TheNewsGuru

Tag: Bayelsa State

  • BREAKING: Gov Douye Diri orders total lockdown in Bayelsa

    BREAKING: Gov Douye Diri orders total lockdown in Bayelsa

    After the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bayelsa State, the State Governor, Douye Diri has ordered a one week total lockdown, exempting essential duties.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Douye Diri imposed the lockdown on Monday during a state wide broadcast, revealing the COVID-19 index case in Bayelsa is a 49 years old female.

    During the broadcast, Douye Diri, in his address, pleaded with Bayelsans to continue to adhere to the established preventive protocols against the virus.

    The address reads: “I announce with regret that we have joined the league of states with the COVID-19 pandemic. This is coming over eight weeks since the first case was announced in Nigeria.

    “The index case in Bayelsa is a 49 years old female. She has since been evacuated to the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) Isolation Center for further management.

    “As a procedure to stop the spread, we have started tracing all her contacts while necessary environmental decontamination will be carried out immediately at the Bayelsa Specialist Hospital where she was hospitalized.

    “Following the latest sad development, I have placed a one week compulsory stay at home, except those on essential duties, beginning from midnight today.

    “I plead with Bayelsans and others who reside in the state to continue to adhere to the established preventive protocols against the virus.

    “It is a battle we can win but to achieve that feat, we must work together with complimentary efforts. This is not the time to panic. It is also not the time to spread falsehood. I assure you that it will end in victory!”

    Recall that Dr Inodu Akpoku, the Chairman, Bayelsa COVID-19 Task Force implementation Committee had earlier confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in the State.

    He said that the state had prepared well to handle the situation, revealing that the affected woman had been quarantined at one of the isolation centres in Bayelsa.

    The chairman said that the government was preparing a detailed statement on the case which would be made public.

    “We have recorded one case and she is a woman and she has been moved to the isolation centre at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) at Okolobiri in Yenagoa Local Government Area.

    “There is absolutely no need for panic because the Bayelsa government is adequately prepared for this.

    “We have at no fewer than three isolation centres and well trained medical professionals to tackle the pandemic.

    “We appeal to the people to take their personal hygiene more seriously and we have emphasised the use of face masks by residents in addition to other protocols put in place by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

    “In addition, people should ensure they take more of fruits and vegetables in their diet as it boosts the immune system.

    “In addition to complying with the hygiene protocols, good nutruition is also recommended,” he said.

    The NCDC has listed the case in Bayelsa as one of the 91 new cases of the COVID-19 confirmed in Nigeria on Sunday.

  • COVID-19: Bayelsa begins distribution of palliatives

    Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa, on Monday began the distribution of COVID-19 relief items, with a pledge that the foodstuffs will get to the less privileged and vulnerable people in the state.

    Diri assured citizens that the items would be judiciously distributed across party lines when he launched the distribution of the items.

    The event was witnessed by legislators from the state and the national assembly, local government chairmen at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.

    Diri directed the eight council chairmen and their councilors to demonstrate integrity in the distribution of the foodstuff and ensure that it cuts across political party lines.

    “As you go to your various local government areas to distribute these relief materials, make sure that there is no distinction between PDP and APC.

    “The COVID-19 pandemic does not know who is PDP or APC. The underlying issue is that they are all Bayelsa citizens.

    “The relief materials should get to all who need them, particularly the downtrodden, because this government is poised to carry everyone along.

    “I urge you to ensure that the distribution of these items is successful and done peacefully. Having experienced the first distribution of garri in the state, this time around we are following it up with enough security.

    “So, we have invited more personalities and leaders to be part of the distribution process. The security will follow these items to their various local government headquarters.

    “We have also invited other leaders to be involved in the distribution of items to their wards and communities,” Diri said.

    Recall that Diri had a fortnight ago approved distribution of relief materials meant for the 2019 flood victims to cushion the adverse impact of the stay-at-home directive imposed to check the spread of the coronavirus.

    The exercise which was chaotic was characterized by allegations of diversion of some 200 bags of garri, but officials of the government said the alleged diverted items were carted away by hoodlums who overwhelmed armed securitymen.

    The governor disclosed that the state had begun the process of setting up its own laboratory and testing Centre for viral infections apart from the Coronavirus disease.

    He said he had approved N60 million for the procurement of equipment for the Centre to be established at the Bayelsa Medical University.

    The governor added that officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) would be invited to inspect and certify the centre when it is ready.

