to lead Nigeria. He has forgotten that he has only FOUR YEARS to make any impact and nothing more because it is very clear that Nigerians will never vote for this APC government in 2019 except if Buhari is not the Presidential candidate of the APC. The people want change and we want it in record time and not endless promises. You don’t have to make things worse before you make it better. Any government that makes things worse for the people with a promise that things will get better is an incompetent government that should be removed from office. Infact Nigerians were already tired of this government as far back as 2016 when it started to inflict pains and suffering on the hapless masses.

We were promised that the fuel price which was increased last year will gradually come down but nothing of such has happened. We were told that kerosene will soon get cheaper but instead of getting cheaper, it now even costs more. And every commodity in the Nigerian market is beyond the reach of an average Nigerian.

So with all these failed promises and with 2019 around the corner when the government will come up with another set of deceptive and dubious promises, we must all ensure we obtain our voter’s cards and vote out this government since it is clear it cannot take us anywhere. We must change this government before it finally destroys Nigeria. Is it when everybody dies of hunger that the change we all clamoured for will come?

Tayo Demola, human rights advocate & relationship counsellor, lagos, nigeria. Reach him via tayobarrister@gmail.com

'Integrity Test And Notable Survivors' By AbdulRahman Agboola

By: AbdulRahman Agboola

The generality of young people are expected to understand the imports of pedigree, nay, just but few who are struggling to achieve distinctions and unblemished records in their fields of endeavours are on the track to attain pedigree while the political landscape is not even comfortable for the young men with pedigree to emerge either as Governors or President. It is not damaging to state that most of the young people tested with authority since 1999 failed and the urge to turn the tides around is highly imperative with the poor state of affairs of our Country today. The young people are the soul of every Nation, the quality of thinking and depth of knowledge among them are necessities for growth and development.

In advanced democracy globally, scrutiny of public officers or people aspiring to hold public offices goes beyond mere routine, it is an ultimate priority for security agencies assigned with the task of background checks and proper profiling for the purpose of ensuring stability in the polity. The result may not yield perfect result but the essence has proved worthy where integrity really matters, prior to issuance of security clearance to either get appointed or elected.  Where security agencies are not compromised by political stooges that play to the gallery, security clearance is a core prerequisite to earn trust as a public officer and when a public officer is indicted for acts that breach public trust whether current or in retrospect, such officer exit office in the interest of public trust. Every political office holder is usually under watch for any oddity capable of derailing the cause of good governance and when situation abound, any erring public officer must drop the baton.

Ours is not an advanced democracy but we can improve on the gains of the last few years to advance democratic values and norms. Although, there are several impediments such as poor orientation, self-indulgence, quota system and affinity, blocking our path to toll the path of core democratic engagements in line with the constitution, the urgent needs to create Nigerian Principles is very germane to advance democracy in Nigeria. Paper qualifications without commensurable proof of intellectual mobility by office seekers to discharge required tasks effectively and in positive manner negate the task ahead and raise germane concerns for future elections in Nigeria. People seems to have limited opportunities to correct the ills of the society to transition while failing to understand that political parties in Nigeria lacks ideological premises to promote democratic ethos.

Every great Country has guiding principles that serves as motivations for citizens to entrust their welfare in care of their leaders that never betray citizens’ trust. In Nigeria, what are our guiding principles other than the Constitution bestowed on the Nation under a military junta and has not witnessed a complete overhaul. It has somewhat become a tradition in this era to submit to whim and gestures of political office holders without halting that leadership when situation arises. It is nauseating to observe that, except for bickering or crises among political lords, no Governor or President in Nigeria ever stepped down or democratically forced out of office on the altar of peoples opposition, dissatisfaction or loss of confidence. The people are tied to the apron of the intentions of the drafters of our constitution to allow every elected officer to rule with ignominy if he chooses to and only get removed at election period. The ruling class is guilty of misgoverning the people but the people themselves especially the downtrodden, provided the platform for the oppressive tendencies of the ruling class in so many ways. Topical out of this is our failure to thoroughly investigate the private life, pedigree, antecedents, moral background and career records of people we repose our confidence at moments of elections.

