Failed Drain System Causing Perennial Flooding in Warri

By thewillnigeria.com

…No, Blame It On Climate Change, Says Delta Govt
SAN FRANCISCO, October 13, (THEWILL) - The perennial flooding of the some quarters of Warri, the commercial nerve centre of oil rich Delta State, has been attributed to the failed canal and drainage system in the metropolis.

THEWILL learnt that several streets in the oil city were flooded over the weekend following a midnight rain which forced some residents indoors  .

Several parts of the oil city were submerged, residents residing in areas prone to flooding, told THEWILL.

The residents said that many people were trapped in the 3rd Marine Gate Road Gbiaye Street, Etuwewe, Walter Odeli Road, on Saturday till the early hours of Sunday when many church goers in a bid to reach their destination on time had to practically enter the deep water.

“Also, the situation made most parts of the estate no-go areas for the tricycles also known as Keke, the only means of public transportation in that part, making residents without private vehicles trek long distances,'  a resident said.

The residents who spoke to newsmen under condition of anonymity, said the situation in their area has been worsened by the fact that the drainage lining the streets are both blocked and not channeled into any visible canal.

“This flood you are seeing all over today all came from the rain that fell over the night. There was no flood yesterday, in fact, there was no rain for like two days and everywhere was dry, except for places where the road is bad, like Odeli Road.

“The problem here is lack of drainage, the ones you see here are all blocked and even if they had been free, they lead to nowhere,” he said.

'And don't forget, this is the same project the government claimed to have spent millions clearing some few months ago. The root cause of the perennial flooding in Warri is failed drainage system. We don't have a good drain system in Warri and its environs, so it is hard for the water to flow properly whenever it rains.

“The situation is the same in some other part of the state, including Asaba, Ozoro and Agbor which is another area mostly hit by flood and erosion,' the resident added.

Meanwhile,  efforts made to reach the Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Chief Frank Omare, to speak on government's efforts to sort the problem out, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls put across to him as well as the SMS delivered to his mobile phone number.

But responding on the situation, the state's Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah,  disagreed that flooding was as a result of the government failure to sort out the problem of failed drain system in the metropolis, saying  the problems should rather be blamed on climate change.

He however said the state government had plans to sort the situation out once and for all, but would do so immediately the rainy season is over.

“I know I've taken this thing up with Oga, especially that of Warri, we've had a lot of complaints, especially on roads, more of the flooding. What I know the governor said at that time was that this same rains are the cause of the problem, they are the cause of the delays in the construction of the roads and drainage projects that are ongoing.

“It is not only in Warri, buy also in Asaba. Come to the Okpanam Road axis, you will see the major problem there, but the governor is working on all those things. Immediately we can get a window…I think it's this climate change that is the major problem; at least before, we used to have what they call August break, but you see how the rain has just been going on and on.

“The minute they can have a window…it's not that you cannot construct during the rains, but the truth is the quality will be less and it will be worse, meaning you may just be throwing money down the drains.

“So the best thing is just to wait, let the rains subside, then you'll continue and that's why we've been talking about finishing strong. We understand that by the last quarter of the year, we will be able to do more of construction works,” Ogeah stated.

2015: Atiku picks APC nomination form, plans to host a Policy Review Summit

By The Citizen

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday paid N27.5m to pick the presidential nomination form of the All Progressives Congress.

This is as he has unveiled plans by his campaign committee to host a Policy Review Summit at the Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, on October 27, 2014.

Speaking at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja where he picked up the form, Atiku enjoined the party leaders to ensure a level-playing field for all aspirants before and during the primaries. 'Mr. Chairman, I need not let you know my political antecedents as far as the provision of a level-playing field for every member of this party is concerned because that is the only thing or one of the things that will make us different from the so called ruling party.

'Anybody who believes he has a democratic right to exercise should be given that opportunity to exercise that right. It is left for the members of this party and the Nigerian public to make a decision.

'I don't think it is the responsibility of anyone of us as an individual or group to decide for this party or its membership for the people of this country. Yes, as leaders, we have a responsibility to guide those coming behind, but the guidance should be based on this firmly rooted democratic principles.