    The governor enumerated food items procured by his administration to include; 6,000 bags of beans, 6,070 bags of garri, 10,750 cartons of noodles and 185 packs of bottled water.

    Others are 175 cartons of tin tomato, 700 cartons of soft drinks, 35 gallons of palm oil, 68 bags of salt, 69 bags of sugar, 38 cartons of seasoning and 70 gallons of vegetable oil.

    Senator Diri, who equally highlighted items donated by corporate organisations, expressed gratitude for their gesture and enjoined others to follow suit.

    According to him, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board donated 75 bags of beans, 300 bags of rice, 70 bags of garri, two ambulances and other pharmaceutical items.

    “7Up Bottling Company donated 2,004 packs of bottled water, 8,400 cartons of soft drinks while Mee&Kay Ltd gave 100 cartons of instant noodles.

    “The state government took delivery of 350 bags of rice and 300 bags of garri from Ecobank Plc while Crunchies, a fast food outfit in Yenagoa, donated 50 cartons of noodles.

    “Other items donated include; 300 bags of rice from the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, Sterling Bank N100 million, Niger Delta Development Commission N100 million.

    “Nigerian Agip Oil Company promised that in partnership with the NNPC it will build a South-South health Centre for the fight against COVID-19 and other viral diseases in the state.

    “Other donors include Brass Local Government Area with 50 bags of rice, 500 bags each of beans and garri, 900 cartons of noodles, 10 packs each of water and tin tomato, seven bags of salt and sugar,’’ he said.

    The chart indicated that Ekeremor Local Government got 60 bags of rice, 600 bags each of beans and garri, 1,080 cartons of noodles, 12 packs each of water and tin tomato, seven bags of salt and sugar each.

    Kolokuma/Opokuma received 55 bags of rice, 650 bags each of beans and garri, 1,170 cartons of noodles, 11 packs each of water and tin tomato, seven bags each of salt and sugar.

    Nembe got 65 bags of rice, beans and garri 650 bags each, 1,170 cartons of noodles, 13 packs each of water and tin tomato, salt and sugar seven bags each.

    Ogbia got 65 bags of rice, beans and garri 650 bags each, 1,170 cartons of noodles, water and tin tomato 13 packs each, salt and sugar eight bags each.

    Sagbama is to distribute 70 bags of rice, 700 bags each of beans and garri, 1,260 cartons of noodles, water and tin tomato 14 packs each, salt and sugar eight bags each.

    Southern Ijaw received 85 bags of rice, beans and garri 850 bags each, 1,530 cartons of noodles, water and tin tomato 17 packs each, 12 bags each of salt and sugar.

    Yenagoa received 75 bags of rice, beans 750 bags, garri 750, noodles 1,350 cartons, water and tin tomato 15 packs each, nine bags each of salt and sugar.

    Other beneficiaries include the physically challenged persons, internally displaced persons, youth corps members, Bakassi returnees, motherless babies home and non-indigenes.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Late Bayelsa billionaire’s father speaks to TheNewsGuru.com

    EXCLUSIVE: Late Bayelsa billionaire’s father speaks to TheNewsGuru.com

    Father of late business mogul Keniebi Okoko, Professor Kimse Okoko told TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) that his late son was very dear to him, adding that he would be missed by the entire family.

    Contrary to our earlier report, based on information our reporter received in Yenagoa, which sparked wild jubilations across the State, Prof. Okoko, while recalling some of the cherished moments with the son, in a telephone chat with TNG said the sad incident occurred on Tuesday.

    He narrated how Ken, as the Bayelsa billionaire was called by many who knew him in Port Harcourt where he resided most times, footed his treatment in Dubai sometime ago.

    “When I had need for cancer operations he took me to Dubai and footed the bill. He was very humble, respectful and a philanthropist. It will not be easy for the family.

    “I am proud of his memories. He did not let the family down. We have heard so much about his commendable integrity. We are proud of him. But it will no longer be the same for my family,” Prof. Okoko said, lamenting.

    The late Ken was a successful business man in the oil and gas industry. He passed on at a hospital in Lagos State on Tuesday during a failed operation at 42.

    He was a frontline member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in his home State, Bayelsa and aspired to govern the State during the last primaries of the party for the governorship seat.

    Former governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state and several other prominent Bayelsans have condoled the family of Prof. Okoko over the untimely death of the son.

    “Keniebi was somebody we all had a lot of hope in; he proved to be an open minded, accommodating, large hearted, understanding political leader that I encouraged to be under my wing henceforth for political grooming and support.