Since 1999, every successive government has exhausted their terms and even influences the emergence of their successors with virtually nothing to substantiate growth and development in Nigeria. A re-evaluation of the method of governance in Nigeria will be instrumental to future accomplishments if issues are dissected into proper perspectives, commencing from restructuring of federating units, unicameral legislature, local government autonomy and merger of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigeria Drugs and Law Enforcement Agency and Department of State Security with the Nigeria Police Force to have an efficient, strong and reliable Police Force like we had before the deliberate decimation of the Police Force by the Federal Government during the Military era.

It is very imperative to state that the Nigeria Police Force was a cynosure for other Africa Countries till government created other agencies with duplicitous roles that weakened the operations of Police Force. It is not a misfire to regard this act as a deliberate act by the Military Juntas that reigned in Nigeria to ensure that the Military interfere in internal security and make the police force irresponsible and the result is what we witness today.  Since the 2015 Presidential Election, the word integrity is fondly used as basis of appointment into public offices; this parameter is a positive measure capable of forestalling emergence of crooks and dubious personalities as public officers. In the last two years, notable among indicted public officers on allegations of corruption are not at rest, the system has put them on trial on varied degrees but much more needed to be actualized to make them accountable for their misdeeds and deny them future opportunities of holding public offices. Recently at the National Assembly, there seems to be a thin disconnect from the tradition of outright submissions to the will of Mr President on confirmations of appointees and approvals.

The Senate in particular has raised their responsibility by relying on security clearance before confirmations as indicated in their reliance on test of integrity. Who is legally empowered to issue security clearance and what is the level of fairness of that agency to the Nigeria System. Since the Senate has priority for integrity test, Senators should be the first point of reference and Sahara Reporters has taken the lead by putting the most vocal Senator in the red chamber to integrity test through his academic records from the University he attended.  Senator Dino Melaye is obviously a product of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria where he studied Geography at the degree level. Although Sahara Reporters alleged Dino Melaye of not graduating from the institution, different revelations showed he graduated but under questionable circumstances at variance with laid down regulations considering the academic transcripts of Senator Dino Melaye, he failed the integrity test woefully because circumstances that surrounds his graduation negates standard the institution is reputed for. He spent 8 years for a 4 years Course and was eventually granted waivers of seven carry over courses before exiting the system with a poor grade and until the management of the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University make categorical statement to clear the air on his academic career, we cannot conclude on this matter.

Aside his academic qualification, Dino Melaye never had a carrier in the civil service nor organized private sector other than running a Non-Governmental Organisation known as National Democratic Youth before his ascendance into the corridor of power in 2007 or thereabout. He is political machinery and how can political machinery with flares for display of wealth pass an integrity test. Come to think of it, he once earned a suspension from the House of Representatives and enjoyed the backing of the leaders of All Progressive Congress that super imposed him on other candidates for the Senatorial Election in his constituency without a proper primary election and as a matter of fact, Samuel Aro was disqualified for Dino Melaye at the primaries by APC Leaders. Where is the place of pedigree in his ascendancy to fame and political power?

There are numerous Senators with records of frauds in previous positions held while several of them are battling with moral crises over public knowledge of their dubious antecedents by the general public yet they secured security clearance to contest elections same for some serving Ministers and Governors. We cannot afford to continue to allow people of flawed antecedents to occupy public offices simply because they have means of escaping the wrath of the law, the law must be functional enough to sanitize the corridors of power and prevent ill motivated personalities from occupying sensitive positions any longer. Aside Sahara Reporters and Premium Times, just a handful of Print and Electronic Medias currently engage in genuine investigative journalism, without which democracy will not thrive beyond civil rule as we have witnessed in the last 18 years. The media has the responsibility of sensitizing Nigerians on issues of national importance, though press freedom places embargo on blackmail and slander, proper reportage should be the watchword.

