PRESS RELEASE

The All Progressives Congress, APC says its attention has been drawn to a false and misleading statement credited to one Godspower Keku, the state secretary of the PDP on the botched exercise of inspecting electoral materials in ostensible compliance with the clear orders of the Bayelsa State Governorship Tribunal sitting in Abuja, given on 5th December 2019.

in a statement by the APC State Secretary, Honourable Alabo Martins said what transpired on Sunday, December 14, 2019 at the fixed venue for the ongoing said inspection, was a deliberate stratagem by the PDP and their cohorts numbering about 50.

Alabo Martins says these persons who are not the petitioners, solicitors or party agents are out to cause confusion and tamper with electoral documents to fit their already shaky petition describing it as a voyage of fishing for documents potent.

According to him, while only six persons represented the APC, the two INEC officials present, were overwhelmed with the strange number of persons the PDP brought into the exercise that should have been an ordinary civil and simple exercise disrespecting in the glare of the whole world, the tribunal's orders.

He said the single act of the PDP which their verbal protests could not make them to change their mode of operation left the INEC officials with no other choice than to suspend the exercise, alleging that the outgoing PDP government is set to destroy evidence of its defeat, distort sensitive electoral documents and tamper with same.

The APC, in view of the circumstances, appeals to the INEC not to treat PDP's conduct with levity and call the gang of Interlopers and busy bodies off, while adding that at the appropriate time, the party through it's solicitors will take steps to void the outcome of those contemptuous display of impunity by the PDP and their sympathisers.

Hon. Martins Alabo

State Secretary All Progressives Congress
Bayelsa State

16th December, 2019

Speech by his Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the signing into law of the 2020 Appropriation Bill.

Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019

PROTOCOLS

1. It is my pleasant duty, today, on my 77th birthday, to sign the 2020 Appropriation Bill into law. I thank the National Assembly, in particular, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and indeed all the Distinguished and Honourable Leaders, and Members, for passing the 2020 Appropriation Bill, expeditiously.

2. You will recall, that I laid the 2020 Appropriation Bill before the Joint Session of the National Assembly on 8th October, 2019 and forwarded the 2019 Finance Bill shortly thereafter.

3. I am very pleased that the National Assembly worked uncommonly long hours in the interest of our people and the national economy to ensure detailed legislative review and passage of the Budget within two months.

4. This patriotic zeal adopted by the Ninth National Assembly has restored our budget cycle to a predictable January to December fiscal year.

5. Furthermore, in the twenty years since the return to civilian democracy, this will be just the fourth time that the Federal Budget was passed before the end of the previous year, and this is the earliest.

6. The passage of the Finance Bill, which I am told will be done in the coming days, will also be a landmark achievement worthy of recognition, being the first time, this has been done in the last twenty years.

7. We look forward to receiving this Bill, shortly, for Presidential Assent. Once passed into law, the Finance Bill will support the funding and implementation of the 2020 Budget. We shall sustain this tradition by ensuring that subsequent budgets are also accompanied by a Finance Bill.

8. For these achievements, I must therefore congratulate and thank the Distinguished Senate President, the Right Honourable Speaker and indeed, all members of the Federal Legislature for their commitment and support.

9. I equally thank the Ninth National Assembly for supporting important legislations such as the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Amendment Act and the 2019 Finance Bill. These laws are vital to the successful implementation of the 2020 Budget.

10. I am aware of the regular high-level discussions that took place, between senior officials of the Executive and the Legislature during this period. I commend this renewed partnership, the mutual understanding as well as collaboration between these two arms of government.

11. Now, we are well positioned to effectively implement the budget and deliver our promises to Nigerians. Businesses will also benefit as they are now in a position to plan more effectively.

12. We have to sustain this harmonious working relationship. I expect that, going forward, this will be the norm.

13. I have directed that efforts be made to ensure the presentation of the 2021 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly in September 2020. I am confident that all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies will cooperate with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to keep to this timeline.