    “My family and I are pained and I have made a lot of calls to our leaders. Everybody is pained and we should take it as bad as it is as what God has done. Nobody can question Him,” Dickson said.

    There was confusion over his death initially in Rivers and Bayelsa in the social media with some saying he suddenly recovered from a deep coma.

    The late Ken would be remembered more for his philanthropy, kind heart.

  • SAD: Jubilations cut short in Bayelsa as billionaire Keniebi Okoko dies in ICU

    SAD: Jubilations cut short in Bayelsa as billionaire Keniebi Okoko dies in ICU

    Jubilations have been cut short in Bayelsa State as it becomes clear that Keniebi Okoko, the billionaire politician godson of former president Goodluck Jonathan, died at the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital in Lagos State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Keniebi Okoko, in his early 40s, who is son of Professor Kimse Okoko, after all, did not survive the liposuction surgery at the Lagos hospital.

    Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson has commiserated with the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, former President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof Kimse Okoko, father of the late businessman and politician over the untimely death.

    Governor Dickson also condoled with the wife of the late politician, his aged parents, his Obunagha community, the Gbarain Clan, Bayelsa State, the Ijaw nation and the PDP family on the sudden death of the politician.

    Okoko, a successful businessman and gubernatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last governorship contest in Bayelsa state died in a Lagos hospital during a failed surgery on Tuesday at the age of 42.

    The former Governor who described death of Okoko as painful and sad said that he left indelible marks in the world of business and politics at a young age of 42 in a statement on Wednesday.

    “Keniebi was somebody we all had a lot of hope in; he proved to be an open minded, accommodating, large hearted, understanding political leader that I encouraged to be under my wing henceforth for political grooming and support.

    “My family and I are pained and I have made a lot of calls to our leaders. Everybody is pained and we should take it as bad as it is as what God has done. Nobody can question Him,” he said.

    Dickson further stated that this period of COVID-19 was a particularly trying period for Bayelsa with the death of prominent politician George Fente (still being mourned) and the loss of the wife of Senator Ben Murray Bruce to cancer in the US and the painful death of Okoko.

    He called on Bayelsans and the Ijaw nation to give the requisite support to the Governor and his team during this challenging period of the COVID19 induced lockdown. The former Governor also urged all Bayelsans and indeed the Ijaw nation to pray against a recurrence of such painful deaths in the state.

    The Governor who prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Okoko also prayed to God to give the grieving family the fortitude to bear the painful loss. He stressed that Okoko’s death was a heavy blow to Bayelsa and indeed the Ijaw nation.

    He said that he would personally visit the families of the three prominent people who died recently in the state after the lockdown even though he has spoken to them.

    Meanwhile, former Director-General of NIMASA, Mr Dakuku Peterside has also confirmed the death of Keniebi Okoko, saying he was one of the people that saw his lifeless body. He disclosed that well-wishers that thronged the hospital are demanding for an investigation on the circumstances surrounding the professional handling of his situation.

    “I start by a confession. Keniebi is my friend, brother and someone who impacts every soul he comes in contact with. Yesterday, I got a call and rushed to the hospital where I met him lifeless. What is important is that he lived a good and impactful life and sure he has gone to be with the Lord.

    “I got to the hospital about 8-8:30pm and friends of his from across the country (high, mighty, ordinary folks) have taken over the hospital and were ready to go to “war” for most loved Keniebi. It simply restored my faith in brotherhood and humanity. Too many persons in the midst of wailing were willing to help to ensure that a loving soul like Keniebi is not put to shame.

    “The second observation is that all and sundry were not happy with the professional handling of the medical attention he got leading to his death and are demanding that we must get to the root of the matter so persons whose professional negligence led to this avoidable death must be held to account for it.

    “In Keniebi’s death, I have seen the outpouring of love and appreciation of impact living. May the soul of my beloved brother Keniebi rest in peace and may we continue rallying each other whenever the need arises,” Dakuku Peterside stated.

  • VIDEO/PHOTOS: Bayelsans roll out drums to celebrate ‘resurrection’ of Keniebi Okoko, godson of Goodluck Jonathan

    VIDEO/PHOTOS: Bayelsans roll out drums to celebrate ‘resurrection’ of Keniebi Okoko, godson of Goodluck Jonathan

    The people of Bayelsa State have rolled out drums to celebrate the ‘resurrection’ of billionaire politician, Keniebi Okoko, reputed to be the godson of former Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan.

    Keniebi Okoko, in his early 40s, who is son of Professor Kimse Okoko, reportedly passed out during a liposuction surgery in a Lagos State hospital on Tuesday. A power outage was blamed for the death.

