​Senatorial Bye-Election: Gov Diri Condoles With IGP, drowned personnel’s families

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has condoled with the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, over the loss of some of the force’s personnel that drowned while escorting voting materials for last Saturday’s senatorial bye-election in the state.

The boat conveying the policemen was said to have capsized on its way to Oporoma, the headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

However, Security sources told Vanguard on Sunday that 11 policemen were on board the ill-fated boat, in which five were rescued while six others drowned.

Diri, who also condoled with the families of the deceased policemen, said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, that their sudden demise while on national duty was very painful.

While describing the incident as unfortunate, he prayed to God to give the police boss and the families of the policemen the strength to bear the great loss.

The governor, however, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the smooth and fast process it put in place for the election.

Diri, who voted at his hometown in Sampou Ward 7 Unit 4 accompanied by his wife, Gloria Diri, said INEC’s decision of having accreditation and voting simultaneously saved time and energy.

“The process was faster and even more smooth. The card reader identified me as soon as my voter’s card was slotted in.

“So I can describe the process as smooth, fast, and peaceful. Certainly, the simultaneous accreditation and voting enhanced the process rather than waiting for hours before coming back to vote. I think this decision of taking them at the same time is far better than what we used to do,” he said.

On the alleged hijack of election materials in Agbere community in Sagbama Ward One, Senator Diri described the act as the handiwork of mischief-maker’s bent on discrediting the electoral process.

The governor called on Bayelsans not to give a negative image about the state, saying that it is a state with people of integrity that work hard to earn a living.

While expressing the optimism that his party would clinch victory judging by the pedigree and capacity of its candidates for the Bayelsa West and Central senatorial districts, Diri described the National Assembly as a place for serious-minded persons and not for jokers.

“We fielded quality candidates and you can see the difference between the PDP candidates and the others. The Senate is not a place for jokers. The Senate is not a place for school dropouts or people who were dismissed from service.

“The Senate is a place of people with integrity, for those who can comprehend, for those who will understand, for those who can bring an argument on the floor that would be able to convince and sway their colleagues. Having been a member of the National Assembly, I know that it takes that pedigree for you to be in the Senate.”

​Advertising practitioners decry quackery, low patronage

Members of Advertising Practitioner Association, have decried the proliferation of quacks in the industry and low patronage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chairman of the Chapter of Port Harcourt Chapter, Peter Obialor, stated this at the Annual General Meeting of the body in Uyo, Akwa Ibom capital at the weekend.

Obialor therefore called on the regulatory agency, especially Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON, to wield the big stick against quacks in the industry so as to save members of undue competition and revenue loss.

He said, “the invasion of the industry by quacks has brought down most of our members interests and zeal in carrying out their professional responsibilities.

“But as an association, we are doing a lot and we have met with one of the regulatory agencies in Rivers State and we are trying to work out modalities on how to tackle quackery in our system, where it has to do with outdoor advertising.

“We also met with some of the important people in the profession especially in the electronic media. They have given us assurance that those working in their organizations are professionals.

“Another worrying issue is haphazard outdoor advertising which has reduced our revenues as professionals. So, if we keep quiet, they will keep hijacking the revenues that will go into the coffers of real practitioners. Moreover, they are not paying taxes and do not have certificate of vetting.

“Over and above, government policies are unfavorable, but that’s not to say that we don’t need them. Some of the policies have adversely affected us, especially when billboards are removed during road construction.”

​Over 1,000 locals benefit from medical outreach as Pastor Chris Delvan clocks 60

As part of the activities lined up for the celebration of the 60 years birthday of the presiding Pastor of the King of All Kings Church of the Capstone, Chris Delvan Gwamna Ajiyat, no fewer than 1,000 resident of Fadan Kagoro, Kaura local government area of Kaduna State and adjoining communities benefitted from medical outreach as planned by the local organising committee (LOC).

This according to the Chairman of the LOC, Pastor Isaiah Bulus, was one of the ways the church under the leadership of Pastor Chris was reaching out to the society.

“The medical outreach took place at Kagoro Town Hall, Fadan Kagoro; but reaching out to Kafanchan, Kukum-Daji and other neighbouring communities; on Saturday between 8:00 am – 4:00 pm today.

“The outreach planned to provide general consultations (paediatrics & adults), surgeries, eye care, medical test/screening, drugs, counselling and health education. We target to reach out to over 1,000 people”, the LOC chairman said.

Briefing the newsmen on the rationale behind a week-long celebration of the man of God, Pastor Bulus said, “having taken the gospel beyond the four corner of this local church, having touch lives positively, it is time we celebrate God in him”.

For example, he said, Pastor Chris Delvan’s participation in translating the Revised Standard Version Bible into the Hausa language for the bible league of the United States of America. The project was completed in 2003.

Speaking on kingdom expansion, the committee said the church has a vision of establishing 30 churches, but so far, two have been established.

“In the light of the above, we are calling on the body of Christ in Nigeria and beyond as well as the general public, to felicitate with our Pastor and be part of the celebration physically, virtually, spiritually, financially and otherwise.

“Most of the event shall be streamed live via all our social media handles. All attendees of any of the events are also called upon to observe our security procedures at the venue of the programs.

“We have liaised with the relevant security agents to ensure the maintenance of law and order throughout the programs”.

“We have put in place the protocols as provided by the NCDC at all entrances and ensuring strict observance of the COVID-19 protocols.

“All guests are therefore advised to take personal responsibility and comply with our processes at the venue of the celebrations”.

Other activities lined up include leadership summit, public lecture, full house worship, birthday celebration service – all could be live-streamed on the official Facebook page-Chris Delvan Gwamna Ministries.