14. I will work with the Ninth National Assembly to give effect to the constitutional, legislative and other actions that may be necessary to address the various challenges currently associated with our federal budgeting process, including the enactment of an Organic Budget Bill.

15. The 2020 Budget passed by the National Assembly provides for aggregate expenditures of Ten-point-Five-Nine-Four Trillion Naira (N10.594 trillion), an increase of Two Hundred and Sixty-Three-point-Nine-Five Billion Naira (N263.95 billion) over the Executive’s Proposal that was submitted in October 2019. We have examined the adjustments and may revert to the National Assembly with a request for a Virement or other relevant amendments.

16. The Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning will make a public presentation of the details of the approved budget.

17. With today’s global oil market outlook and our strategic approach to revenue growth, we are optimistic that we will be able to finance the 2020 Budget.

18. However, being a deficit budget, an appropriate 2020 – 2022 Borrowing Plan will be forwarded to the National Assembly, in due course.

19. Mr. Senate President, Right Honourable Speaker, for this submission, I will once again count on your usual cooperation and support by ensuring quick consideration and approval of the Plan.

20. To optimize the desired impact, I have directed the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and all Federal MDAs to ensure effective implementation of the 2020 Budget.

21. I wish to acknowledge the efforts of the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Budget Office of the Federation, and all stakeholders, who collaborated and worked painstakingly, to produce the 2020 Appropriation Bill, that I have just signed into law.

22. I thank you most sincerely for your kind attention.

23. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Hon Barr Ebelema Terry Danadana Predicts, Lyon Administration will be the best in Bayelsa History

* Congratulate David Lyon

*Lauds Hon Maxwell, Chief Samuel Ogbuku and Morris Bako for APC massive victory in Ogbia LGA

*He commends Elebele  Community for their peaceful conduct before, during and after elections

Hon Terry Danadana political grassroot mobilizer, frontrunner and a brain of All Progressives Congress victory in Elebele  Community foretell that the David Lyon's Administration will be the best in the entire history of Bayelsa.
Hon Terry made this statement while addressing newsmen at the victory party in his home town.

In his statement available to https://planet247news.blogspot.com  he describe David Lyon as man filled with so much impact to man the Bayelsa State Government to a success in the next four years. the Governor Elect, who successful managed Darlon Security from the scratch to one of the biggest Surveillance Security Company in West Africa, also he is confident that Lyon Administration will tackle insecurity and manage the economy of our state to its best form.

Furthermore, he congratulates Hon David Lyon on his well deserved victory at the polls and in same vein congratulate Bayelsan for this new revolution, David Lyon/APC victory wouldn't have been possible without their acceptance, love and support to the party during the elections, indeed the masses really wanted
 change.

Hon Terry also Lauds the effort Of Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva, Minister Of State Petroleum Resources, Hon Maxwell Oko, Chief Samuel Ogbuku and Hon Abi Morris Bako for their efforts made during the electioneering process, he described them as rare gems and one of its kind in leadership. The leaders Operate an Open door policy, gave room and an open playing field to everyone irrespective of their class in our kingdom, the masses were given more room to vent their thoughts and ideas.

he Thank Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva for finding him worthy to serve as a member of the Kolo Creek Center.

Also he congratulates Hon maxwell Oko on his Appointment and successful screening as the Executive Director Finance and Administration NDDC, he Describe Hon Maxwell as once in a lifetime leader, a philanthropist, kindhearted and a man who has the qualities of a true leader.

He further stressed that Hon Maxwell Oko's presence in Elebele  Community gave them a relief and breath of fresh air, that development will not pass them bye, and also made the entire community have much confident him, that through his position will ensure the reconstruction of their  roads and their bridges.

Also he thanked Hon Maxwell and the leadership of APC  for finding Elebele sons worthy to be part of his team and always carrying them along in all endeavors.

he commended his home town, Elebele  Community for their peaceful display before, during and after the elections, the community have always being grateful to Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva for his numerous projected sited in our community to development.

