Tuesday, 18 July 2017

RIVERS STATE IN RETROSPECT : THE AMAECHI SAGA IN A NUTSHELL: THE TRUTH ABOUT RIVERS STATE AS AT 14TH JULY, 2013.

The man called CRA:

He was Ex Gov Odili’s PAMO Clinic PRO after graduation and NYSC

2.       He was PA to Odili when he was deputy governor to Ada George

3.   Amaechi was Speaker of the RVHA when Odili was governor (1999-2007)

4.   He was removed as governorship aspirant under PDP and replaced with Celestine Omehia due to his "K-LEG"

5.    PDP (Omehia) won the guber in 2007 and Amaechi went to court to reclaim his mandate

6.    All this while he was tucked away in Ghana mostly hosted by JJ Rawlings and co (Rawlings always visits Rivers State and has been alleged by some people as conduit for billions of Rivers money. See more:Governor Amaechi In N500 Billion Wasteful Spree, Jerry Rawlings Identified As...

http://www.nairaland.com/286698/governor-amaechi-n500-billion-wasteful)

7.    After winning his mandate from the Supreme Court, he immediately swung into action with laudable endeavours – began by a Truth and Reconciliation Commission headed by the late Justice Kayode Esho.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200711290293.html All ex-militants, ex-governor Odili all partook in the peace process.

8.       He began fixing the dilapidated infrastructure left by Odili. Banned Okada’s and ordered all homes in GRA area with high fences to cut them in half. Knocked down illegal structures and began construction of state of the art schools. http://www.pointblanknews.com/artopn1695.html

9.   Was understandably active in the election of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan like all other South-South and South East governors.

10.   River State was the first port of call of the newly elected President Jonathan. Amaechi organized a reception for the president and the first lady and they danced and wined (Amaechi danced with dame Patience, while the president danced with Judith Amaechi)

11.   Amaechi then threatened to clear the Nembe/Bonny waterside and Abonnema wharf slums (where lots of waterside and riverine indigenes of Rivers State had lived for ages).

12.   The decision to do (no 11) did not go down well with lots of Rivers indigenes. But Amaechi promised reimbursement and relocation. (Unaccomplished till date), he went ahead to mow down Abonnema wharf against all pleas from anyone (including Amnesty International) who dared to plead. See more:

''Abonnema Wharf Demolitions: Amnesty International campaigns against Amaechi'' http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/mobile/online-special/evening-express/53221-abonnema-wharf-demolitions-amnesty-international-campaigns-against-amaechi.html

13.   Amaechi changed colour and began hunting down perceived enemies. Arresting people at will, and this was mostly after he won his second mandate in 2011.

14.   He removed the VC of then RSUST  (now Rivers State University)  without due process and dared ASUU to go on strike over the matter because he is the visitor to the state university and ASUU does not have a right to tell him what to do.

15.   He commenced one of the most glaring white elephant projects in Nigeria (RiversMonorail), about 74+ billion naira spent and only pillars are in place (please take a trip to PH to see for yourselves). ''N74bn Rivers State Monorail Ready by September, Says Ameachi'' http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/n74bn-rivers-state-monorail-ready-by-september-says-ameachi/139510/

He neglected provision of motorable roads around Wimpey ; Eliparanwo  and Rumuolumeni (Iwofe) axis hollering on TV that the indigenes of the area did not vote for him or support his guber ambition. ''Aside from the fact that the area is densely populated, which should make it coveted by serious politicians in climes where votes count, INEC’s records show that the people of Rumuolumeni voted en masse for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2007 and 2011 governorship polls; mandates that Governor Chibuike Amaechi is enjoying. The people wonder why Governor Chibuike Amaechi appears to have a disdain for them, despite their electoral support.

The area is also home to some important military, economic and social institutions. For instance, the Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Ignatius Ajuru, University of Education, Eagle Cement, Masters Energy Tank Farm, Saipem and many other significant security, educational and economic institutions are based here''. See more: ''Iwofe Road: Waiting for the most horrible road in Nigeria award'' http://nationalmirroronline.net/index.php/features/45647.html)

17.   Then came the oil wells matters which brewed long before president Jonathan became vice president. According to Kalabari Chiefs and elders: ''We want to put it on record that the boundary crises between Kalabari and Nembe or between Rivers State and Bayelsa State started in the 19th century up to the last administration of Rivers State, which led to the suspension of the 12th edition map produced by the Federal Surveyor General and the revenue of the disputed oil wells paid into escrow account by the Government of President Olusegun Obasanjo. It has been an on-going issue which is only now being escalated by self-seeking politicians''. (See more at:

http://nigeriaindepth.com/kalabari-chiefs-amaechi-lied-we-dont-support-him-against-jonathan/#sthash.iS6MtMxq.dpuf)

18.   And the fuel subsidy removal championed by Amaechi and other governors. http://www.businessdayonline.com/ARCHIVE/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9152:governors-call-for-fuel-subsidy-removal&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=18

19.   In April 2013 (just 3 months ago) the ACN in Rivers State lambasted Amaechi for not providing 24 hrs electricity from the state turbines as promised during his campaign for 2nd term
(''Power supply: ACN asks Amaechi to apologise to Rivers people'' (read more)...

http://thenationonlineng.net/new/news/power-supply-acn-asks-amaechi-to-apologise-to-rivers-people/);
and running the state with impunity (''ACN accuses Amaechi of wasting Rivers resources:
http://www.nationalaccordnewspaper.com/index.php/world/political-news/533-acn-accuses-amaechi-of-wasting-rivers-resources).