    According to unconfirmed reports, David Ibiyeomie, Nigerian televangelist, Founder and Senior Pastor of Salvation Ministries, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria advised family members not to rush to get the dead body into the morgue.

    A family source, who spoke with TNG confirmed the return to life of the Bayelsa politician, who is also a pastor of Salvation Ministries.

    “It is sad how bad news tend to travel very fast. Yes, he went in for surgery and there were complications, but he is very much alive and in ICU,” the family source told TNG.

    Okoko is the founder and CEO of KDI Group, said to be involved in oil and gas. He is reputed to be the godson of former Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan.

    The ‘resurrection’ of Keniebi Okoko has sparked off celebrations in Bayelsa State.

    See photos and video below:

     

     

    ALSO READ || SAD: Jubilations cut short in Bayelsa as billionaire Keniebi Okoko dies in ICU

     

  • Bayelsa billionaire politician, Keniebi Okoko miraculously returns to life after passing out during surgery

    Bayelsa billionaire politician, Keniebi Okoko miraculously returns to life after passing out during surgery

    Bayelsa billionaire politician, Keniebi Okoko, reputed to be the godson of former Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, who reportedly passed out during a surgery in a Lagos State hospital has miraculously returned to life.

    Reports had it that Okoko, in his early 40s, who is son of Professor Kimse Okoko, died on Tuesday during a liposuction surgery in a Lagos hospital. A power outage was blamed for the death.

    According to unconfirmed reports, David Ibiyeomie, Nigerian televangelist, Founder and Senior Pastor of Salvation Ministries, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria advised family members not to rush to get the dead body into the morgue.

    A family source, who spoke with TNG confirmed the return to life of the Bayelsa politician, who is also a pastor of Salvation Ministries.

    “It is sad how bad news tend to travel very fast. Yes, he went in for surgery and there were complications, but he is very much alive and in ICU,” the family source told TNG.

    The ‘resurrection of ’ Keniebi Okoko has sparked off celebration in Bayelsa State.

    Okoko is the founder and CEO of KDI Group, said to be involved in oil and gas. He is reputed to be the godson of former Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan.

     

    ALSO READ || SAD: Jubilations cut short in Bayelsa as billionaire Keniebi Okoko dies in ICU

     

  • Bayelsa State Police command gets new CP

    Mr Nkereuwem Akpan is now the new Commissioner of Police in the Bayelsa State Police command.

    Akpan takes over from Mr Uche Anozia, a statement issued to newsmen by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Asinm Butswat, in Yenagoa, on Friday said.

    News Agency of Nigeria reports that the new Commissioner of Police has assumed office.

    The statement said that until his present posting, he was the Commissioner of Police in Cross River.

    “He is a seasoned Police Officer with proven skills in Operations and Administration and had served in various commands and formations at various capacities.

    “The Command by this announcement, solicits the cooperation and partnership of the good and well-meaning people of Bayelsa State.

    “(This is) to accord the new Commissioner of Police the necessary support he would need in the task of maintaining peace, law and order in the State,” the PPRO said.

  • Pump-price: Youths close 7 petrol stations in Bayelsa

    Pump-price: Youths close 7 petrol stations in Bayelsa

    The Central Zone of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has locked down seven petrol filling stations in Yenagoa for allegedly not adjusting to the N125 pump-price.

    The youth visited many filling stations in Yenagoa and locked down the affected stations.

    Recall that the Federal Government had reduced the pump price from N145 to N125 per litre to reflect the fall in crude oil prices.

    The youth applauded four fuel dealers who had reviewed their prices downwards to reflect the new petrol price.

    Mr Kenedy Olorogun, Chairman of IYC, Central Zone, explained that their action was informed by the attitude of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

    Olorogun expressed displeasure over the refusal by petrol dealers to comply with fuel price reduction in Bayelsa, adding that other states in the federation had adhered to the new price.

    He noted that in Bayelsa, most filling stations were still selling at N145 in defiance of the directive to reduce the price.

    He said that the youth would keep monitoring the filling stations that had yet to comply with the fuel price reduction, calling on DPR and other regulators to act.

    Some of the filling stations that have complied with the new price are Total filling station, Unless God Oil, Sobaz filling station and Tamic Nig. Ltd. All in Yenagoa metropolis.

    Those shut down by the youth include Pados, Ebi Egrin & Sons Nig. Ltd, Okpom’s Oil, Emitare Nig. Ltd, Watgo Petroleum, JJ Wak’s Nig. Ltd and the River Nun filling station.