He urge bayelsans to support the incoming administration in all ramifications to bring the needed development to Bayelsa state

WHO IS AFTER BARR. FESTUS DAUMIEBI AND WHY?

The public have watched with keen interest, the recent public attacks on the person of Barr. Festus on issues bothering on the last gubernatorial elections. While it is every body's right to air their views in whatever fora, it is important that such views are expressed with a clear conscience with a view of keeping the public properly informed; and not to mislead & incite the public against innocent but perceived political enemies.

It is not a news to every well informed Bayelsan that the electoral journey of our governor-elect,  Chief David Lyon started and ended from Barr. Festus Daumiebi's residence as he was the central mobilising force that coordinated people from all walks of life as it is on record that about 90% of those that came from the opposition PDP also came through his efforts which led to the ground strength of our party that has turned from opposition party to a ruling party in the State.

It is also on record that  all strategic decisions, including mobilisation for all electioneering activities from the party primaries, campaigns, general election, etc took place in this humble and unassuming young and vibrant leader's residence  THROUGH THE CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION.

As the central rallying point of the party throughout the process, the campaign alternate D/G in the person of prof. Seiyefa Brisibe and other leaders of the party and the campaign organisation decided on the 15h of November, 2019 to once again, use his residence as the venue for the mobilisation of party members through the various LGA coordinators. It has also been established that the time at which such mobilisations were made, Barr. Festus Daumiebi whose residence was used as the engine room for all critical decisions was not even in his home, neither was he put on notice as he was busy with his principal, the governor elect, running round to put finishing touches on critical issues ahead of the election on the following day.

Based on information made available by the campaign D/G and party leaders, all the LGAs except Brass LGA got their ward mobilisation through their respective LGA coordinators and leaders from the alternate D/G, prof. Seiyefa Brisibe from Barr. Festus Daumiebi's residence which from the inception of this journey, served as the meeting point of the party. It is also on record that it was pastor Reuben Wilson who is the coordinator of Southern Ijaw LGA that directed Hon. Kesiye Frank Oputu and Hon. Joseph Alakere to receive the Southern Ijaw LGA wards and units mobilisation funds in the presence of Hon. Henry Ofongo, Hon. Yekini Nabena, prof. Seiya Brisibe and many other party leaders and these funds where handed over to Hon. Kesiye Frank oputu and Joseph Alakere completely. It is also worthy to note that Barr. Festus Daumiebi was not even in his compound when all these were going on as the money was taken to Hon. Kesiye Frank Oputu's residence by Kesiye Frank oputu and Joseph Alakere in a broad day light.

It is therefore, unfortunate that any sane person will link Barr. Festus Daumiebi to link  to whatever missing election funds of Southern Ijaw LGA, simply because his residence was used to mobilise the entire State.  The question on the lips of every well meaning humans is; was it only Southern Ijaw LGA mobilisation funds that were distributed played in Barr. Festus Daumiebi's residence? How come the funds of Sagbama, Ekeremor, KOLGA, Ogbia, Nembe, Yelga, etc which were paid from the same residence did not get missing apart from Southern Ijaw LGA? Why not call out those that received the Southern Ijaw funds on behalf of the LGA? Why link Barr. Festus Daumiebi to such a demonic act simply because his residence was used to make mobilisation to the entire State?

It is also on record that upon hearing the dastardly news, our Governor-elect, chief David Lyon who is incidentally from that LGA ordered a meeting of the entire Southern Ijaw LGA to be convened at Hon. Kesiye Frank Oputu's residence from where the money was taken to from the point of complete collection to unravel the circumstances behind the disappearance of the said election funds. It was a meeting where all well meaning Southern Ijaw political leaders including chief Patrick Osunu, Hon. Williams Alamene, Hon. Solomon Aprela, Hon. Vivian Ere Imananagha, Pastor Reuben Wilson, Chief Stephen Bekefula and countless SILGA leaders and in that meeting, those who went and received the SILGA funds on behalf of the LGA in the persons of Hon. Kesiye Frank oputu and Joseph Alakere established the fact clearly that Barr. Festus Daumiebi was not even around where the said money was paid, not to talk of him, seeing the denomination of the funds that no one should link him to the said missing funds, that his only involvement is that the Mobilisation funds for the entire State was paid from his residence.

