Governor Wike vows to sack all partisan civil servants

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrd18I3s98MeH3_wvKBXoGRSdpAn9bM1RStfNhd5GU8u4CVjXC3PQ9Q51H61WJgERSM9vqSxLrrlSTVfuE8VSl223CCdehiTazexKtU_YObgox22DJnAXyr-yMfopZI07u0Dnv0KkvRo51/s1600/Wike-600x330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrd18I3s98MeH3_wvKBXoGRSdpAn9bM1RStfNhd5GU8u4CVjXC3PQ9Q51H61WJgERSM9vqSxLrrlSTVfuE8VSl223CCdehiTazexKtU_YObgox22DJnAXyr-yMfopZI07u0Dnv0KkvRo51/s640/Wike-600x330.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has declared his readiness to reform the state civil service with the retirement of partisan permanent secretaries allegedly sabotaging his administration and the appointment of new ones.<br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> Wike, who made this declaration on Saturday while presenting his scorecard at a forum in Port Harcourt to mark his 100 days in office, said his administration had begun on a sound footing with some achievements.<br /> <br /> He explained that his administration had been anchored on transparency and accountability, adding that through prudent management of resources, the state did not collect bailout from the Federal Government.<br /> <br /> He said, “Many of the permanent secretaries we did not appoint are sabotaging our efforts. I will apply the big stick. We have matched our pronouncements with actions.<br /> <br /> “We have restored dignity and independence to the judiciary and the State Assembly. Even those who shut the courts have taken refuge in the courts.”<br /> <br /> Wike pointed out that apart from clearing the backlog of salaries, pensions and other entitlements of civil servants in the state, his administration had commenced the monthly payment of overheads to ministries, departments and agencies.<br /> <br /> Explaining that his government was fighting crime and criminality through legislation, adequate funding of security agencies and equipping of security agencies, Wike said measures had been taken to put an end to insecurity caused by communal crisis.<br /> <br /> According to him, the state government will not hesitate to take over any land that is causing communal crisis or insecurity within a community or communities.<br /> <br /> He said the state government had already completed a comprehensive insurance of two armoured helicopters paid for by the immediate past administration, noting that they would be flown to the state next week.<br /> <br /> “We have provided leadership anchored on a clear direction of where the state should be in four years. We w create jobs and ultimately enhance our collective prosperity,” Wike said.<br /> <br /> Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Mr Kenneth Kobani, said the state governor had not only lived up to the expectations of the people, he (Wike) had also set the stage for greater achievements.

Latest-News Governor Wike vows to sack all partisan civil servants

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has declared his readiness to reform the state civil service with the retirement of partisan permanent s...

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Kidnappers abduct ex-DSS boss brother

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilooPkpYzZnqdKtr0eCCxYh0RXmnkxFiSVWsQ7j92M_q1_h6lXJBH6k9gtssCHzCp1FBfL5ELpO3gDmxfmGLq7imla9Pbw4R0Lx60LpWSCBQH-ixGkWZiYTFqDSoc00KgUrzEbIsO-wZn6/s1600/SSS+dg+-Ekpeyong-Ita-360x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilooPkpYzZnqdKtr0eCCxYh0RXmnkxFiSVWsQ7j92M_q1_h6lXJBH6k9gtssCHzCp1FBfL5ELpO3gDmxfmGLq7imla9Pbw4R0Lx60LpWSCBQH-ixGkWZiYTFqDSoc00KgUrzEbIsO-wZn6/s320/SSS+dg+-Ekpeyong-Ita-360x225.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Kidnappers on Saturday abducted Ekpe Asuquo Ekpeyong, the elder brother to the past Director General, Department of State Services, Mr. Ita Ekpeyong.<br /> <br /> Ekpe was abducted at his Creek Town residence in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State at about 4am by armed kidnappers who came in through the creeks of Calabar estuaries.<br /> <br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> A family source, George Okon, said the kidnappers passed through a canal leading to Ekpe’s residence and abducted him.<br /> <br /> He said Ekpe escaped being kidnapped in October 2013 when gunmen stormed the town to kidnap the father of the former deputy governor of the state, Mr. Effiok Cobham.<br /> <br /> The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Hogan Bassey, who confirmed the abduction, said the kidnappers would soon be tracked.<br /> <br /> “We are investigating the matter. The kidnappers had invaded the house before but did not succeed. You know Creek Town is a very quiet place. We will soon get the kidnappers,” Bassey said.