Amaechi without due process suspended indefinitely (sacked) 11 LGA Chairmen for coming late to a meeting and swore in replacements. Reacting to the suspension of the council chairmen, the Rivers State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria described Amaechi’s action as unlawful, illegal, null and void. (''Amaechi Suspends LGA Chairmen For Coming Late To Meeting'' http://www.nairaland.com/1342184/flashback-news-amaechi-suspends-lga)

21.   Chux Ubani posted: ‘’Amaechi himself does not respect the Rule of Law to which he is a beneficiary. He came in through the judgment of the Supreme Court. He sacked the chairman of a local government without recourse to due process. He stopped the payment of allowances of the 5 members of the House of Assembly without due process. He went to the House of Assembly uninvited. His ADC and CSO beat up a member of the House, under his full glare and supervision. Now people are blaming Jonathan. Let us wake up from our slumber and see that Amaechi who does not respect the Rule of Law has aligned with some dubious people to discredit the president.

22. Now most of the roads he began with zeal are in a sorry state. Eyesore. Potholes in many places except for Stadium rd, Elekahia rd, Old Aba rd and Trans Amadi rd.

23. Those who swore to make Nigeria ungovernable began to lose out with Boko Haram since the USA, Nigeria and Britain have branded BH a terrorist organization and the born-to-rulers found a willing tool in Amaechi. The same ACN which was fouling Amaechi’s stalled governance style suddenly began praising him overnight. Amaechi opposed the now successful state of Emergency in the Boko Haram states and warned the president not to go ahead with the decision.(''Embattled Amaechi leads Nigerian Governors to reject State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe...'' http://www.9jabook.com/forum/topics/embattled-amaechi-leads-nigerian-governors-to-reject-state-of)

24.   He began to snub and disrespect Rivers PDP elders and other party people in his state and openly lambasted the president at any available forum including church services and burial ceremonies.

All those bent on undermining President Jonathan became his friend.

Most times he talks from both sides of his mouth: change positions whenever he likes (“Orubebe is an incompetent minister”/January 2013; “Orubebe is a transformational leader”/March 2013 - See more at: http://nigeriaindepth.com/stanley-azuakola-how-gov-amaechi-gets-away-with-eveything/#sthash

The account below is that of a Rivers Indigene long before he supervised the beating of the lawmaker against his interest with his ADC, CSO and his loyalist, Chidi Lloyd:

Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi is the Governor of Rivers State. He was Personal Assistant to Governor Peter Odili before he found the favor that elevated him to become Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, a position he occupied while the coffers of Rivers State was murderously plundered and scavenged upon. He kept quiet at that time as he had to watch over his own till. He did not launch a revolution. Neither did he even dare call for one. I am sure he was very timid at the time.
How many people came out to revolt when Abacha was slaughtering and stealing out monies? Did Amaechi revolt then?Did Amaechi come out to revolt when his mandate was seized from him?

Have Rivers people come out to revolt against the huge bilions of naira that Amaechi and his goons have swallowed in the past few years?

While the people go out to revolt, Governor Amaechi would most likely be seeping champagne in his state-owned private jet OR possibly jetting off to his favorite resort in Ghana….Most likely the same place he ran to when his ‘mandate’ was seized from him.

Nigerians must continue to speak up for the good of the land. That is what we must continue to do and not allow some others lead us foolishly into despair while they run off with their families.

Has Amaechi not been utterly dictatorial in the way and manner with which he manages the affairs of Rivers State?

Very soon, his tenure will be over. What will happen to the billions ‘poured’ into the Greate Port Harcourt Development Scheme?

Will the Greater Port Harcourt Development Project go the way of TINAPA (of Cross River State)? Time will tell.

Will the incoming governments continue with the largely scandalous Mono Rail Projects or will it DUMP it for more pressing and more sustainable projects? Time will tell.

Years after and billions of naira after, what has happened to the much flaunted Rivers Mega Hospital? Two years to the end of Amaechi’s reign as Governor, the Rivers Mega Hospital has become a sad story. Every one is keeping mute while the loud mouthed Governor parades the country and insults the intelligence of the average Rivers man.

What was supposed to be a PPP Project driven by a Canadian ‘company’ Clinotech failed. And then it became a contract to Clinotech. It is still failing.

