THE WOE'S OF SAM OKWU'S FAILED REPRESENTATION

I FEEL LIKE SHARING THIS WITH YOU...

MY PEOPLE, MY PEOPLE

By 

Eka A'adu Dickson Jnr

So after all the Flying around with Air Force jets, wearing of military uniforms and all the experienced people around Rt Hon Samson Okwu, House Committee Chairman on Air force, no single Igede person was among the over 100 cadet Officers taken by Direct Short Service Recruitment. Gen. Gabriel Abayomi Olanisakin (Chief of Defense Staff) swore- in the new military personnel recruited from almost all the parts of the country without one Igede person at least. 

While I understand the complexity of getting these jobs, the worst thing that can ever happen to any nation is to have a leader that cannot fight for it. Don't be surprised that some members of the committee where our man serves as chairman would surely get slots in these recruitments!

Our people are brainy, agile, willing, able and ready but acutely lacking a leader with dexterity to assist selflessly. 

How has the pictures of the military jets and uniforms helped us in this recruitment?

We have a duty to right the wrong and rewrite our history.

My people, my people... What a people without a LEADER!

IGEDE AGBA: IGODO SEEKS PROMOTION OF CULTURE, SUSTAINANCE OF LEGACIES

IGEDE AGBA: IGODO SEEKS PROMOTION OF CULTURE, SUSTAINANCE OF LEGACIES

*--- As he redeems promised N199k for Gabriel’s medicals

By James Ibechi

For the former Executive Chairman of Oju LGC of Benue State and Chairman, Synergy Foundation, Chief Bright Igodo Ogaji, Igede Agba Festival should not just be a fest for celebrating the arrival of new yam, but should also be a perfect occasion for promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Igede people to the world.

Not just that, Igodo believes strongly that if well exploited Igede Agba has the potential to unite all Igede people in all areas of their life.
The ex-council boss who has never been bereft of ideas at any given time, therefore successfully used the cultural festival to unite the Igede people at a time when political leanings, clannish cleavages and primordial sentiments were fast dividing them into disparate lines and camps. He used the 2013 elaborate and expanded festivities which he co-organised with then Obi LG boss, Ode Michael Abi, in collaboration with the repositories of Igede tradition and culture to achieve an unprecedented unity in Igede nation. see more

ALOBO, EWORO, AJOMA, IPENYI AND THE OKALIBO’S SMELLING SALT *Now that Ogor Andrew has spoken, what happens?

ALOBO, EWORO, AJOMA, IPENYI AND THE OKALIBO’S SMELLING SALT
*Now that Ogor Andrew has spoken, what happens?

By James Ibechi, Port Harcourt
There’s a smelling salt being passed around.
A Pseudo-human being, a kill-joy so to say and everything rolled into one; who is one Ogbadu Okalibo, who is himself a whistle blower and harbinger of the smelling salt first fouled the air recently with his post on social media alleging that Dep. Majority Leader of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nick Eworo took a N2million bribe from Ogor Andrew Ida, ex-APC chairmanship aspirant in the just conducted LG Election in Oju LGA of Benue State. Read more after the cut

Who woke sleeping Dogs? Ogor Andrew Idah distances himself from rumors peddling

Who woke sleeping Dogs? Ogor Andrew Idah distance himself from rumors peddling

Ogi John

Social Commentator and Analyst

Bravery is one of the fore most characters of people that will make a mark in the present and such legacies will remain on the marshal walls of history as a clear demonstration of their charisma. In the week that ended social media wall of some Igede folks became highly active just immediately one faceless and character assassin named Okalibo Ogbadu came up with a story of financial fraud against Hon Nick Eworo alleging that the Hon Member collected the sum of 2million Naira from one of the Oju LG Council chairmanship aspirant Hon Ogor Andrew Idah during the just concluded elections, he pointed that the money was designate for the wife of the Governor of Benue State, Her Excellency Dr. Eunice Ortom, Okalibo pointed to the fact that Nick after receiving the cash failed to deliver the money as agreed. click below read more after the cut

Photos: Ann Enanya’s Port Harcourt birthday that got everyone talking

Port Harcourt was agog yesterday as young millionaire dude Tari Akemiefa declared his undying love for his wife Ann Enanya Akemiefa as she marked her birthday. The birthday took place at the residence of Port Harcourt based billionaire Prince Edwin Ochai, the guest danced and offered prayers for the celebrant. In a short comment the millionaire husband Tari said his wife is the best gift he received from God and nothing compares to her.

 more pictures after the cut......................