Going by the foregoing details, it is unfortunate that those who are afraid of Festus Daumiebi's towering political profile will link him to this issue as their is evidently nothing to link an innocent man with what purportedly happened at the place where the funds were taken to. We are are yet to establish the actual problem these people have against Barr. Festus. We are sure that they are yet to State the actual problem they have against Barr. Festus and we expect more of such evil attacks in the days coming. God who fights for the just will continue to fight every seen & unseen battle for you; Barr. Festus Daumiebi Sunday..

Comr. Innocent Ebenezer Okiakpe

REVEALED: HOW DICKSON PLANS TO SELL BAYELSA OIL FIRM

Barely four months to his exit from office, the governor of Bayelsa state, Mr. Seriake Dickson has perfected plans to sell the state owned Atala Oil Marginal Field otherwise reffered to as Bayelsa state Oil Company Limited (BOCL), our investigation has revealed.

In a letter to the Board Chairman of BOCL,  Secretary/Legal Adviser to BOCL, Barr. Orua Mark accused the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Ebikabowei Dorgu, of running the affairs of the company in secrecy.
Mark alleged that the governor has collaborated with the BD to sell 41 percent out of BOCL’s 51 percent participating interest in Atala Marginal Oil Field together with its operatorship to Halkin Global Investment Limited (HGIL).

According to Mark, the MD wanted to coerce him into signing an already prepared document for the sales of the above mentioned percentage of the state owned oil field but he declined amidst threats to sack him.

In the letter to the board which copied the state Commissioner for Mineral Resources and the Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Mark revealed how he was taken to Brass Suits and hotel in Yenagoa on September 4, 2019 with a view to force him sign the document.

“Months after the MD’s assumption of office, he has been conducting the business of the company in utmost secrecy, efforts to make him see reasons and act otherwise are often resisted with threat of sack and other verbal attacks.

“It all started when the MD instructed me to ensure that certain named members of the board meet with him in the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House for an important assignment.

“Thereafter, he gave me two copies of BOCL  board resolutions for execution. The resolution was a document authorizing management to negotiate and execute necessary documents to assign 41 percent out of the 51 percent BOCL participating interest.

“He told me that the document was prepared by HGIL but in a brief moment, l asked of the N10 billion loan facility from Sterling Bank which he is currently processing and whether CEPL and HONL settlement and pay-off has been concluded.

“He explained that those issues were ongoing but that this transaction was directed by the governor and I was surprised that all these activities with a third party investor are happening without my knowledge.

“In the evening of the same day, the MD called me to meet him at Brass Suits to execute some documents for him. At arrival, the MD took me to his room and requested me to initial and sign a copy of Farm-In Agreement and Service Agreement between BOCL and HGIL.

“The agreement assigns 41 percent out of the BOCL’s 51 percent participating interest in Atala Marginal Oil Field together with its operatorship to HGIL for consideration of $4 million on the basis of installmental payments to wit: $500,000, $1.5 million and $2 million respectively,” the letter reads in parts.

Mark is therefore calling on the relevant bodies including the Minister of Petroleum Resources to call the MD and  his ilk to order to avoid the rash decision of selling Bayelsa’s major source of revenue without following due process.

“It is my opinion that whoever is directing the approval of this transaction must be the end-point or overall beneficiary of the transaction while BOCL, its staff and Bayelsa as a whole lose terribly.

“Sequel to the foregoing, it is highly recommended that activities of the MD regarding the secret dealings concerning the management of BOCL, Atala Marginal Field, OPL 240, BOCL’s lawful partners and potential investors be called to order or checked immediately to forestall the apparent intention to destroying BOCL beyond lawful and useful repair,” he concluded.