An existing UPTH was razed down for the ‘greatly’ expected Mega Hospital. Nothing has come out of it. Tens of billions have been so recklessly plunged into what might eventually turn out to be the biggest scam in the Niger Delta.

Anyway, the revolution will come someday. And it will be televised. And it will start at the right doorsteps. And at that time, we (especially Rivers people) would have overcome our timidity. And civility too.

Time will tell.

George Kerley is a social commentator from Rivers State, Nigeria

- See more at: http://nigeriaindepth.com/when-a-rivers-governor-continues-to-talk-too-much-george-kerley/#sthash.Q3iyxC36.dpuf

Amaechi lied that he had Kalabari Chiefs' support after deceiving them to a meeting:

RE: PURPORTED KALABARI SOLIDARITY VISIT TO GOVERNOR AMAECHI:
KALABARI NOT IN SUPPORT OF GOVERNOR AMAECHI AGAINST THE PRESIDENT

We, as concerned Chiefs, opinion leaders and Kalabari elders, on behalf of the overwhelming majority of Kalabari, and indeed all Rivers people, note with strong consternation and utter embarrassment the persisting penchance of few members of the Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s government in convening phantom meetings of ethnic groups and describing same as solidarity visits to the governor; and thereafter publishing pre-written communiques as having emerged from such stage-managed meetings.

This pervading politics of deceit in Rivers State Government House was directed against Kalabari people on 11 June 2013, when protegees of governor Amaechi deceitfully invited Kalabari Chiefs and elders to meet with the governor and thereafter made several publications in the mass media to the effect that Kalabari Chiefs and people have declared unalloyed support for Governor Amaechi in his senseless fight against the presidency.

We summarily and categorically state that it is not true that Kalabari Chiefs and elders paid a solidarity visit to Governor Amaechi on Tuesday, 11 June, 2013, and declared support for his administration or person against our dear Ijaw son President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, GCFR.

Kalabari people had at no time decided to undertake such an adventure in solidarity with, or in support of Governor Amaechi concerning any issue involved in the feud with Mr. President. It is our considered position that what took place in Rivers State Government House was a cheap ambush and a show of shame by a handful of politically desperate people to belittle Kalabari while pursuing their myopic and selfish agenda.

The truth was that the governor initiated the meeting and Kalabari Chiefs and people attended because they had thought that the governor wanted to discuss matters affecting Kalabari land but to their utter embarrassment protegees of the governor converted the meeting into a solidarity visit to the governor by Kalabari people.

This open manipulation did not go well with the people at the meeting and the duly appointed representative of the Amayanabo of Kalabari HRH Chief Gbobo Disrael-Bobmanuel after due consultation with the Kalabari sons and daughters present at the meeting, discarded the so-called “solidarity speech” and instead thanked the governor for inviting them and offered that Kalabari-Ijaw people were ready and willing to mediate in the feud between Governor Amaechi and Mr. President.

In his reply, Governor Amaechi was visibly unhappy with what he referred to as the noncommittal disposition of Kalabari people in the on-going crisis.

The Governor showed no welcome for the suggestion of reconciliation and openly tried to incite the Kalabari people against his perceived federal enemies. The governor insisted that his travails were due to his fight for the restoration of Kalabari oil wells.

We disagree with Amaechi on this deceitful claim that his political travails were as a result of his fight for the restoration of Kalabari oil wells. This to us is mere blackmail because the Kalabari oil wells did not remove the Chief G.U. Ake led PDP executives nor caused the conflicts in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and grounded his jet plane on account of doubtful ownership.

We consider it most dishonorable that in a political feud between Governor Amaechi and President Jonathan, the governor would ask Kalabari-Ijaw people to support him blindly against the President.

May we ask, that with a yearly budget of over 400billion Naira in the past six years amounting to over N2.4 trillion, what meaningful projects has Governor Amaechi executed in Kalabari land despite its huge oil and gas resources for him to seek solidarity with Kalabari?

We want to put it on record that the boundary crises between Kalabari and Nembe or between Rivers State and Bayelsa State started in the 19th century up to the last administration of Rivers State, which led to the suspension of the 12th edition map produced by the Federal Surveyor General and the revenue of the disputed oil wells paid into escrow account by the Government of President Olusegun Obasanjo. It has been an on-going issue which is only now being escalated by self-seeking politicians.

Kalabari Chiefs, elders and leaders therefore refuse to be drawn into this imaginary display of support for Governor Amaechi. We rather call on the governor to stop his antagonist stance and support President Goodluck Jonathan. We believe that Rivers State is better placed with a South-South person as President rather than the Vice Presidential position. We therefore declare our unflinching support for President Goodluck Jonathan.