AGILA CARNIVAL 2017 WILL BE HISTORICAL- CHIKE MORDI

Porth Harcourt-based Costume Designer, Mr. Chike Mordi spoke to Ogi John and James Ibechi on this year’s (December 2017) edition of Agila Carnival.

 Excerpt:

 Who is Chike Mordi, for the sake of our readers?

My name is Chike Mordi, I am a costume designer.

We understand you are the costume designer for Agila carnival, what is the inspiration; how did you come about the idea of the designs?

As you all know, custom designs are character-inherited. The inspirations for the costumes are drawn from the film. Film-based designs are what we do for the carnival to interpret the theme for the year, which is one people one love. The Idomas are known for their unity because it is popularly said in their dialect “ Opiatoha Ki’Idoma ”. That is, their strength lies in their unity. Based on that, we are working on the design that is based on the history of the people. We look at the Idoma yesterday, today and tomorrow. 

Marketing of carnivals costumes is a huge revenue source where you make the costumes and people buy them, wear them, style up with them and they remain fashionable after the carnival. Are you able to do that for Agila Carnival?

Like you just rightly said in other carnivals around the world, people take freebies; people buy stuff that they can take home for other people to see and know. It’s a sort of creating awareness for the carnival. Yes for this year in Agila Carnival we are looking at having stuffs like that where people can get souvenirs and take home. Not only the souvenirs, we are not going to be in charge of producing the souvenirs of the carnival, but we are also looking at human capacity building, because the people have to benefit from the carnival. The carnival has a commercial value, so we are looking at booming the youths of Benue State – talking to them and training them on these things like producing costumes, to market themselves in the carnival. Produce their artworks, their artifacts and other things  that tourists will come over for carnival, buy and then take home. The 2017 edition of Agila Carnival will witness training, sales and all forms of exhibitions for costumes. And not just costumes, Idoma-based arts will also be on sale. Example are their traditional attires. You have their fabrics and will be put out there for people to know that  Idomas are capable of doing that and if they properly invest in them, they will produce in quantity and they will have commercial value. This year, we are seeing how we can get the people involved because the carnival is for the Idomas and generally Benue people. So they have to embrace their carnival and come together, celebrate themselves so that the world will recognize them and also celebrate them and we are calling on all Benue indigenes, all Idomas, all Tivs, etc. As far as I am concerned there is no difference between them. They are one people. Let them come together and enhance the theme, “One people one love”.

 more after the cut

BENUE SOUTH LEGISLATORS: APA/AGATU IN FOCUS

BENUE SOUTH LEGISLATORS: APA/AGATU IN FOCUS
* Entonu, Sule and Otache, are not even "Nominatable" , talk more of Electable.
By Morgan Adikwu 

The idea of representative democracy is to ensure the process, where by the electorates will have the right to chose Representatives, who will protect their interests. The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, empowered the legislature to conduct or direct investigation into any matter relating to corruption, inefficiency, waste, administration of appropriation that affects government Ministries, Agencies, Department and even individuals. The essence of such investigation is to foster good governance and enhance democratic accountability on the basis in which the people elected their Representatives.

The quality and nature of Roads and other executable essential Projects, is an indices of categorising a settlement into Township or a Suburb. It has the capacity to attracts or mars other essentialities of good living. In Apa/Agatu, the deplorable nature of road network particularly the rural feeder roads has being impeding the smooth transversing between/among towns and villages. This has greatly affected their social and economic activities and has also reduce the people of Apa/Agatu to second class citizens in the state despite having 'representatives' at both National and State level.

Furtherance to the above, is the importance of the Judgment of Justice Abdu Kafarati of the Federal High Court Abuja, on the 16th June, 2015 against the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Adesina Akinwumi. The Judgment is in respect to the 18 Rural Access Mobility Projects in Idoma land. Amongst the rural access mobility project is the; Oshigbudu-Obagaji-Okokolo road (24km) at the cost of #100 million, Ugbokpo-'Edikwu'-Opaha road (21.1km) cost #125 million, Ugbokpo-Ojantele-Ikobi road (15km) cost #85.616 million etc. These projects were budgeted for, the funds were disbursed, but none of the project was executed ( J. Akioyamen, IPN).

