By Barth Ndubuwah, Port-Harcourt

The Rivers State Executive Council has approved the award of contract for the construction of the main Trans-Kalabari Road project at the cost of N222.1billion.

The approval was given Wednesday during its meeting, presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and attended by his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, and other members of Council at Government House.

Briefing journalists after the Council meeting, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joseph Johnson, said the project will be funded with savings from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Hon Johnson stated that 30 percent mobilisation fee has already been paid for the project that has a completion period of 32 months, adding that the contractor is expected to mobilise to site immediately.

“We have awarded a contract to the tune of N222,114,563,830.2 kobo only for the commencement of the Trans-Kalabari Road. This is the main Trans-Kalabari Road. The one that had happened in the past was building of bridges.

“But here, we are doing a Trans-Kalabari Road that is going to run from NSS Pathfinder immediately after Mgbuodohia Community and extends to about 2 KM to the Aker Base Road in Rumuolumeni Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

 ”That road will pass through the swamps behind the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rumuolumeni, moving southwards towards the first bridge crossing. The road continues through a series of bridges. That road will run, connecting many communities up to Tombia Town.

“That project will be completed in 32 months, and we are paying from our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). We are not going to be borrowing money for that project.

“That is about the third phase is generating fund internally for our road projects without going anywhere to borrow money,” the Commissioner said.

Hon. Johnson pointed out that the contractual sum of N222.1billion is bigger than what is being spent on the Port Harcourt Ring Road project.

“This is because the Trans-Kalabari Road is traversing very difficult terrain of swamp and across rivers and creeks upon which a series of bridges, decking and piling works will be executed.”

The Information Commissioner said the State has recorded some giant strides in the sporting sector with Rivers United defeating Katsina United 4-2 to become champions of the maiden Nigeria Premier Football League U17 Youth League.

“And we also came first in the Male and Female National Beach Volleyball competition. While the male team emerged as first, the female clinched second position.

“We also came tops in the National Open Chess Competition. We have our daughter, Queen Dan Jumbo, she came first and was the best women player.

“On the National Open Table Tennis Championship, Rivers State came first, with 3 gold medals and best overall team.”

Hon. Johnson also said that Rivers Hoppers Basketball Club has also qualified for the final phase of the NBA competition in Kigali, Rwanda.

“It’s actually an exploit we’ve made on the continent. We came top and the team will be here from the 24th May to 1st of June for us to face Rwanda,” he explained.

In her briefing, the acting Director General of Rivers State Bureau of Public Procurement (RSBOPP), Dr. Ine Briggs, explained that the Bureau diligently managed the proceedings leading to the award of the contract.

“Having reviewed the submissions of the Ministry of Works; having examined all the supporting documents presented by the ministry; having fulfilled all the necessary procurement procedures, guidelines as prescribed by the Rivers State Public Procurement Law 2008 as amended.

“Having satisfied that the value for money proposition, fitness for purpose, value for money has been adhered to. Having been convinced that this project will stimulate economic activities socially and bring about development in these areas, the Bureau is satisfied that all the elements leading to this award are sufficient to issue a certificate of no objection.

“Therefore, in consideration of all the relevant documents submitted by the Ministry of Works pursuant and the construction of Trans-Kalabari Road and bridges, the Bureau has issued the certificate of no objection, and that the contract be awarded to Lubrick Construction Company Limited,” she posited.

By Elvis Omoregie, Benin

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has suspended some traditional functionaries of the Palace of the Oba of Benin from performing their traditional role.

They are Johnbull Igbinosun; Iduhonre (Ihogbe); S. E. Aigbiromwen;   Efeseoghoba (Ogbelaka); Ogbeide Osagie and Osamudiame Edo.

A statement by the Iyase of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe, indicated that the suspension was on the authority of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.