- See more at: http://nigeriaindepth.com/kalabari-chiefs-amaechi-lied-we-dont-support-him-against-jonathan/#sthash.iS6MtMxq.dpuf

POSTSCRIPT: 11 former loyal Amaechi lawmakers joined the 5 to make it 16 lawmakers who impeached the speaker (loyal to Amaechi). At that point, Chidi Lloyd rushed to fetch Gov Amaechi from govt house (his deputy gov was already there before him). Amaechi forgot protocol and supervised the brutalizing of those who ‘’worked against’’ his speaker.

Bottomline: 16 people formed the quorum with 11 ‘’betraying’’ Amaechi’

The Rivers state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Hon Felix Amaechi Obuah has said that the party recognize Hon. Evans Bipi as the speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, noting that Rt. Hon. Otelemabama Amachree is no longer the speaker.

He explained that it was unacceptable for only five lawmakers to impeach a speaker and elect a new in any normal circumstance, but noted that some of the lawmakers switched their positions and supported Bipi, but that the intervention of Amaechi disrupted the take over.

“Why did the Governor suddenly appear in the House with all his security aides! Five people cannot impeach 27 legislators but I know that something happened. When the Governor came in to the House, those who voted Evans Bipi as a new speaker switched their loyalty immediately. Do you know how many millions must have gone in there!”, Obuah alleged.

He added: “As far as Rivers state PDP is concerned, we recognize Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi as the new speaker of the Rivers state House of Assembly. Evans said that 16 out of the 32 lawmakers voted for him. This was the reason when the former leader of the House, Chidi Lloyd saw that they were losing, he ran to the Government House to tell the Governor.

Obuah also described as untrue the comment credited to Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi that the state was under siege.

The Governor had made the comment when the Senate Committee on State and Local Government Administration investigating the political crisis in the state House of Assembly visited him in Government House, Port Harcourt.

Amaechi had said: “We are under siege here, for two months now, we have not met with security men. Security Commanders in the state don’t come to me any longer. They are either scared or they don’t deliberately want to see me. They had withdrawn soldiers attached to me yesterday. And this morning, they withdrew the APC attached to Government House,” Amaechi said.

But the PDP chairman noted that the Governor’s comment was a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu, who he declared as the best CP at this period.

“As far as I am concerned, that is his (Amaechi’s) opinion. Everybody in the state is going about their normal duties without any molestation. That is a way of tarnishing the image of the Police in the state and we will not accept that,” he said.

While describing the resolve of the House of Representatives to intervene in the running of the State Assembly, Obuah lauded the National Assembly (the Senate) for displaying maturity in its handling of the crisis.

He said that the House of Representatives did not really investigate the matter before it took the decision, noting that he was sure that the Senate Committee on State and Local Government Administration, led by Senator Kabiru Gaya would do a good job.

“Governor Amaechi is looking for a Police Commissioner that he will use to intimidate the opposition in the state. But the CP is a gentleman who does not want to tow the path of past Commissioners. His refusal to do the Governor’s will is why they are now calling for his removal”.

He however prayed that the outcome of the committee should be such that would bring a lasting peace to the state because “all of us belong here and we all need peace for democracy to have its root deepened into the political system of the state and not rancor and bitterness”.

Meanwhile, the minister of State for Education, M. Nyeson Wike has faulted the comment credited to Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka that First Lady, Patience Jonathan is behind the crisis that has engulfed the state.

Wike, who stated this when he went to the hospital to visit Hon. Micheal Chinda, the lawmaker representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II in the state Assembly, said it was wrong for Soyinka to make such comment, noting that it was capable of escalating the crisis.

“How can Prof. Wole Soyinka make such comment,” he said, urging the police to investigate the matter.

“Governor Amaechi has totally lost control of the state, which is why he went to the Assembly to disrupt proceedings in the House. You don’t need a soothsayer to tell you that he is no longer in control of the state,” he said

http://nigeriaindepth.com/amechi-saga-in-a-nutshell-the-truth/

''Amaechi started this crisis by striking the posture of an opposition element; a strange bedfellow, within the ruling party. He chose to fight the party and the Presidency from within, rather than honourably resign and join his allies in the All Progressives Congress (APC) parties, to which he is now the rallying point. People say he has the constitutional right to do what he is doing, but the party also has the right to protect itself from a member who now acts in the interest of the opposition. This is power play, and it is game on.
Amaechi says he is under siege. What did he expect? He would do the same to anyone who undermines him. The hand that disturbs the bee’s nest will be stung''.
-Vanguard http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/game-on-in-rivers/#sthash.kh7Sttnh.dpuf

Sunday, 30 April 2017

RITA DOMINIC PRAYS FOR MORE HEIGHT NEXT LIFE

Rita Dominic, one of Nigeria's finest and Nollyhood so I've make belief divas (and a veteran actress) wishes for better height per adventure she is given a choice to return to this life afresh.
Rita Dominic made this indication on NTAi program #BaseRealTalk late last Saturday the 29th of April, 2017.  

