Acting Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Daniel Alabrah, told ISIOMA MADIKE in this interview that his boss, Douye Diri, came prepared for governance and had since hit the ground running. Excerpts…

Your boss was 100 days in office a few days ago. How would you evaluate his government thus far?

As you may well know, 100 days in office is a concept that has come to stay with us even though it did not evolve from our own system. It is a system we copied from the Americans, which was started by a former American president at the time of the Great Depression in the 1930’s. A lot of our leaders have adopted it and are using it to measure performance within the period.

But, for me, it is a very short time to expect any radical developmental change. I describe it as a foundational period during which a new administration is able to articulate its policy direction, so that people can begin to see which direction the new government is headed.

Having said that, my principal within this period has shown that he is ready to change the face of the capital city by laying the groundwork for urban renewal projects. He has already visited some of the sites. For instance, when he visited the popular Tombia Roundabout in the Edepie/ Etegwe axis of the state capital, where a flyover had been earmarked by the immediate past administration, the governor saw the need to expand the roundabout. The project is meant to decongest the area and reduce the traffic bottleneck in that axis. Unfortunately, we now have COVID-19 and it more or less slowed down some of the projects he earmarked. But that is not to say other things didn’t happen because of COVID-19.

Are you saying COVID-19 has slowed down governance in the state?

In a way, it did. But it however became an opportunity for the governor and his team to show that they could be resourceful in the handling of the incursion of the pandemic into our state. So far so good, the government has tried to reduce the spread of COVID-19. So, even when it came as a distraction, the government has been able to show that taking the right decisions and putting in place the right measures could protect the people against such pandemic that has gripped the whole world.

But away from these, there are other things the governor did within the 100 days. For instance, he has been able to stabilize the state. When you look at the circumstances that brought him to power, there were a lot of skepticism at the time the Supreme Court pronounced him governor of the state. There were violent reactions and hoodlums took advantage of that to unleash mayhem on the state. A lot of property were destroyed, including the residence of the current governor, that of the former governor, the premises of Radio Bayelsa, homes of PDP chieftains, the PDP secretariat, a public library owned by a member of the House of Reps, alongside many other public property. The police had to impose a curfew on the state.

So, what’s the situation now?

Progressively, we have seen things return to normal and it is because of the posture of the governor. From the moment he was sworn in, he started talking about reconciliation, peace and unity in the state and his actions have reflected that. He has shown that is the way to go; that we are one and that politics should not divide us. For him, the elections are over, the Supreme Court has given the final ruling and the people should begin to live with the reality that this is what we have. Even those that are aggrieved, either within his own party or outside his party, as long as they are Bayelsans, he has extended an olive branch to them. We need peace for us to even have any measure of development. So, he has been able to show that in his character and attitude to governance that we could live together as one and do not need division of any sort. That in itself is something that has calmed frayed nerves and a lot of people are beginning to see him as a man who means very well for the state. He came prepared. He is somebody who understands what governance is about. So, he is ready to lead the state from the front and let people know that we could get better from where we were.

How about projects?

In terms of projects, let me say firstly that this is a state where we have always had issues with public power supply. Most residents of Bayelsa, particularly in Yenagoa, the state capital, complain that they pay for darkness to the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company. They say they are being exploited. But within the 100 days, the governor held several meetings with the management of the electricity distribution company and we are beginning to see a change. Before now, in the area I live we barely had public power supply. Maybe in a whole week, we could get like two or three hours of power supply. But now, we have three to four days of power supply and sometimes for 18 to 20 hours or even the whole day. Even when there is power outage, it doesn’t take long before it is restored.

I tell people that the fact that we are beginning to have regular power supply in the larger part of Yenagoa metropolis didn’t happen by chance. It is not because the Port Harcourt Disco just decided to be magnanimous. Rather, it was the result of the effort put in by the governor and officials of the government to ensure that power supply was scaled up.

Of course, you know the effects of power supply, particularly on businesses whether small or big. So, the effect is being felt by the people and a lot of them are giving kudos to the government for swiftly tackling that issue that had been a pain on the neck of our people.

Then there is also the issue of the street lighting project in the state capital. The moment the governor came in, he saw the need to light up different areas of the state capital. Before now, some of the major roads had light installed but they were not really functioning. So, he quickly moved into action. For instance, on the Sani Abacha Road, he ensured that a new generator was procured to power the lights. At night, that area is now lit up as well as the road leading to the Government House. The Isaac Boro expressway is a project that is almost completed but the light poles have all virtually been installed. In a few weeks from now, I expect that the whole of that long stretch of about 10km will be lit up all the way to the Tombia Roundabout.