If we evaluate the credentials of public office holders, we will discover that majority of them lacks integrity but we cannot allow the vicious circle to continue. My fears on the project for a better society where the ills will be replaced with virtuous deeds are the young men and women of Nigeria deeply enmeshed in frivolities and self-indulgence. It has become a habit among young people to blame the elderly population of misruling this Country since 1960 and feels they should vacate the center stage for young people to govern the Country and available statistics shows that a paltry few out of people below 45 years of age that have occupied public offices in the last 17 years have mismanaged the affairs of the people and enriched themselves corruptly, which means it is our system or method of governance that strongly require necessary reviews.

An amusing situation is the fact that the elderly people mostly wielding political influences and power today fought against status quo in their younger days where they struggled and achieved Independence for the Country, change of system of government from parliamentary to presidential, abolition of regional government, state creations and led struggles for the enthronement of democratic rule in 1999 whereas, we the young people of today have failed to coordinate ourselves to achieve interesting systemic change at this era but promote misdemeanours under the guise of freedom of speech, religion, social life and association, a situation that must change if Nigeria must move forward as a Nation.

Let young people of Nigeria close their ranks and unite to achieve a total overhaul of the system by conducting proper analysis of issues from well informed point of views before accepting or condemning policies, actions and principles at variance with their knowledge. The act of submitting to authorities and wishes of people we regard as role models and mentors because of pecuniary gains or lack of knowledge about their dubious tendencies has placed this Country on perpetual ruin and the right time is now for genuine activists and mobilisers to raise the advocacy for a better Nigeria in the best interest of this Country on the verge of economic ruin. Politicians fights dirty for absolute control over structures, while masses gets carried away with the bait of public interest as the basis of feud among the gladiators, their bigger interest still unite them, it's all about relevance and sadankata, nothing like public interest yet, let the holiday katakata continue but young people must be productive in thoughts and actions, fairness should be fair enough for public good and equity must be equitable without limitations.

Comrade AbdulRahman Agboola

Good Citizen of Nigeria

E-mail: goodcitizen4gg@gmail.com 08032813279          

Rachael Umahi: 45 Garlands for Humane, Amiable,Philanthropist Par Excellence & Embodiment of Selfless Services to Humanity

By Monica C. Ada Eze,

Preamble

March 23, 1972 will forever remain evergreen in the lives of Ebonyi State people, particularly to the family of Mr and Mrs Chukwu and Eunice Akpa of Umuobuna, Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, as that was the day, God in his infinite mercy and wisdom blessed the state with the birth of a golden daughter, Chief (Mrs) Rachael Umahi, who has guided her family to become the first family in Ebonyi State at a time like this. This great lady of the moment, who celebrates her 45 years on earth this 23rd day of March 2017 attended Umuobuna/Uhuaba Community Primary School, Uburu between 1979 and 1985 from where she got her First School Leaving Certificate. She obtained her West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1999, from Immaculate Girls Secondary School, Aba, Abia State. She obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in 2007, from Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt, in 2002. She is credited with several post-graduation experiences in human and resource management in the private sector, before she became the wife of the executive governor of Ebonyi State.

Why this treatise?

The main aim of this treatise is to examine and present this exponent of God’s love to humanity and to congratulate her as she turns 45 years.

Thomas Woodrow Wilson, an American politician and academic who served as the 28th President of the United States, from 1913 to 1921, with Rachael Umahi in mind once stated: “There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed.”  After a critical observation of the above quote, Mrs Umahi, wife of the Ebonyi State Governor and founder of the Family Succour & Upliftment Foundation Programme, who has through her pet project redefined philanthropy, charity and selfless service to humanity rightly came to my mind.

                

Thomas S. Monson, in his own reaction after studying Mrs Umahi’s works to humanity, have reason to state: “When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates selfish striving, the power of God brings to pass His purposes.” Rachael Umahi has through her pet project not only brought succour to the people of Ebonyi State but, most importantly, brought the purpose of God to the people of the state. A critical study of Umahi’s activities in Ebonyi State brought to the fore what the Holy Spirit tried to state in James 1:27: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (KJV)

 Succour projects

Kilroy J Oldster once stated: “Our most intense joy comes not from personal feats, but from helping other persons achieve their goals. We become suppler human beings when we find true joy in witnessing other people’s successes and unabashedly share in their joyful accomplishments.”