Thursday, 27 April 2017

DIEZANI's BRIBE MONEY TO INEC STAFF : EFCC SECURES FINAL FORFEITURE ORDER


Justice Mohammed B. Idris of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, today April 27, 2017, ordered the final forfeiture of the proceeds of bribe given by former Petroleum Minister, Deziani Alison Maduekwe to some staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in the build up to the 2015 General elections.

The properties belonging to Christian Nwosu, the convict, are a landed property measuring 100ft by 80, lying and another situated at Okotomi layout, Obodogwugwu Quarters, Okpanam, Oshimili North LG and 100ft by 50, lying in the same local government area of Delta State. 

Also to be forfeited by Nwosu to the federal government is the sum of N5m (Five Million Naira) recovered from the convict.Nwosu and two others were earlier arraigned on April 5, 2017 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC before Honourable Justice Idris on a 7-count charge bordering on receiving gratification to the tune of N264,880,000.00 (Two hundred and sixty-four million, eight hundred and eighty thousand naira) in which the convict (Nwosu) pleaded guilty of receiving N30m (thirty million naira) from the said campaign bribe money.


The convict and two others, Yisa Olanrewaju Adedoyin and Tijani Bashir had on March 27, 2015, allegedly received the slush bribe money from the former minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison Madueke during the administration of the former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in the build up to the 2015 general elections.


The 2nd and 3rd accused persons, Adedoyin and Bashir, pleaded not guilty while Nwosu pleaded guilty to the charge against him.

The Court adjourned the matter to May 3, 2017.

Tuesday, 23 August 2016

NIGERIAN MILITARY SAYS BOKO HARAM LEADER, SHEKAU, FATALLY WOUNDED IN DEADLY AIR STRIKE


In what one could describe as the most unprecedented and spectacular air raid by the Nigerian Airforce, we have just confirmed that as a result of the interdiction efforts of the Nigerian AirForce, some key leaders of the Boko Haram terrorists have been killed while others were fatally wounded.

The said air raid took place last week Friday 19th August 2016, while the terrorists were performing their usual Friday rituals at Taye village, Gombale general area within the Sambisa forest, in Borno State.

Those Boko Haram terrorists commanders confirmed dead include Abubakar Mubi, Malam Nuhu and Malam Hamman, amongst others. While their leader, so called “Abubakar Shekau”, is believed to be fatally wounded on his shoulders. Several other terrorists were also wounded.

STUDENTS WHO USE SOCIAL MEDIA SCORE LOWER IN MATH, READING AND SCIENCE

New research shows frequent social media use is linked to lower math, reading and science scores among students. 
Yet those who play video games tend to score higher. 
(Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Fifteen year olds who play online video games score above average in math, reading, and science, while those who engage in social networking tend to score below average, according to an analysis of international assessment data.

The study, conducted by Albert Posso, an associate professor at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia, and published earlier this month in the International Journal of Communication, looked at about 12,000 Australian students' results for International students' Assessment.

PISA is administered every three years to 15 year olds from dozens of countries around the globe. The tests measure students' knowledge and application of skills in the three subject areas. Students also answer survey questions about a variety of topics, including their Internet use.

Saturday, 20 August 2016

JUDGE REJECTS GUILTY PLEA FROM OKLAHOMA MAN WHO BEHEADED CO-WORKER AND FELLOW OKLAHOMA WOMAN

Relatives of an Oklahoma woman beheaded by a co-worker at a food processing plant in 2014 are outraged after the guilty plea from the "monster" was rejected by the presiding judge, Judge Lori Walkley.
 
Cleveland  County  District  Judge Lori Walkley refused Wednesday to accept the plea from Alton Nolen, who has said he wants the death penalty for his attack on Colleen Hufford at Vaughan Foods in Moore.

The judge ruled that Nolen is not mentally competent enough, and said he will go to the state mental hospital for more tests. Judge Walkley said the plea would have most likely been overturned on appeal.

Thursday, 18 August 2016

TRADER ARRESTED FOR NAMING HIS PET DOG ‘BUHARI’