Latest-News Kidnappers abduct ex-DSS boss brother

Kidnappers on Saturday abducted Ekpe Asuquo Ekpeyong, the elder brother to the past Director General, Department of State Services, Mr. It...

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17-year-old boy beats his grand-mother to coma in Delta

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNyN227JQVKYf6PyDp0Id-UiPjR88symJPz8vytZaDvyQrW9a4VLGyHg5bU28Mmg5nur1DIRqfhzUuNkW1Ryd1DXuz8C5LtLC6JHUGpzSwY7rHnOeFfegZSgVrjcwnFgA-6AVdHOUkoyz/s1600/Delta_State+map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNyN227JQVKYf6PyDp0Id-UiPjR88symJPz8vytZaDvyQrW9a4VLGyHg5bU28Mmg5nur1DIRqfhzUuNkW1Ryd1DXuz8C5LtLC6JHUGpzSwY7rHnOeFfegZSgVrjcwnFgA-6AVdHOUkoyz/s640/Delta_State+map.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> A 17-year-old secondary school dropout, Obus Felix, allegedly beat his 65-year-old grandmother, Alice Onome, to a state unconsciousness during a disagreement over a missing N20,000.<br /> <br /> The incident, according to witnesses, occurred around 12.30pm in the Abraka community of Delta State.<br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> It was reliably gathered that earlier on Wednesday, Onome had accused her grandson of stealing the sum of N20,000, a development which was said to have irked the 17-year-old.<br /> <br /> An eyewitness, who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, said Onome had returned from the farm and discovered that the firewood and N20,000 she set aside for the preparation of her grandchild’s thanksgiving ceremony were missing.<br /> <br /> While searching for the lost items, Onome reportedly rained curses on whoever made away with her money. It was gathered that the suspect walked in at that point in a state of drunkenness and anger.<br /> <br /> Sources revealed that all the while Onome was searching for the missing money her 17-year-old was indifferent.<br /> <br /> The argument, according to the eyewitness, who is a neighbour, later degenerated into a physical confrontation and the teenager allegedly attacked his grandmother and beat her viciously.<br /> <br /> “Later the woman fell down and started foaming in the mouth before she slipped into unconsciousness. She was then taken to a nearby hospital where she was resuscitated,” the neighbour said.<br /> <br /> Police officers at the Abraka Police Division, who did not want their names in the print, confirmed the incident, saying Felix was arrested while trying to escape.<br /> <br /> According to the policemen, the suspect, during interrogation, confessed to the crime, claiming he acted out of anger.<br /> <br /> The police commissioner in the state, Alkali Baba Usman, who also confirmed the arrest of the boy, said he would be charged to court on completion of the investigation.

Latest-News 17-year-old boy beats his grand-mother to coma in Delta

A 17-year-old secondary school dropout, Obus Felix, allegedly beat his 65-year-old grandmother, Alice Onome, to a state unconsciousness d...

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Akwa Ibom governor, security chiefs meet over DSS raid

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSUfkiQpVzdtx9ugJ8YgCgWk_ifhzOH2Fx_mckXcw91IrOX5DLXf4chIxf9zZuS2uzyr1uSRV_T8ZBh-t4G1JYf7nL1ad5YtDGrSE5srOsg10rrJCYIgSLe9HMXfJM9JrFj00lueiDomw/s1600/dss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSUfkiQpVzdtx9ugJ8YgCgWk_ifhzOH2Fx_mckXcw91IrOX5DLXf4chIxf9zZuS2uzyr1uSRV_T8ZBh-t4G1JYf7nL1ad5YtDGrSE5srOsg10rrJCYIgSLe9HMXfJM9JrFj00lueiDomw/s400/dss.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Embattled Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has held an emergency meeting with all security chiefs in the state following the Department of State Services’ raid on the Government House, Uyo, on Friday.<br /> <br /> The two-hour meeting, which started around 6pm and ended around 8pm, was said to be presided over by the governor.<br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> A Government House source, who did not want to be named, told our correspondent that the governor expressed sadness over the conduct of the security operatives during the invasion of the Government House.<br /> <br /> “The governor was not happy over the development. He told the head of the DSS in the state that there was no way such invasion should have taken place without his knowledge,” he said.<br /> <br /> All attempts to get the comments of the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umana, and the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ekerette Udoh, proved abortive as both men did not pick calls made to their telephones.<br /> <br /> They did not also respond to text messages sent to their mobile phone sets.<br /> <br /> However, a top government functionary, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent that the whole scheme was a lie.<br /> <br /> According to him, the report that arms, ammunition and cash were found when the DSS raided the Government House were concocted.<br /> <br /> He stated that when the DSS invaded the Government House, they neither found money nor arms and ammunition as reported in the media.<br /> <br /> He said, “It was an illegal act and not even a dime was found and no arms and ammunition were found. People can confirm this from the DSS Director, Mr. Ken Chukwura, who led the raid.<br /> <br /> “People are free to walk into the DSS office and ask to talk with Ken Chukwura, who led that raid, which is highly condemnable. Not a single dime was found and no arms and ammunition were found.<br /> <br /> “So the story that they found these arms and ammunition and cash is nothing but pure lies.”