Efforts to reach the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson proved abortive as he did not reply his calls and text message sent to his cellphone.

Interview: How I Will Govern Bayelsa – David Lyon

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Chief David Lyon, spoke with Senior Correspondent of The Nation, Mike Odiegwu in Yenagoa, the state capital, on his ambition, his programmes, the preparations for the November 16 poll, and the challenges that will confront the state in post-Dickson period.

Why do you want to become governor of Bayelsa State?

Bayelsa State along with a few states are undergoing tremendous crisis of leadership. Bayelsa State is also undergoing great socio-economic and political crisis at this stage. My state is faced with the challenges of total power failure, neglected economic activities and it requires able and dedicated leadership. The state is looking for persons who will provide these amenities to its citizens. I have the requisite qualities, experience, exposure, discipline and the depth of commitment to provide the required leadership to my people in Bayelsa.

What background prepared you for governance? 

I come from a family and community that is very conscious of its social responsibilities right from childhood. I have had this vision of participating in processes that will ameliorate harshness in our environment. Such  background has also prepared me to make sacrifices. I came from a setting that has given me the commitment to make life better for the generality of our people. I have been in politics since the Third Republic. I was a strong member of the defunct NRC. I contested then as a Councillor of my ward, but it was aborted by the then military government.

I was elected youth president of my community under a tense option A4 election and I won as the youth president of my community, Olugbobiri, in 1996. I was appointed Chairman of Apoi Olodiama Local Government Development Center by the late Chief DSP Alamieyeiseigha government in 2002. I even contested the House of Assembly seat in my constituency, but later stepped down for former Speaker Kombowei Benson, who got the ticket of PDP through in-house harmonization initiated by the leadership of PDP. I was a bonafide and devoted member of the PDP in Bayelsa State, before I joined the APC party. In my business life, which is majorly in the oil and gas industry, by dint of hard work and Gods infinite blessings, I have crafted a niche as a global player. It has enabled me to touch many lives in every facet of human endeavor and to cap it all, I have been a good follower and a committed party man. I always have in mind that, if you want to be a good leader you must be a good follower.

Life itself is a political experience. But, you can see that I have had political experience more than most of the so-called political gladiators. By dint of hard work and God’s blessing, I have excelled in the oil and gas business. By the grace of God, I am the highest private employer of labour in Bayelsa State across the local government areas. I have interacted with best economic giants in the world relating to oil and gas politics and lastly, I have worked with renowned political leaders in Bayelsa State closely. I have worked with leaders such as  former Governor Timipre Sylva, now Petroleum Minister, late Chief DSP Alamieyeiseigha, late Senator David Brigidi, Chief Francis Doukpola, and many others.

Why do you think the APC, can win in Bayelsa?

We came prepared and we have robust programmes of action. The problems of Bayelsa are legion. But, I would say our condition currently is that of unacceptable disunity, and abject poverty. I believe that most of our problems in Bayelsa are man made and natural. I have gone round the length and breadth of the state due to the nature of my business. I will assure you that each local government has its own peculiar problem. I have had discussions with various people, community leaders, experts, market women, students and workers. I have been able to work out a programme that will alleviate the suffering of the people. First and foremost, we must tackle the question of disunity, distrust, and division. These are internal and they must be solved first. I will make it a priority to involve every segment of the society. The issue of poverty must be addressed. That is the root cause of mutual distrust and disunity. Unemployment will be addressed.

We will encourage new private investors and encourage existing ones to diversify. In Bayelsa State, people have abandoned the entrepreneurship spirit. We will change all that with more investment, more jobs, and more opportunities. We must also provide link roads and riverine transportation facilities. There will be rehabilitation of farmers and fishermen, whose occupations are almost becoming extinct. They will be granted soft loans. We will kick-start our rural infrastructural development, basic health facilities and opportunities for small scale industries in the rural areas. There will be new initiative on industrialisation and investment policies. We will ensure that our people are fully involved in the oil and gas, petro-chemical and other ancillary industries. The organised private sector will  work with the Bayelsa State government under my leadership.