A 30-year-old trader has been arrested by the police in Ogun state for naming his pet dog ‘Buhari.’
The trader, Joe Fortemose Chinakwe, who resides at No 10, Omikunle Street, Sango-Ota, Ogun State, was reportedly arrested last weekend, after one of his neighbours of Northern extraction complained bitterly that he named his dog after his father, Alhaji Buhari. It was learnt that the complainant reported the case at Sango Police Station, last Saturday, after which the trader was arrested and detained. However, it was gathered that efforts by the police to recover the dog, which they intended using as evidence failed following a clever move by the suspect.
The said trader, who trades in female wears at a popular market in Sango, allegedly directed his friends secretly to kill the dog and possibly eat the meat in order to avoid being implicated. It was gathered that consistent appeals by his friends and relations for the police to grant him bail failed as the complainant and his kinsmen reportedly threatened to kill the trader if he was released on bail. Trader denied bail The case, however, took a different dimension two days later when Chinakwe’s relatives went to Sango police station to further plead for his bail only to be informed that the case file and the suspect have been transferred to Ogun State Police Command headquarters at Eleweran. A relation to the suspect, who simply identified himself as Chiedozie,  disclosed that his brother was being persecuted for no just cause and expressed fears that he may either be poisoned inside police cell or thrown into jail. Chiedozie said: “Chinakwe is a lover of dogs and he names them after things that tickle him. He bought this dog a year ago and named it Buhari.  Unfortunately, some Northerners, who dominate the vicinity where he resides misconstrued his intention and connived to take him up. The complainant then claimed it was derogatory because his father answers Buhari.” Police sources, however, told Vanguard that the actions of the suspect “were very provocative.” The source said: “he not only named the dog Buhari but boldly wrote it on the body of both sides of the dog and was seen parading the neighbourhood dominated by Northerners with it.” As at press time, relations to the suspect were still making frantic efforts to effect his bail while his accusers are insisting that he must be prosecuted. Police confirms arrest When contacted around 8pm yesterday, the acting Police spokesman in Ogun State, Abimbola Oyeyemi, ASP, said he was still trying to get the Divisional Police Officer in-charge of Sango for details. Oyeyemi later called, stating that: “I have made enquiries. The man bought a dog and inscribed Buhari on both sides of its body. One Mallam lodged a complaint and when our men got there, we found out that it was true. You know such thing can cause serious breach of the peace and ethnic or religious unrest. We are charging him to court for conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.” Continuing, he said: “He was arrested last Saturday and we are taking him to court later today (Tuesday) or tomorrow morning (today). You know an average Northerner will feel bad over such a thing. It can cause serious ethnic crisis or religious confrontation because when you are relegating such a name to a certain person, you are indirectly insulting him.” When asked about the whereabouts of the dog that will be used as evidence against the suspect, the police spokesman said: “The dog cannot follow anybody except the owner. We will use him as our evidence because he did not deny it.”
—News credit: Vanguard.

Monday, 15 August 2016

SNAKE FAECES (POOPS)

Snake Poop Photograph

Many people ask me - what does snake poop look like? The answer is that it's pretty hard to identify. Snakes are carnivores. They eat only meat, but specifically, they eat whole animals. Small snakes eat insects, then as snakes get a bit bigger, maybe small frogs, other snakes etc. and then larger snakes eat mammals. Mice and rats are common, but large snakes can eat big mammals, whole of course. The feces of carnivores tend to be somewhat mushy, because there's not a whole lot of plant fiber. This is also the case with snakes. Snake feces are usually pretty mushy, and smooth. Some snake poo does contain fur, of course, since they eat mammals, but still, the consistency is generally a bit mushy with smooth edges.

Also, snakes basically poop and pee at the same time out of one hole, the cloacae, so that also makes things a bit runny. Oftentimes snake poo has a white cap, or white stuff smeared throughout it. This is called a urea cap, or urea smear. You might think that snake droppings would be long and thin, since snakes are long and thin. However, this isn't the case - they are fatter than you might imagine.  When fresh, the snake poop is usually dark brown, but as it dries out, it turns more chalky in color. The bottom line is that it is fairly difficult to identify, in my opinion, at least if you don't already know what the droppings of other animals look like, which would allow you to rule out other critters. I know what the feces of over three hundred and forty different animals look like, so I could rule out a lot of the usual suspects first. For example, a lot of animals leave pellet turds - little round or oval balls. Snakes don't do this. They pass their waste fairly infrequently, just as they eat fairly infrequently. When they do go, it's a large, relatively thick, slimy mess.

Sunday, 14 August 2016

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) 

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a long-term management strategy that uses a combination of techniques to reduce dangerous pests to tolerable levels with potentially lower costs for the individual and minimal effect on the environment. The principles of integrated pest management includes:

(a) Identify pests, their hosts and beneficial organisms before taking action.

(b) Establish monitoring guidelines for each pest species.

(c) Establish an action threshold for the pest.

(d) Evaluate and implement control tactics.

(e) Monitor, evaluate and document the results.

IPM can be applied when managing all kinds of pests, including insects, weeds, diseases and vertebrate pests, such as rats/mice ,snakes, squirrels and birds. It integrates prevention, cultural practices, mechanical and/or physical pest controls, biological pest controls to prevent and suppress pests. However, Chemical pest control should be a last resort measure as IPM deemphasizes chemical application unless its a last resort as mentioned earlier. This is because the goal of IPM is to reduce the adverse impacts of dangerous pest on human health, the environment and non-target organisms, while managing the dangerous pests effectively.
The Environmental Health practitioner is saddled with the huge responsibility of protecting and conserving the environment such that the environment would be safe for man, animals and indeed all other creatures on the planet while controlling the population of dangerous vertebrate and invertebrate animals including microbes. Hence, it would be a great disservice to deliberately exterminate innocent, non dangerous and friendly animals, birds, insects, marine dwelling creatures etc with the mere excuse of controlling pests in the environment. Such professional recklessness could definitely alter the ambience of the ecosystem. After all not all animals, birds and insects are dangerous to man.
Infact some creatures (insects,  birds etc) are very significant to man's healthful living in the environment. As such, Chemicals (especially liquid spray chemical formulations) kills both target and non target insects and small animals which is not in line with IPM principles.