'Mr. Chairman, therefore, it is my singular honour and privilege to hand over to you or your representative two receipts: one, presidential expression of interest; the second one, presidential nomination form; all totalling N27.5m and I believe I am now entitled to receive my forms and then go onto the next stage,' he said.

Responding, the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, prayed that God should give to Nigerians a President that would defend the interest of the country.

Oyegun said that the party was looking forward to a contest that would be totally rancour-free, believing that one of the aspirants would eventually emerge while others would join hands to make sure that Nigeria become a pride of the black nation. Meanwhile, on why he took the event to Obasanjo's Presidential Library, Atiku said, 'It is not the issue of whether endorsement is coming from Chief Olusegun Obasanjo or whatever. 'Obasanjo is in the PDP. He can endorse whoever he wants to endorse or not endorse. That is the beauty of democracy.

'You will remember in 2008, when Barack Obama first ran (for President), a leading Republican, Gen. Collin Powel, decided to endorse him but he was in the Republican Party. That is the beauty of democracy.

'You have the right to endorse or not to endorse anybody but the final decision rests with the people. Don't bother about endorsement or not. I am prepared to be President.'

Boko Haram Releases Wife Of Cameroonian Deputy Prime Minister, 10 Chinese Workers

Boko Haram militants have released the wife of Cameroonian Vice Prime Minister Amadou Ali, ten Chinese workers and district heads kidnapped a few months ago.

Boko Haram militants have released the wife of Cameroonian Vice Prime Minister Amadou Ali, ten Chinese workers and district heads kidnapped a few months ago.

Cameroon Troop

The kidnap victims were released today after intense tripartite negotiations involving Cameroon, Chinese interests, and representatives of the Islamist group. A source in Cameroon disclosed that a hefty but undisclosed ransom was paid to the Islamist militants.
 
SaharaReporters confirmed that Mrs. Ali, who was abducted by the militants in July, had arrived in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, following her release.

Our Cameroonian sources also disclosed that Boko Haram militants also released at least 10 Chinese workers abducted in Cameroon as well as a district head and his children.
 
Mrs. Ali was abducted in July in Kolofata, a town in the far north region of Cameroon. The terrorist group  killed three persons in the operation to abduct the wife of such a major Cameroonian government official.

 Although the Cameroonian government had given the impression that the Vice Prime Minister's wife had been rescued by the country's military, the woman remained in captivity until today.

  Cameroonian government officials are expected to address the media tomorrow regarding the release of Mrs. Ali and several other victims of abduction.

SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORK

Alleged mutiny: EU rejects death sentences on Nigerian soldiers

By The Citizen

The European Union (EU) has rejected the death sentence handed to 12 Nigerian soldiers by the General Court Martial in Nigeria for alleged mutiny.

The EU in a statement issued yesterday on the occasion of the World Day against Death Penalty condemned all death sentences especially after mass trials as was the case with the Nigerian soldiers.

The union, headed by Secretary-General, Mr. Thorbjørn Jagland, argued that execution had stopped in that region of the world for close to two decades

According to the statement: 'On the European and World Day against the Death Penalty, the European Union and the Council of Europe reaffirm their strong and absolute opposition to capital punishment in all cases and under all circumstances, and their commitment to its worldwide abolition.

'We are deeply concerned about setbacks in some countries, such as recent mass trials leading to a vast number of death sentences. No execution has taken place in our member states in the last 17 years.

The European Union and the Council of Europe welcome the fact that all Member States of the European Union have now ratified both Protocols 6 and 13 to the European Convention on Human Rights, and urge all other European States that have not yet done so to sign and ratify these instruments which aim at the abolition of the death penalty.' - Vanguard.

I'm not desperate for Eagles job, says Keshi

By The Citizen

Embattled out-of-contract Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi has told SL10.ng that he isn't desperate to remain as the Super Eagles coach, as speculations over his immediate future continues.

Keshi's future has come under intense scrutiny after Nigeria's slow start to the qualifying campaign for the Morocco 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. His future was also under scrutiny before the qualifiers began, with the immediate past board of the Nigeria Football Federation led by Aminu Maigari seemingly unwilling to offer him fresh terms.

And now, just like he said before and after the World Cup, the 52-year old has reiterated that he isn't desperate to retain the job, saying it isn't a 'do-or-die' affair.