My auntie, Mrs Umahi, derives joy in helping the needy and to prepare formally her humanitarian services to humanity. She launched her pet project code-named Succour and Upliftment programme, aimed at uplifting the downtrodden in the state. The pet project has four thematic areas bordering on health, education, economic empowerment for women and youths, as well as women liberation.

Mrs Umahi unveiled the pet project at the Akanu Ibiam International Conference Centre, Abakaliki. And, according to her, the programme was aimed at achieving an effective and efficient primary healthcare delivery, adding that the programme would achieve 100 per cent education in the state. She said that the pet project would sustain economic empowerment and job creation for women and youths, through entrepreneurship and agriculture, to put food on the tables of their families, as well as address the problem of poverty.

“In the area of women liberation, the family succour and uplift programme intends to liberate Ebonyi women from all vices against the female folk and ensure the upliftment and enhancement of their general living status. Economic empowerment is a solution to poverty, and this informed my determination to improve upon the family income of our people through entrepreneurship and job creation for our women and youths,” she said.

Mrs Umahi said that the pet project was designed as a business outfit managed profitably to yield revenue to the state government through skills in palm oil processing and palm kernel oil extraction; shoe-making, hair-dressing, fabric weaving/weaving of cardigans, fish farm, soap-making, IT-software development and system maintenance for youth empowerment and entrepreneurship development training. 

According to this God’s gift to Ebonyi State, “In the course of my commencing the establishment of the family succour and upliftment programme, and to drive home my resolve to improve upon the socio-economic status of Ebonyi women and youths, I embarked upon advocacy visits to several agencies and organisations, including the UN Economic group led by UN women and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and the Society for Family Health, for their support and partnership for the successful actualisation of my programmes on effective development of Ebonyi women, youths and children. 

“I, therefore, call on well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations and other agencies for their logistics and other forms of support for the centre, to enable it realise its objectives of enhancing the socio-economic status of our women, children and youths.”

With what the statistics have shown: most of the social malaises prevalent in the society were because of poor or inadequate health-care, school drop-out syndrome, delinquency among youths, waywardness among the girl child, such as prostitution and other anti-social behaviour.

“The economic empowerment is a solution to poverty, and this informed my determination to improve upon the family income of our people through entrepreneurship and job creation for our women and youths. The major activities of the centre include training, retraining and capacity building as well as micro-credit programme of the state government, it will provide graduates of the centre with micro-credit to establish their own enterprises. Plans are underway to link the centre with other micro-credit programmes outside the ones provided by the state government, such as the Central Bank.”

She appreciated all those who contributed in various ways towards the successful actualisation of the family succour and upliftment programme, friends of Ebonyi State and all who have identified with this programme for their kind support, and assured: “We in the family succour and upliftment programme will strive to ensure that the programme achieves the desired result for the overall development of Ebonyi women, youths and children.”

Skills available through the Family Succour And Family Upliftment Programme are:
1. Tailoring (male and female) knitting make-up

2. Head-tie/hair dressing, perfume production

3. Bleach production, liquid detergent and soap, balm

4. Hair cream and powder production

5. Computer and graphics (simple artwork)

6. Tiling/interlocking

7. Confectioneries and juice production.

Reactions to the pet project

In his speech at the event, Governor Dave Umahi said that his wife knew how to give to the less-privilege, and promised to support her pet project in order to empower women and children of the state.

“I want to pledge my commitment and support to the project. My administration will not neglect the women and children’s welfare, and health-care. We will give you support, my administration will give you every support,” he promised.

The representatives of International Fund for Development (IFAD) and UNIDO, Atsuko Toda; UNICEF, Dr Nzuki; Society for Family Health, Sir Bright Ekweremadu; UN and ECOWAS, Dr Desmond Osemahia, pledged their supports for the programme.