The concept of Integrated Pest Management is not new and has been in use throughout the world. Applying IPM in urban environments, including home gardens, landscapes and golf courses, presents special challenges. Urban IPM, or pest management programs that incorporate reduced use of pesticides in private and commercial landscapes, golf courses and other urban landscape settings, is a rapidly expanding field that incorporates university and industry research.

VERTBRATE PEST MANAGENT

Vertebrate pests include animals with a backbone, such as rats/mice, snakes etc. In line with IPM principles, vertebrate pests is best managed using the following technics:

1. Exclusion:
Exclusion is the practice of keeping the pest out of or away from (farms, crops,  buildings, etc. Using barriers, such as fencing and durable materials, to plug entrances into buildings or prevent animals from accessing your premises, gardens, lawns or landscape plants, are examples of exclusion practices. Fences must be sized according to the type of pest to be excluded.To be effective, exclusion fences must be at least 6 feet tall. Some experts recommend the fence be 7 to 8-feet tall.

(2.) Good hygiene and Sanitation
This is especially important for areas like kitchens, residences and areas where animals are kept. Eliminate food and water sources. Store food and animal feeds, grain and seed in rodent-proof containers. Repair leaky pipes. Sanitation is very important for managing vertebrate pests in yards. Avoid leaving food remnants,  fruits and vegetables where they are accessible to pests. Cover your compost pile.

(3.) Trapping:
There are several types of kill traps and live traps available for most vertebrate pest species. It is essential to choose the proper trap and learn the correct way to use it. Live trapping and releasing the pest is neither acceptable nor legal. Individuals who release live-trapped animals are moving the pest problem and sometimes diseases like rabies, distemper or plague along with them. Live trapping followed by an approved method of euthanasia is recommended. When using live traps, do NOT relocate pest animals.

(4.) Repellent:
In agricultural application new growth on plants must be retreated, and animals may easily get used to the repellent and resist it.Repellants may be applied to valuable vegetation or can be used in areas where pests are known to frequent. They often don't work the way people expect them to work. Sunshine can break down the repellent, and sprinklers and rain can wash away the product.

(5.) Rodenticide Baits:
Baits such as seeds, grains and vegetation treated with rodenticides are used to control several types of vertebrate pests. Most baits must be applied in bait stations or underground within animal burrows to lessen the risk of killing of non-target species. Pesticide labels describe methods for applying the bait. Pesticides used include strychnine, zinc phosphide and various anticoagulants. Strychnine may only be applied underground.

(6.) Fumigants:
Smoke bombs and various types of internal combustion engines produce poison gases, including carbon monoxide, that can be used as fumigants. This is a very dangerous method that should be avoided by residential home owners.

To be effective, all burrow entrances must be blocked. When using smoke bombs, avoid areas near structures,  stacks, etc. Aluminum phosphide fumigants are available either as tablets or pellets. When applied in rodent burrows, they produce phosphine gas, which is deadly. Applied improperly, aluminum phosphide has resulted in numerous human deaths. To purchase, apply or supervise the use of this pesticide, applicator must be certified and duely trained by the Rivers State Ministry Of Environment. Residential home owners CAN NOT use these products at home.

WHAT IS INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a well managed pest control system that:

(1.) Eliminates or mitigates economic and health damage caused by pests;

(2.) Minimizes the use of pesticides and the risk to human health and the environment associated with pesticide applications;

(3.) Use integrated methods to successfully carry out pest infestation assessments, inspections, pest population monitoring, an evaluation of the need for pest control program, and one or more pest control methods, including sanitation, structural repairs, mechanical / living biological controls and indeed other non-chemical methods.

A well-defined Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a program that should be based on prevention, monitoring, and control which offers the opportunity to eliminate or drastically reduce the use of pesticides, and to minimize the toxicity of and exposure to any products which are used. IPM does this by utilizing a variety of methods and techniques, including cultural, biological and structural strategies to control a multitude of pest problems.

IPM is a term that is used loosely with many different definitions and methods of implementation. IPM can mean virtually anything the practitioner wants it to mean.Beware of chemical dependent programs masquerading as IPM.

Those who argue that IPM requires the ability to spray pesticides immediately after identifying a pest problem are not describing IPM. Conventional pest control tends to ignore the causes of pest infestations and instead rely on routine, scheduled pesticide applications. Pesticides are often temporary fixes. They get ineffective over time.

The Six IPM Program Essentials

(1.) Monitoring:
This includes regular site inspections and trapping to determine the types and infestation levels of pests at each site.