With the period under review, we have equally seen the downsizing of the number of ministries in the state from 32 to 21. This was done with the intention of reducing the cost of running the bureaucracy and addressing the challenge of duplication of functions.

The issue of payment of pension and gratuity has been major topics in most of the states. How is the administration going about them?

A lot of people have talked about this – how the governor has ensured that salaries are paid promptly even before the end of the month and, importantly, how he tackled the issue of the backlog of gratuity of retirees headlong. The story was that retirees, some of them dating back to 2008, had not received their gratuity. Some even died without getting their gratuity. But when Governor Diri came in, he immediately from the month of February directed that the sum of N200 million be released for commencement of payment of the backlog of the gratuity of retirees. Since then, every month retirees get their gratuity alongside their pension. To the governor, he doesn’t think it is an achievement to pay salaries promptly or the retirees gratuity because it is an obligation he owes these persons as Bayelsans. Yes, he is right because workers are supposed to get their dues. It is not something you deny them. For him ensuring that workers get their salaries before the end of the month is something that he considers as routine and not an achievement. But that is not the way people see it. To them, it is heartwarming and a big achievement.

What is the situation with the Bayelsa airport?

The Bayelsa airport project was, unfortunately, enmeshed in some form of politics towards the end of the previous government. As we speak, that airport is ready for commercial flight operations as the navigational and other required aviation equipment are all in place. But, curiously, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has insisted that the perimeter fencing round the airport must be completed before it will be given the final nod for commercial flights. At the moment, military aircraft operated by the Nigerian Air Force land regularly at the airport. So, it is more or less in use.

In any case, the perimeter fencing was the reason the NCAA gave for withholding its approval even though we knew there was an underlying political side to it. However, the project is ongoing and there are discussions going on too to ensure that the airport opens for commercial flight operations. So, we are waiting for the regulatory body to give its final nod for us to commence otherwise the airport is ready. It is good to go.

Where do you see Bayelsa after COVID-19?

I believe that first of all there are lessons to be learnt from COVID-19 and we must not forget those lessons. COVID-19 has changed the way we interact with ourselves and the way we handle our health issues. So, I would say that our people should not forget the lessons we are already learning. But after COVID-19, I believe that the areas we were affected in terms of development, for instance, infrastructure, we are going to have a scale up in those areas. I see us moving fast in the way we approach issues about development of our state.

Do you see the government making a conscious effort to further develop the health sector?

Of course, yes! I actually think Bayelsa should be a centre of excellence in medical tourism with the infrastructure already on ground. For instance, the previous government did very well in terms of health infrastructure building hospitals in the 105 wards across state. These health centres had almost been completed before the previous government exited. Some of them only require finishing touches before they become operational. Like I said, the previous government built a good foundation in the education and health sectors and this government will continue on that path.

Culled from the New Telegraph Newspaper

Following the reappointment of Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta as the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC)/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for another five-year term, the Hon. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has charged the EVC and the entire Management of the Commission to redouble their efforts towards actualising the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government.

In a press release signed by the Director, Public Affairs Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Henry Nkemadu, he said that the Minister spoke when the Executive Management of the Commission led by Prof. Danbatta paid him a courtesy visit on Monday.

According to the Minister, the proactive decision to recommend Danbatta’s reappointment to the President for approval was “to ensure stability in the telecommunications industry and consolidate on the gains and successes already recorded in the industry in the last five years of Danbatta’s leadership as the EVC of NCC.”

Pantami, however, emphasised the need for Danbatta-led NCC Management to work more harmoniously with the Ministry and Agencies towards ensuring effective implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) as well as thorough implementation of the new National Broadband Plan (NBP), 2020-2025.

“The success of the Commission is our collective responsibility. While we, as a Ministry, do our best to formulate general industry policy and supervise the activities of the Commission, I will urge the NCC family to be united, remove all lines of demarcation, ensure justice, fairness in all decisions and above all, ensure harmonious relationships. This task lies on the table of the EVC,” he pointed out.

Speaking further, Dr. Pantami reminded the EVC that the focus of President Muhammadu Buhari is currently to boost digital economy, which, he said, has become even more important following the experience of COVID-19 pandemic that has left many individuals and organisations relying more on digital platforms for work and collaboration.

“So, we expect the NCC, as the telecoms Regulator, to take the issue of digital economy very seriously and give it all the attention it deserves within Commission,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the EVC appreciated the Minister’s role in his reappointment and reiterated his commitment to taking the Commission to greater heights.