Latest-News Akwa Ibom governor, security chiefs meet over DSS raid

Embattled Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has held an emergency meeting with all security chiefs in the state following the D...

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Tanzania 0-0 Nigeria: Ikeme's heroics rescues point for Oliseh's Eagles

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXv1nxf2y3PyU468IY5Usbu5cxGPcUN3kgYjWIBv0rDRG_Xb_psORCi7F6d5BTEjSo01tBf_oqqyyRQy_BGPEcTrfrNs9QoYHLBCRyh6buuRfZTiV-SwkgKiG9hMGBn3J7EQ3uZwb3Vusx/s1600/iheme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXv1nxf2y3PyU468IY5Usbu5cxGPcUN3kgYjWIBv0rDRG_Xb_psORCi7F6d5BTEjSo01tBf_oqqyyRQy_BGPEcTrfrNs9QoYHLBCRyh6buuRfZTiV-SwkgKiG9hMGBn3J7EQ3uZwb3Vusx/s640/iheme.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>The Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper was in superb form on his international debut as the Eagles failed to soar in Dar es Salam</b><br /> <br /> Tanzania held Nigeria to a 0-0 draw in Saturday's 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar-es-Salaam.<br /> <br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> There was no separating the two sides in 90 minutes, with the impressive Carl Ikeme, who made his Super Eagles’ debut, on several occasions denying the Taifa Stars a chance to take maximum points.<br /> <br /> The towering Wolverhampton Wanderers shot stopper's best moment was an amazing save in the 67th minute when he denied Thomas Ulimwengu with a long stretch before scrambling to Mrisho Ngassa’s follow-up which went by the post, with both shots coming from inside the six-yard box.<br /> <br /> Without leading lights in attack Odion Ighalo, Victor Moses and Gbolahan Salami and missing veteran goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, Sunday Oliseh’s men failed to break down Boniface Mkwasa’s well-drilled hosts who were fuelled by a crowd that generated a tremendous atmosphere.<br /> <br /> Captain Ahmed Musa showed a fine turn of pace to burst down the left and cut back for Emmanuel Emenike, only for the striker to be fouled to hand Sunday Oliseh’s men a free kick in the second minute of the match.<br /> <br /> The resultant kick was not enough to threaten goalkeeper Ali Mustapha who was rarely troubled by the Eagles’ frontline. Not too long afterwards, the hosts got their first chance through Mlinwengu - and that seemed to knock off Nigeria out of their rhythm as they failed to create an opening of note for the remainder of the first half.<br /> <br /> Mrisho Ngasa had a chance to open the scoring in the 13th minute, but his shot from the edge of the area was blocked as the Taifa Stars continued their dominance.<br /> <br /> Ikeme was then called into action to keep out Farid Musa’s close-range header after the striker had got on the end of captain Nadir Haroub’s dangerous free-kick.<br /> <br /> Nigeria went close to getting the curtain raiser, but Mustapha did well to pluck Musa’s flick-on off the line before Mosee Simon was denied by a block in the area.<br /> <br /> Oliseh introduced Sylvester Igboun for Haruna Lukman who seemed to be lost in the midfield but that did not yield any result as the hosts dictated the pace from the middle.<br /> <br /> Tanzania edged the initial stages, although Emenike felt that he should have earned a penalty two minutes into half time when he went down under pressure from Shomari Kapombe. Contact was minimal and the referee waved away protests before the Taifa Stars continued to threaten.<br /> <br /> Towards the end of the game, Nigeria did not fare any better as they failed to punish the hosts’ who were lethargic in the latter part of the game as goalkeeper Ikeme held sway in goal to prevent the hosts from snatching a win.<br /> <br /> With this result, the Super Eagles now have four points and top Group G. pending the outcome of Sunday’s game between Chad and Egypt. While Tanzania who last made an Afcon appearance 35 years ago remain at the base of the log with a point.<br /> <br /> (Gaol.com)

Latest-News Tanzania 0-0 Nigeria: Ikeme's heroics rescues point for Oliseh's Eagles

The Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper was in superb form on his international debut as the Eagles failed to soar in Dar es Salam Tanzani...