The legislature is charged to check, raise question and where necessary directs the executive through the political heads of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to appear before it in the floor of the house to defend allegations levelled against the MDAs especially as it has to do with non-performance. The question that comes to mind is, where are the Legislators from Apa/Agatu in the roads saga that is affecting their constiquency.

At times one wonders, the use of the Oversight mechanism in the discourse of legislative representatives and the Apa/Agatu road saga. The legislatives failed to understand the powers of their position of supervision and monitoring of projects embarked upon by the executive branch of government. These legislative instruments are effective measure to ensure prudent management of public funds, efficient and effective implementation of programmes, projects and increase service delivery to the people.

The legislators both at the National and State level has not only failed and disappointed the Apa/Agatu people, but has created vacuum of non-representation at both National and State Politics. However, the bane of legislative inefficiency cut across the entire Benue South, as evidence in the last sixteen years but more prominent in Apa/Agatu in view of our challenges, placing us among the most under developed local government areas in the state. The actions and inaction of the legislators both at the State and National is either conspiracy of silence or grave incompetency in representation.

For instance, according to the 2016 Budget, #100 billion was approved for the Federal Lawmakers for constituency projects, but the lawmakers are alleged to have pocket over #100 million each and the projects forgone. Imagine how much, Hon. Adamu Entonu has been collecting for constituency projects for five years before this year of recession, yet no single project on ground. While in the State, despite the fund released for constituency services, in Agatu, Rt. Hon. Sule Audu for his over six years in "House", just a small culvert in Ogwule and as for Hon. Henry Baba Otache, non in Apa.

Further more, a peep into the expenditure capital budget records on roads in the state between 2007-2015, complicated the worries of the writer, a situation where particular roads were repeated every subsequent year and funds allocated and yet not executed. During the rainy season the anguish of the people is immeasurable and their representatives pretend to be oblivion of their predicaments.

This is also, to draw the attention of the Executive Governor of Benue State Samuel Ortom as he embarks on the ongoing implementation of his Strategic Programmes of investing on critical infrastructure, Apa/Agatu should be considered, cause we have suffered neglect for a very long time. While we thank him (Ortom) for the once already executed.

In view of the above, Entonu, Sule and Otache, are not even nominatable, talk more of electable, for non had sponsored any meaningful bill affecting their constituency or protect the interest of their people. Though, they have their different qualities and good in other spheres of human endeavour but certainly not in the representation of Apa/Agatu.

The above post was first written on 29th October 2015, by Morgan Adikwu but reviewed because of the present circumstance.

BENUE SOUTH LEGISLATORS: OJU/OBI IN FOCUS

BENUE SOUTH LEGISLATORS: OJU/OBI IN FOCUS 
by Morgan Adikwu 
Social Media Analyst 
 
*Nick Eworo executing over N97m rural electrification project in five communities
On my focus in Apa/Agatu, in respect of the above subject matter in line with legislative effectiveness, in the areas of oversight and qualitative representation of the people’s interest, the general conclusion is that the present serving legislators in both state and federal constituencies are not electable, as a result of their abysmal performances.
Focus on Oju/Obi, the legislative activities of Hon. Samson Okwu, Rt. Hon. Nick Eworo, Rt. Hon. Onah Adoga Joseph and Hon. Ire Matthew Owuru will be x-rayed to evaluate their performances and also gauge the electability or non-electability status of the Igede lawmakers.  more after the cut ........................

Photos of Diezani Alison-Madueke's alleged London properties

Sahara Reporters claims they have uncovered London properties allegedly owned by former Petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Recall that the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos had ordered the permanent forfeiture of a mansion in Banana Island, Lagos belonging to Allison-Madueke after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told the court that the property was the proceeds of corrupt activities.

Justice Chuka Obiozor also ordered permanent forfeiture of $2,740,197.96 and N84,537,840.70, being rents so far collected on the property.

 more photos

HOUSE OF REPS,OJU/OBI: EVOLVING FACTS:

HOUSE OF REPS,OJU/OBI: EVOLVING FACTS:
By Otor Ade
Public Affair Analyst 

I have just been reasonably convinced to attempt proffering some explicable views to the lingering or revolving discourse on the highly vexatious and topical issue of the House of Representatives for Oju/Obi Federal Constituency. This topic is quite nebulous with diverse strands of opinions.
read More after the cut .......................................

Who is telling the truth: more drama as Ajoma Ode replies Bar Alobo

 In the past 48 hours, the social media wall of Bar Alobo attracted heavy attention from readers as a result of the allegations that the sum of 2million naira was taken from his client, Mr Ogor Andrew in the just concluded primary elections. In thesame vein, Ajoma Ode was also mentioned as one of the beneficiaries of the said cash. However the tune is not thesame here as Ajoma replies Bar Alobo. 