According to the statement, the suspension was occasioned by their distorting of historical facts on the connection between the Benin Royal Dynasty and the Ooni-ship of Ife while they were in the presence of the Ooni of Ife claiming to be emissaries of the Oba of Benin.

“The individuals not only declared themselves as subjects of the Ooni, but also rendered inaccurate and disjointed accounts of the connection between the Benin Royal Dynasty and the Ooni-ship of Ife.

“The BTC considered the conduct of these functionaries as inappropriate, sacrilegious and calculated to ridicule traditional history and to bring disrepute to the Benin custom.”

The statement titled, “Sacrilegious Conduct Against Benin Custom by a Group of Self-Serving Traditional Functionaries,” described the action of the persons as ‘Sacrilegious show of shame and falsehood against the Benin tradition and Custom.’

While urging the general public to disregard the inaccurate and disjointed account by the ‘ill-bred’ individuals, the BTC also advised the public to avail themselves of the official account of the connection between the two ancient monarchies as contained in the book, “I Remain Sir, Your  Obedient Servant,” authored by His Royal Majesty, Erediauwa 11, Oba  of Benin, 1979 to 2016.

…Says State will witness development during his tenure

The Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has pledged to operate an inclusive governance.

This is as the Governor also assured citizens of sustainable development and transformation of the state with the efficient implementation of his administration’s MORE Agenda.

The Governor spoke when he received on a congratulatory and solidarity visit, the State Advisory and Peace Building Council led by Professor Sam Oyovbaire, at Government House, Asaba.

According to Oborevwori, “Building a new Delta State was possible with the input of leaders and all other stakeholders from the three senatorial districts and pledged to carry everybody along in the scheme of things.”

He said the evident voluntary expression of joy by people from all corners of the state, following the affirmation of his election by the Supreme Court was a clear indication that he was loved by Deltans, assuring that he would remain a servant-leader.

The Governor also expressed delight at the visit, commended the elder statesmen for their support and prayers, assuring that his administration would work to revamp infrastructure in the state.

He praised the Advisory and Peace building Council noting that it was populated with men and women of proven integrity, and charged them to offer suggestions that would enrich and align the policy direction of his administration.

He said the visit would not only spur him to do more through his development blueprint, but afforded him the opportunity to tap from their fountain of knowledge.

“I want to gain from the fountain of knowledge of these great leaders, hence we selected these outstanding individuals and great leaders. So, it is a great joy to me as you have come to congratulate me.

“You see the effect of the victory on our people. They celebrated the victory in all the 25 local government areas, it was spontaneous and profound.

“I have said I am going to be governor for all Deltans and I will continue to serve this state in line with my M.O.R.E Agenda. I want to assure you that your son will continue to serve this state as a servant-leader in line with my M.O.R.E Agenda.

“You are aware that in the last 20 years, it was only recently, in fact, this December, that there was a peaceful celebration of Christmas and New Year in the Warri area because of the peace that we are enjoying and we will continue to sustain that peace as we move forward.

“It is my prayer that you will not labour in vain; you will witness the transformation of this state, into a new Delta, because that is your dream and I want to assure you that I will not disappoint you and I will not disappoint Deltans.

“Your advice is very key to this administration. I want to be getting advice from you; when you hold your meetings, feel free to tell us where we are doing well as a government and it will encourage us to do more.”

“Where we are not doing well, you tell us. Nobody knows it all; so, we need to tap from the wealth of your experience,” Oborevwori said.

Earlier, Professor Oyovbaire said that the victory of Oborevwori had rekindled the faith of the people in the judicial system in the pursuit of justice, adding that the victory laid to rest undue distraction of the Governor in the governance of the people.

“The victory puts to rest undue distraction of Your Excellency in governance of our people and wasteful expenditure on the judicial exercise

“You can now renew your dedicated focus on your continuing good governance of our people as well as the conduct of state affairs in consonance with their overwhelming wishes and aspirations for more security and welfare,” Prof. Oyovbaire remarked.