(2.) Record-Keeping:
A record-keeping system is essential to establish trends and patterns in pest outbreaks. Information recorded at every inspection or treatment should include pest identification, population size, distribution, recommendations for future prevention, and complete information on the treatment action.

(3.) Action Levels:
Pests are virtually never eradicated. An action level is the population size which requires remedial action for human health, economic, or aesthetic reasons.

(4) Prevention:
Preventive measures must be incorporated into the existing structures and designs for new structures. Prevention is and should be the primary means of pest control in an IPM program.

(5.) Tactics Criteria: 
Under IPM, chemicals should be used only as a last resort only, but when used, the least-toxic materials should be chosen, and applied to minimize exposure to humans and all non-target organisms.

(6.) Evaluation:
A regular evaluation program is essential to determine the success of the pest management strategies.

ADVANTAGES OF 
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)

There are many advantages in using the IPM pest management approach:

Maintaining a Balanced Ecosystem:
The Ecosystem comprises living and non-living components that are intricately linked as effects of one species within the system may affect other species (positively or negatively) due to the reliance on different trophic levels. Ideally, and in many cases this is true, functional redundancy is present within a system, and organisms can adapt as the ecosystem evolves and species composition changes at different trophic levels.
Using chemical controls can reduce pests, but may also reduce species of organisms that reduce pest species themselves within the ecosystem. By using an IPM approach, we aid in maintaining ecosystem stability while controlling pest problems.

 


 Examples of some preventative IPM techniques:

1.) Cultural Controls (i.e., changes that disturb the natural environment of the pest)
2.) Structural Modifications,
3.) Biological Controls (i.e., beneficial organisms),
4.) Physical Barriers,
5.) Use of Pheromones (i.e., natural insect scents),
6.) Pest-Resistant Varieties

Monitoring is an important component of the IPM strategy. Monitoring involves:
i.)  Regular checks of the area
ii.) Early detection and
iii.) Documentation of pests
iv.) Proper identification of pests
v.) Identification of the effects of biological control agents

Assessment is the process of determining the potential for pest populations to reach an economic threshold (i.e., depletes the value of the crop below an established bottom line) or an intolerable level. Keep records from previous years so you can refer back to them. Watching the weather patterns and historical data will give you a good idea when and if a pest problem may occur.

One also needs to determine the action needed in order to address the pest problem. If pests reach an economic threshold (farmers) or intolerable levels ( in homes), swift professional pest control action must be taken. When no other strategy would bring the pest population under a tolerance threshold, then the use of chemical pesticides is probably justified - if applied properly (i.e., according to label standards). 

At this point, use of chemical pestcides would be needful.  A professional decision-making toolbox will be an important component of the final measures taken in order to neutralize a pest problem. Use of the data portal will also be a critical component in final decisions as it will increase the accuracy of impact assessments of a pesticides based on geographical characteristics as well as the physical and chemical properties of the pesticide. You have now taken the necessary steps to assess your pest problem and the different possible solutions. 

When you are making your final decision for pesticide application, consider upcoming storm events, wind speed, and where you are in relation to water and what floodplain zone you are in (data portal). Also, make sure to use appropriate PPE and application rates and methods listed on the label. These tools will ultimately lead you to the appropriate pesticide for your pest situation.

WE TRIED THE LONELY ROAD, IT WAS NOT THE SAME–PETER SAYS P-SQUARE BACK TOGETHER

CLEBRITY GIST. 

Psqure back again

----------------------------------------------------There are indications that the rift between popular Nigerian R&B group, P-Square duo, has been resolved.

From the news of change in management to alleged unsettled family disputes which lingered for a long while, the duo went their separate ways and has been working independently.

Peter Okoye has, however, lamented that the road has been lonely and tough working solely.

On his Twitter handle @peterpsquare on Monday, Peter, in an open letter addressed to fans, hinted P-square is back for good.

He tweeted: “My dear fans, P-Square is back. Ours is a journey that started from our mother’s womb. It was a journey that started from Primary School, continued to St. Murumba College, to when we were in University in Abuja. It was a journey in which we shared childhood memories and grown-up dreams.

“We are back because brothers do not let each other wander in the dark alone. We are back because we have tried the lonely road and it was not the same.

“I want to take responsibility for what has happened and sincerely apologise to you our fans. For supporting us throughout this journey. We owed you so much more than what you have had to endure and I apologise for that.

“We are embarking now on a new journey with exciting new management (Jude Okoye), new music and new ideas.

“We cannot thank you enough for all your prayers and support throughout this difficult period.

“Maya Angelou once said that brotherhood is a condition that people have to work at. We will continue to work on that and you can be prepared to be blown away by this new phase of P-Square.

God bless you all and be assured that you have not seen anything yet,” he added.

Meanwhile, his twin, Paul, is yet to react to the new development.

-Daily post.