“I consider my reappointment as the EVC of NCC for another five years, as an honour and a show of the confidence the Hon. Minister and the President have in our efforts at NCC in the last five years. We would like to assure the Hon. Minister of our commitment, as a Commission, to work with the Ministry and other Agencies under the Ministry’s supervision towards advancing the frontiers of digital economy in Nigeria,” the EVC said.

Those who accompanied the EVC during the visit include the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Ubale Maska; the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management, Barr. Adeleke Adewolu; Secretary, Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), Shu’aibu Ayuba; and Director, Legal and Regulatory Services, Mrs. Yetunde Akinloye.

Others are the Director, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, Mr. Efosa Idehen; Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Henry Nkemadu: Director Licensing and Authorisation, Mohammed Babajika and Director, Human Capital and Administration, Barr. Usman Malah, among other management staff.

… Describes it as a miscarriage of justice
… Assured party faithful that the evil gang-up will not stand

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State during the 2015 general elections, Dr. Dakuku Peterside says today’s judgment by Rivers State High Courts were not totally unexpected.

In a chat with journalists, he stressed that the court in its wisdom in both cases granted all reliefs sought by the claimants including reliefs not sought.

On one hand, Dele Moses and nine others had gone to court against the APC to declare them authentic candidates for the party’s congresses in the state.

On the other hand, Hon Igo Aguma had gone to court, challenging the composition of the caretaker committee for the party in the state.

The former member of National Assembly noted that the ruling was not totally “unexpected given recent happenings in Rivers State but as Democrats, we have accepted it and will explore all legal means to seek redress at upstairs.

According to him, “It is true that lately, we are facing a lot of challenges, some of which are caused by the interference of non-party members in government, who want to see the party in comatose to their advantage and against the interest of Rivers State but I am confident that as a party we shall overcome.

“I acknowledge that there is no easy path to victory and even God did not promise us an easy path but what the Almighty assured us is the ultimate victory. I urge all true members of APC under the leadership of Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi not to despair nor be discouraged but continue to have abiding faith in God and our democratic institutions to restore the glory of our party, which will take over the leadership of the state and restore sanity in governance.

“No amount of gang-up or manipulation of institutions by enemies of APC and Rivers State will succeed because they do not have the support of God of justice and moral force of the law behind them.

“I am confident that the Appeal Court will correct the miscarriage of justice witnessed today. Our lawyers upon instructions of leadership have already filed an appeal and motions for stay of execution immediately after the judgments were delivered.

“I wish to personally appeal to all our people to remain calm as we seek solutions within the confines of the law and through other credible political means to resolve some of our genuine challenges.”

…maintains ban on commercial motorcycles

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has eased up COVID-19 lockdown in Niger State, now to be observed from 10 PM to 4 AM daily.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Government House, Minna.

He said that with the easing of the movement of restriction there were no longer lockdown days.

The Governor said given the prevailing circumstances, all measures earlier put in place are eased up, however, with enhanced enforcement of the compulsory use of facemask in public places and the adherence of physical distancing.

He said all internal security checkpoints should be dismantled, while maintaining the ban on commercial motorcycle operators, adding that motor parks and other public transport centres must continue to abide by the guidelines issued by Ministry of Transport for their operations.

He emphasized that the ban on inter-state travels remains except for the movement of agricultural produce, petroleum products, manufactured goods and essential services while intra-state travels are to be eased up.

“Henceforth, Markets, Banks and other places of business activities, as well as worship centres shall be opened for daily and weekly activities with strict adherence to all safety measures”, he said.

The Governor directed the State Ministry of Education to liaise with all relevant stakeholders in the education sector towards developing a workable strategy for the reopening of our schools.

He added that sensitization efforts shall be strengthened to improve case search within communities to guard against community transmission among the people and appealed to everyone to continue to adhere to personal hygiene procedures as well as other precautionary measures to avoid contracting and spreading of the virus.

The Governor said so far the state has recorded 44 cases of COVID-19, one death, and 26 of the patient have been treated, discharged and reunited with their families representing more than half of the cases so far managed.

All the 44 cases are limited to nine local government areas in the state, which are; Chanchaga, Suleja, Rafi, Bida, Shiroro, Borgu, Bosso, Mariga, and Kontagora and the state have established additional quarantine centres in Minna and Suleja to cater for Almajirai before reuniting them with their families.

The Governor assured that efforts are being doubled to operationalize molecular testing laboratory at General Hospital Minna and support Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University(IBBU) Lapai to establish a testing centre to include antibody and antigen tests in order to increase testing capacity and reduce the turnaround time for the release of results.