'It is not a do or die affair with me and Nigeria because I am not one of those coaches who finds it difficult to coach outside of Nigeria, I'm not,' he said.

The 'Big Boss' also refused to confirm or deny whether or not he has received any assurances from the Nigeria Football Federation on a new contract offer, but says his immediate focus is on beating Sudan on Saturday and next Wednesday.

'No I don't need to talk about that now, the most important thing right now for me in my career is to win in Sudan. After that, if there's anything called a contract or not, it's up to the NFF and whoever is concerned. But me, let me win my games on Saturday and Wednesday and if Nigerians are happy, we'll see what happens.'

The former Eagles of Mali Coach however claims there are several offers on the table for him, but admits he would love to continue with Nigeria.

'I thank God that I have other options, so if it is not here (Nigeria), which I love because it's my country, no shaking,' he said confidently. - Vanguard.

Kwakwanso turns up heat on Jonathan over cash-for-arms seizure by South Africa

By The Citizen

Governor Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso of Kano State has accused President Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government of not being sincere over its defence of the seized $9.3m and another $5.7m by the South African government.

He said the seized money by the South African government under the guise of procuring arms and ammunition to fight insurgency, contravened established rules and guidelines.

The governor, who served as Minister of Defence during the Obasanjo administration, said it was a clear violation of the due process in the procurement.

Kwakwanso spoke in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday after the public presentation of two laws-Ekiti Magistrate Court Law 2014 and Administration of Criminal Justice 2014-by his counterpart from Lagos, Raji Fashola (SAN).

Fashola, who described laws and constitutionality as the bedrock of any nation, said the application of the Cremation and Public Health Laws gave the state a breakthrough in its fight against the Ebola Virus Disease that broke out in the country recently.

Kwakwanso, who had earlier inaugurated the Ire Burnt Brick Industry revamped by Governor Kayode Fayemi, said Nigerians must rise up to protect judiciary for the sustenance of the country's democracy.

The governor said, 'As a former Minister of Defence, I am very conversant with the way and manner, and the due process that is required to procure any arms, ammunition or equipment, there are rules and guidelines. Arms and ammunition are not rice and beans that you can just go to the market and purchase.

'Many of us were concerned when the information filtered in. In fact, we didn't believe it initially, but along the line, based on the defence of what happened, we realized that it was a bitter truth that such a thing happened: that money of that magnitude in an aircraft flown to another nation, I think so many things have gone wrong. I think it is high time for the Federal Government to sit up to its responsibilities to ensure that things are being done correctly.

'Yes, we need arms and ammunition; yes, we need security in this country, but even under that circumstance, there are rules and guidelines that must be respected.

'While we are trying to tackle insurgency, we must follow the due process. Even in the operation there are rules of engagement; they are very important to protect the lives and properties of innocent people.'

Kwakwanso wondered why it took the Federal Government three weeks to accept that over 200 schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram in Chibok.

He said so many things were wrong under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

'That is why we are confident that by 2015 the APC will take over because all that we have seen in insecurity, unemployment, education…There are so many schools closed down in the North. Our children cannot go to school because some are being stolen,' he lamented. - Punch.

House of Reps want Sept 22 schools' resumption date changed

House of Reps want Sept 22 schools' resumption date changed

The House of Representatives want the September 22nd school resumption date for private and public primary/secondary changed.

According to Punch, the Reps explained yesterday that it had directed its Committee on Education to take “another look” at the date in view of the fact that the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in the country had yet to be fully contained.

The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Victor Ogene, who conveyed the position of the House in Abuja, said there was still apprehension among parents and guardians over the Federal Government’s decision to change the earlier resumption date of October 13 to September 22. Continue...
Ogene said the leadership of the House was concerned over the fresh protests by the public, especially parents and guardians.

He noted that considering the fact that some persons were still under surveillance, the House felt it had the responsibility to ensure the safety of children.

The lawmaker said the committee would come up with recommendations on the appropriate and safe date to re-open the schools.

He added that on September 8, a group, Africa Health, Human and Social Development Information Service, had advised against the re-opening of the schools.

The group had warned that re-opening schools now could put the lives of over 80 million school children and teachers at risk.

Source: Punch