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REVEALED: Super Eagles starting XI vs Tanzania

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEf4pd23WEhKz87X6RrKiFa9okZJgjBGa5YWfMgY9SjExDF3B3oAXWOmxHORAFeubiDcbfNwXU7JsSZlF5K5hJVcWrr9BpKTnm9FzNB_6xTeI7r849dhkLzb6AyztvfFvFmdWdXVaieNO4/s1600/Super-Eagless-at-training+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEf4pd23WEhKz87X6RrKiFa9okZJgjBGa5YWfMgY9SjExDF3B3oAXWOmxHORAFeubiDcbfNwXU7JsSZlF5K5hJVcWrr9BpKTnm9FzNB_6xTeI7r849dhkLzb6AyztvfFvFmdWdXVaieNO4/s640/Super-Eagless-at-training+2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><i><b>Super Eagles starting XI vs Tanzania:</b> Carl Ikeme – Kingsley Madu, Solomon Kwambe, William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, – Izunna Uzochukwu, Obiora Nwankwo, Lukman Haruna, Moses Simon, Ahmed Musa (skipper), Emmanuel Emenike.</i><br /> <br /> <b>Super Eagles coach, has picked Russia- based Lukman Haruna, as his midfield arrow head for Saturday’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania, africanFootball.con reports.</b><br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> Haruna was picked ahead of Slovakia-based Rabiu Ibrahim and FC Taraba midfielder, Usman Mohammed, for the playmaking role.<br /> <br /> A top official told africanFootball.com that Mohammed will now start from the bench against Tanzania because he did not follow the tactics during the team’s last friendly.<br /> <br /> Haruna will play behind the team top striker, Emmanuel Emenike, in a 4-3-3 pattern to be employed by Eagles for the match.<br /> <br /> Warri Wolves ace, Solomon Kwambe, replaces the injured Germany-based Leon Balogun in the right full back position.<br /> <br /> Gent of Belgium winger, Moses Simon, will start from left side of attack with skipper Ahmed Musa on the right side.<br /> <br /> Wolves of England goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, will make his debut in the absence of Vincent Enyeama alongside Russia-based defensive midfielder, Izunna Uzochukwu.<br /> <br /> Kick-off time is 2.30pm Nigerian time.<br /> <br /> Eagles starting XI vs Tanzania – Carl Ikeme – Kingsley Madu, Solomon Kwambe, William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, – Izunna Uzochukwu, Obiora Nwankwo, Lukman Haruna, Moses Simon, Ahmed Musa (skipper), Emmanuel Emenike.

Latest-News REVEALED: Super Eagles starting XI vs Tanzania

Super Eagles starting XI vs Tanzania: Carl Ikeme – Kingsley Madu, Solomon Kwambe, William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, – Izunna Uzochukwu...

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AFCON: We are in Tanzania to win - Oliseh

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrSkF-G2VAHtXRjcgj9Zo4DAsYjMJGxAF586Ii6x-MNkewINnUEr98pKN8LYrGhc0ovdJeff2iL6DhKyB73PdvZAhpmxp7DfUq22X55KE1U9TKR4ez6NGCtlcgllzAInRkCPmXd35257Q/s1600/oliseh.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrSkF-G2VAHtXRjcgj9Zo4DAsYjMJGxAF586Ii6x-MNkewINnUEr98pKN8LYrGhc0ovdJeff2iL6DhKyB73PdvZAhpmxp7DfUq22X55KE1U9TKR4ez6NGCtlcgllzAInRkCPmXd35257Q/s640/oliseh.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, is expecting his charges to defeat Tanzania in Saturday’s African Nations Cup qualifier, his first game in charge of the team.</b><br /> <br /> “We are here to win. That is the spirit of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Of course, we respect the Taifa Stars, but we do not fear any team,” allnigeriasoccer.com quoted Oliseh as saying ahead of the match.<br /> <br /> “I can tell you that there is a new mentality in this team and our focus is the three points available on Saturday.”<br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> Tanzania last qualified for the AFCON in 1980, when Nigeria hosted the tournament.

Latest-News AFCON: We are in Tanzania to win - Oliseh

Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, is expecting his charges to defeat Tanzania in Saturday’s African Nations Cup qualifier, his first game...

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