They were optimistic that the first lady’s pet project would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of women and children, promising to partner with the wife of the governor for the period.

The international agencies, however, called on the legislature and other stakeholders to support Mrs Umahi to actualise her aim of uplifting the women and children of the state.

In another development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) women leader, Hon Mrs Amaka Igboke, stated that the women were overwhelmed at the interventions of, Deaconess Rachel Umahi, which have given many Ebonyi women positions in this administration. Mrs Igboke said the women have never had it so good. She assured of total support to the administration of Governor Umahi. The PDP women leader said they came to thank Mrs Umahi and her husband for involving them in the scheme of things. The women handed over some gift items to the governor's wife during the event.

Feats

Through this platform, Her Excellency facilitates numerous social development programmes for Ebonyi women and children, particularly as it relates to primary health-care and welfare programmes. To further drive home her determination to improving upon the socio-economic status of Ebonyi women and children, barely two weeks upon the swearing-in of her husband as the governor, she embarked upon advocacy visits to several agencies and organisations, such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation UN Women, WHO, Society for Family Health, and other agencies and organisations, to garner support and partnership for the successful actualisation of her programmes on effective development of Ebonyi women and children.

She donated agricultural support materials, such as fertilisers and herbicides and other farming input to widows and youths of the state, through the support of IFAD project on the day of the launching of her pet project. 

She has used her pet project to positively affect and influence lives in the state, through the paying of medical bills of indigent patients, mobilsiation of women towards better family, as well as partnering with USAID/PMI and the Ministry of Health, in sustaining support towards the elimination of malaria and assisting those suffering from VVF in the state.

This United States government crowned net ambassador has continued with advocacy and mobilisation of people towards the fight against malaria. She expressed delight that many people now sleep inside the insecticidal treated bed nets.

Besides, that 18 agro-based cooperative societies were empowered with N1 million each, to enable them enhance agricultural activities through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The 18 cooperative societies were drawn from six local government areas, namely: Abakaliki, Izzi, Ikwo, Ezza South, Afikpo South and Ishielu.

Speaking while handing over cheques to beneficiaries, Mrs Umahi commended the idea of empowering the people, particularly women through the agro grant. Mrs Umahi charged the benefitting cooperative societies to make judicious use of the funds.

The governor’s wife, who was the chief guest of honour, promised to use her office and her pet project – the Family Succour and Upliftment Foundation – to better the lots of humanity. Chairman of the event and senator representing Ebonyi North, Dr Sam Egwu, commended the wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs Umahi, the Family Succour and Upliftment Foundation and SDG for working together to empower Ebonyi people.

In a welcome address, the focal person, SDG Dr Ngozi Obichukwu, highlighted reasons for the grant and told the cooperative societies that they will be closely monitored. She thanked Mrs Umahi and Egwu for their support.

Her Excellency, Chief Rachel Umahi, in another development at Mile Four Hospital, Abakaliki, put smiles on some faces, as she off-set the hospital bills of indigent mothers who delivered at the hospital but could not pay their bills. Deaconess Umahi who went straight from a church service, said the “Holy Spirit led in her heart to visit Mile Four Hospital and free those mothers.” It was a big relief to these families as some shade tears of joy.                                                                            

Building 172 houses for widows

Under this strategy, at least 172 widows and non-indigenes in Ebonyi State are to receive two-bedroom bungalow each, as succour to alleviate their sufferings. Mrs Umahi who disclosed this during the foundation- laying of two of the buildings at Uburu in Ohaozara and Amike-Aba councils noted that the beneficiaries were carefully selected from each of the state’s 171 wards, adding that the project is part of the programmes of her pet project, Family Succour and Upliftment Programme. She stated that apart from the fight against female genital mutilation, her office had to embark on the provision of accommodation for the indigent widows, because they were often victims of harmful traditional practices.