One begins to wonder why Ajoma who was accused has written with such courage to debunk the claim, and with the level of sincerity that he has put forward, your guess is as good as mine, because he couldnt have taken such a bold step to refute the allegation if he is actually guity when the said Ogor Andrew is still alive and can come forward with evidence. However we await the most on this issues as more drama will still unfold. 

Ajoma wrote
"My respected friend, Chief Joshua Alobo, I subscribe to your unyielding quest for justice particularly in the political firmament of Igede. This is absolutely in tandem with the belief I have held sacrosanct from childhood pursuant upon which I will naturally lend a voice in defence of the oppressed/cheated. But as a Lawyer that you are, and a cultured one for that matter, it is my considered opinion that you will assess the enormity of this allegation and weigh it on the legal scale before this outing. One, I am taken by a bolt from the blue at your willingness to go to court if such a deal existed. Are you judging your client righteous in the court of public opinion and law for paying money to someone in order to win an election that was meant for three hundred and sixty nine(369) delegates? That question was not intended to absolve Hon Nick Eworo of culpability if he ever did so. I however have my reasons to doubt the truth and substance until you and/or the faceless author of the post, Ogbadu Okalibo prove me wrong. My strongest reasons for doubting is the falsehood that I ''chop'' part of the money. Ask your client, Ogor let him tell you if I was involved in such a pact with him. Beyond this, I challenge anybody to come public with any evidence against me if I have ever duped anybody dead or alife either in the cause of our politicking or anywhere. 

Support for Gabriel : Name : Gabriel Adode Bank: Union Bank Account Number: 0064380376.. for Infor pls Call 08050777316

Name : Gabriel Adode

Bank: Union Bank

Account Number: 0064380376
 

Support for Gabriel Update:  Master Gabriel, 21 years old and a native of Ohuhu -Owo community in Oju Local Government, Gabriel lost his both parents at a very tender age and currently camps with a guardian. At the Benue State University Teaching Hospital he was diagnosed of suffering from a condition called “Neurofibromatosis”. Gabriel have lived with this condition for the past 15 years of his life and his greatest fear is that he doesn’t want his eye to go bad, he wants to get better and concentrate on his education, he just finished writing his WAEC exams. He wants to be a banker. 

Master Gabriel in a week’s time will be going through a life time experience, one that has left him thinking, Gabriel will undergo two major surgical operations at the Benue State University teaching Hospital Makurdi. The first surgery will be left facial tumor surgery (Plexiform Neurofibromatosis) Plastic resection; this will involve removing the infected skin layer. The second surgery will be the Oculoplastic surgery which will be the correction of the upper eyelid, meanwhile he will require several blood transfusion and other medical investigations and will be on admission at the hospital for several weeks. Though there are several risks such as regrowth and possible development of cancerous cells, there is every need for serious management after the operation. 

This operation is scheduled to take place in a week’s time and we are required to deposit some money as indication of readiness. Gabriel has concluded majority of the preliminary medical examinations, Gabriel needs about N800, 000 (Eight Hundred Thousand Naira)  for the operation and post operation medical management. I am calling on well meaning Nigerians to help make Gabriel smile again, no amount is small. The following account details are the personal bank information of Gabriel. 

Name : Gabriel Adode

Bank: Union Bank

Account Number: 0064380376

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue. These tumors can develop anywhere in your nervous system, including your brain, spinal cord and nerves. Neurofibromatosis is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood.

The tumors are usually noncancerous (benign), but sometimes can become cancerous (malignant). Symptoms are often mild. However, complications of neurofibromatosis can include hearing loss, learning impairment, heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) problems, loss of vision, and severe pain.

Neurofibromatosis treatment aims to maximize healthy growth and development and to manage complications as soon as they arise. When neurofibromatosis causes large tumors or tumors that press on a nerve, surgery can help ease symptoms. Some people may benefit from other therapies, such as stereotactic radio surgery or medications to control pain.

What Causes Neurofibromatosis?

Neurofibromatosis is often inherited (passed on by family members through our genes), but about 50% of people newly diagnosed with the disorder have no family history of the condition, which can arise spontaneously through a mutation (change) in the genes. Once this change has taken place, the mutant gene can be passed on to future generations.