We will develop partnership that will be mutually rewarding. There will be realistic social welfare programmes to help the disabled, the unemployed, the aged and the children. Since much of the nation’s revenue comes from Bayelsa State and with the considerable ecological damage arising from oil explorations, with the difficult terrain because over 50 per cent of 50,000 square kilometers falls within the Niger Delta Basin, we will ensure the Federal Government and the oil companies are fully involved in these areas. We are going to be very serious in this regard. I believe every difficult situation presents an opportunity for initiatives. My mission will be to articulate the yearnings of our people and provide a purposeful, accountable and responsible leadership for Bayelsa State.

My fellow party members are very conscious of their social responsibilities. What we are saying in APC is that, apart from commitment to social responsibilities, there must be an attendant commitment to free enterprise, free market and productivity. People must work hard and produce more. We believe in fiscal responsibilities and prudent management of the economy. The PDP places so much emphasis on left wing issues. I am not comfortable with that. I am for all means to enhance production and development of the entrepreneurship spirit.

How will you convince the Federal Government and oil companies to get involve in all these plans?

The problems obviously are beyond the scope of a state government. First and foremost, we will try to improve on the image of the state in the eyes of the Federal Government and fellow compatriots. We must be seen to be as members of united Nigerian society in all our thinking and ways of doing things. This will definitely bring the Federal Government and other interested partners to our most desired development in Bayelsa State.

But, people complain that most Bayelsa people are lazy. How do you want to instill entrepreneurship spirit in them?

It is not true that the spirit is not here in Bayelsa. In fact, it started here with our early contact with the Europeans. I believe the occupations of our people and their orientation are products of history. It is historical reality that our people are inclined towards civil service jobs, but it has not been always like that. The spirit of competition in our neighbours has always been seen here too. Our forefathers were great traders and successful merchants. Our recent history, however, locked us into a role of working in the civil service. What I will assure, however, is that we will revive this spirit and our commercial inclination. I will encourage self-reliance and productivity with the advantage of our seaports and vast oil and gas resources. We will try to encourage a generation of entrepreneurs who will not be cutting corners. With my experience in business, I know how and where to go about it. Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, has the potential of becoming an international oil and gas financial market.

What is your take on the security situation in Bayelsa?

First and foremost, security is everybody’s problem. Everybody must show concern. I believe that most security problems arise from unemployment, poverty and illiteracy. We shall formulate a security architecture that will embrace all traditional rulers, community leaders, political leaders, young and old from individual communities and local governments, combined with the support of our conventional security operatives, we will have our desire security problem solved. You should know that one of my main business concerns in the oil and gas sector is to provide security and surveillance for the protection of oil and gas facilities, which by the grace of God, I have tremendous knowledge of. We will bring various experiences and expertise to bare to ensure adequate security. Peace and love must reign in Bayelsa State where everybody will have equal opportunity and prosperity.

How do you respond to those who say you came from a wealthy background and that you lack requisite academic qualifications to be a governor?

Everybody in Bayelsa State confronts poverty on the widest scale everyday. I grew up in this environment. Growing up as a school boy at St. Gabriel State School, Olugbobiri, I walked to school bare-footed. I attended Community Secondary School, Olugbobiri. I went to Port Harcourt and attended Rivers State College of Education when it was affiliated to the University of Ibadan. So, you can see I have requisite academic qualifications. My commitment to the poor is one that comes from direct exposure to poverty and harsh terrain. It will be impossible to talk of a Bayelsa man or woman, who has not experienced poverty or hardship. Go to the various communities, you will see the problems. I know this state first hand. I have gone everywhere and I grew up here. My parents grew here. The question of not experiencing poverty is not true at all.