She promised to fight until all harmful practices against women were stopped and urged women to stand against such practices that are inimical to their welfare, and participate in politics to lend constructive voices in the issues of governance and welfare of the families.

She explained that society would be better for all if the women are encouraged and consulted in the evolution of policies that concern them and their children. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Samuel Okoronkwo who led the state executive council members, said the government was interested in the projects because of their impact on the lives of those who could ordinarily be forgotten, noting that the major essence of a woman is to be a helper, even in schemes of governance.

International recognition

The International Committee and Advisory Board of McKing’s Media Productions (Publisher of TREK Magazine) officially announced in her 2016 Edition of the Annual Prestigious ‘Trek Africa Awards’ (TAWA) on Sunday September 18, 2016 recognised and appreciated Mrs Umahi,  wife of the governor of Ebonyi State, for her humanitarian services in Ebonyi State.

TREK Africa Awards is a continental showpiece geared at acknowledging and celebrating personalities who have excelled in different spheres and made their lifestyles exemplary for the younger generation to emulate. It's maiden edition in 2014 assembled creme de la crèmes of Nigeria and Ghana with over 600 high profile male and female personalities which cut across various spheres, including politics, banking, industries, judiciary, media, entertainment, pageantry, to name a few.

According to the Publisher of TREK Magazine, Mr Oki Samson Olatunji, the initiative of TAWA is to acknowledge and celebrate Africa’s exemplary personalities with great impact and resilient spirit, who have reached into the slums and hinterlands to break the stronghold of ignorance within the vast populace and empowered their society with opportunities.

Mrs Umahi’s exceptional performance among the 36 states’ first ladies in the country in the last one year in office earned her this award and accolade as the ‘Most Performing First Lady Of The Year’, In The Trek Africa Award TAWA2016.

The award organisers noted: “The tall fair-skinned and beautiful wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs Umahi, was voted as the ‘Most Performing First Lady’ having painstakingly reviewed her distinguished office performance and humanitarian services among the other first ladies in the last one year of office. She has advanced and promoted advocacy on issues affecting the well-being of women, children/youths, coupled with her exemplary leadership style, demonstration of excellence and empowerment initiatives that has improved the standard of living of the good people of Ebonyi State, by extension, Nigeria through her foundation – ‘Family Succour And Upliftment Foundation Programme’ – in consonance with government policy and complementing the very good works of His Excellency, Engr Dave Umahi.”

It is our utmost expectation that, after this highly ranked award, they will continue to be exemplary personality for the younger generation to emulate.

The First Lady Reacts

In one of her numerous outings, she charged Ebonyi women to be good wives and responsible mothers. She gave the charge while receiving a delegation of PDP women at the Governor’s Lodge, Abakaliki.

She stressed that women should always use their numerical strength to enthrone leaders of their choice. She said women have good number to be game-changers. The governor’s wife urged the PDP women to be good examples through positive conduct in their communities. She assured them that she will always carry the women along and charged that they should always give their best to justify their rightful place in government.

Mrs Umahi has not only distinguished herself through hard work and commitment to excellence in all endeavours, she is also a devout Christian, a caring mother in a million. Her marriage is blessed with seven children. She enjoys reading and travelling.

Conclusion

Tony Robbins, with my auntie in mind, stated: “Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life’s deepest joy: true fulfillment.”

From my accounts so far, one can conclude that Mrs Umahi only derives joy in helping people who are in need. As she turns 45 and matures into great personality, Ebonyi State and her people will surely have the best from this gift of God to us.

Finally, I urge all Ebonyi women and, indeed, women all over the world, to appreciate and encourage the humanitarian efforts of Chief (Mrs) Rachael Umahi, who has used her pet project to bring succour to the women of Ebonyi State in various ways.

Mum, God who saw you this far will surely take you to your desired destination in Jesus Name. Congratulations and happy birthday to the greatest Philanthropist of our time!

Monica Ada C. Eze is the 

President DUNAETA & TA On Media to Gov. Umahi and can be reached through: dunaebonyitransformation001@gmail.com, quintrelking@gmail.com