He pointed out that surveillance systems are being enhanced to quickly detect any case of coronavirus including investigation, monitoring and management of positive cases.

While appealing to everyone to continue to adhere to personal hygiene procedures and other precautionary measures the Governor appreciated everyone for demonstrating a commitment to the collective wellbeing of all even in the face of outright discomfort.

All civil servants are to remain at home except those on essential services.

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has sacked the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Aliyu Ahmed-Tijani.

Ahmed-Tijjani was Commissioner for Education in the administration of Sen. Umaru Al-Makura, immediate past governor of the state.

The announcement is contained in a statement issued by Alhaji Hamza Gayam, the Permanent Secretary (PS), Government House Administration, on Monday in Lafia.

The statement said the governor had directed Ahmed-Tijani to immediately handover all government property in his possession to Mr Muazu Adamu-Gosho, the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs in the Office of the SSG.

It said that the governor thanked the former SSG for his services and support to the administration and wished him well in his future endeavour.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the release of N1 billion for the renovation/fencing of public secondary schools in the state in 2018, had indicted the former SSG.

Following the indictment, the state legislators asked Ahmed-Tijani to refund over N248.5 million as unaccounted funds to the State Government.

The house said the former Commissioner displayed blatant inefficiency, incompetency and ineffectiveness in the performance of his official duties and urged the Governor to relief him of his appointment.

The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja will on Monday June 15, 2020, hear the application for stay of execution of the judgment which declared as wrongful the withholding of the salary and other benefits of a whistleblower, Sambo Abdullahi, by Dr. Marilyn Amobi, Managing Director CEO of Nigerian Bulk Ekectricity Trading (NBET) Plc.

In a judgment delivered on March, 11, 2020, Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, held that the stoppage of the whistleblower’s salary by the NBET boss was illegal and ordered that he should be paid all that is due to him within 30 days.

Dr. Amobi has been punishing Abdullahi, internal auditor in NBET, by stopping his salary since December 2017 for exposing corrupt practices and abuse of office in the government-owned agency.

But instead of complying with the court judgment, Dr. Amobi filed a motion for stay of execution on March 19, 2020, on the grounds of issues of law relating to jurisdiction and fundamental breaches of the right to fair hearing.

On May 4, 2020, Abdullahi as the judgment creditor, countered the application, arguing that the ground of appeal contained no serious point of law or special circumstances to warrant a stay of execution. Dr.Amobi, now the judgment debtor, did not reply on a point of law within seven days as required by law.

In his submission, A.O. Olori-Aje, counsel to the whistleblower, told the judge that Dr. Amobi has practically abandoned the motion for stay of execution and refused to pursue a date for hearing. He said it was the whistleblower that was making effort to get a date for the continuation of the case. He said it was obvious that Dr. Amobi was not interested in the motion being heard, and that her strategy was to stop the whistleblower from enjoying the fruits of the judgment.

Olori-Aje told the court that in his effort to ensure the matter is heard, he wrote a letter to the court on May 11, 2020, which was acknowledged on May 13, 2020.

Justice Oyewumi was surprised that these post- judgment activities were not brought to her knowledge. “All this is strange to me. They ought to have called my attention to these things,” the judge said, and its motion for stay of execution.

The Nasarawa State Government has been presented with five trucks of food items as palliatives from the Federal Government.

The food items, which comprises of three trucks of rice, one truck each of tin tomatoes and groundout oil, are meant to be distributed to vulnerable persons across the state, in order to cushion the hardship brought about by restrictions put in place to curb further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hon. Imran Usman Jibrin, Senior Special Assistant on Humanitarian Service and Focal Person NSIP Nasarawa State, who led a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management & Social Development, officially handed over the palliatives to the Nasarawa State Government, on Monday.

The SSA gave a breakdown of the food items as, 1800 bags of rice, 2500 cartons of tomapep and 600 kegs of groundout oil, stressing that the palliatives are to be distributed to the poor, vulnerable and people living with disabilities.

Receiving the palliatives on behalf of the state government, Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, thanked the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Faruq for the gesture, promising to distribute the items to the targetted beneficiaries.

Dr. Akabe also appreciated the efforts of both the Federal and State Governments, in facing one of the deadliest challenges confronting the world at the moment, reiterating the support of the state government in the fight against COVID-19.

The delegation from the Federal Government was led by Mrs Laurat Ajima Elayo, Director Legal Service of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, who represented the Minister.