    However, the DPR in Bayelsa described the allegations of inaction on its part as baseless and cheap blackmail by the youth who were merely seeking relevance and recognition.

    Mr Omasanjuwa Oshodi, a Public Relations Officer at DPR Office, Bayelsa told News Agency of Nigeria in a telephone interview on Friday that the operations of the IYC in enforcing the new price of petrol was illegal and criminal.

    He insisted that the youth lacked the recognition of government and expertise to regulate the sector.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, DPR in Bayelsa has increased its surveillance activities and is effectively enforcing the new price regime.

    “The operations controller led a team of senior officials of DPR on Thursday on routine surveillance across Yenagoa to enforce compliance and many of the stations visited promptly adjusted their pumps to reflect the new regulated price.

    “In spite of the Coronavirus, we are doing our best in the discharge of our statutory responsibility and we remain undeterred by the illegal activities and cheap blackmail by the youth and we cannot join issues with them.

    “We will not get distracted as we are currently engaged in our work to ensure that the reduction in the pump price by the Federal Government brings relief to the people of Bayelsa.

    “The DPR cannot tolerate the exploitation of the public by selling above the approved N125 or underdispensing, we are enforcing it,” Oshodi said.

  • Rumour of COVID-19 cases heightens in Bayelsa

    Rumour of COVID-19 cases heightens in Bayelsa

    The Bayelsa Government has debunked the rumour that there are cases of Coronavirus, (COVID-19) in the state, noting that the news making the round to that effect is fake.

    Dr Inodu Apoku, Permanent Secretary, Bayelsa Ministry of Health who dispelled the rumour at a conference on Friday in Yenagoa, said the story was fabricated to cause fear..

    He warned the public against the spread of rumour on coronavirus pandemic in the state.

    Apoku, however, assured the peple of government’s commitment to preventing the outbreak and spread of the disease and urged them not to fear, but to always embrace the facts about the pandemic.

    The permanent secretary said: “Stop the spread of fake COVID-19 news in Bayelsa.

    “It has come to the notice of the Ministry of Health that all manner of persons and characters, including people who are supposedly well-informed, have taken it upon themselves to be courier of malicious and fake rumour about COVID-19, particularly through the social media in the state.

    “On Thursday, there were heightened rumours of suspected COVID-19 cases in the state, including the case of a man in Odoni community, Sagbama Local Government Area.

    “He was alleged to be very sick, following his return from South Korea, and that of an American said to have returned to the University of Africa recently from U.S.A.

    “As usual, when we heard the rumour, our state Rapid Response Team made up of doctors, public health nurses, epidemiologist and team from WHO and NCDC official, were promptly dispatched to investigate the rumours.”

    He said that the Korean returnee in Odoni was found to be in a perfect state of health.

    “Following the present National travel guideline, he was instructed to self isolate for 14 days after being screened at the international airport.

    “At present, he has completed his 14 days self isolation and he is in good health. The case of American returnee was a complete fabrication.

    “There is also the case of a Ghanaian returnee, who visited the state diagnostic centre to inquire about the possibility of running a COVID-19 test.

    “He was referred to the ministry and was investigated by the state Rapid Response Team. He has no symptoms and he is in good health.

    “So, there is no suspected case of coronavirus in Bayelsa till this very moment,” the permanent secretary said.

    Apoku defined a suspected case as any person, including severely ill patients, presenting with fever, cough or difficulty in breathing and who, within 14 days before the onset of illness had any form of exposure.

    “We appeal to well meaning people of Bayelsa to desist from peddling rumours and fake news.

    All enquiries and information about COVID-19 should be directed at the Ministry of Health for verification before spreading them.

    “The state government is leaving no stone unturned in her bid to stem the threat of the dreaded disease in the state.

    “The general public is encouraged to report ALERT by calling the following numbers: 08039216821, 07019304970 and 08151693570,” he added.

    He advised individuals to wash their hands frequently with soap or use alcoholic-based sanitiser when there is no water.

    “Cover your mouth and nose properly with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing.

    “Dispose tissue paper after use. Avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness like cough and sneezing,’’ he said.

  • [UPDATED]: Supreme Court set to rule on review of judgement sacking David Lyon

    Updating on proceedings at the Supreme Court, the seven-member panel presided by Justice Sylvester Ngwuta is set to deliver its ruling on the fresh application by the All Progressives Congress (APC) seeking to review the judgement of February 13 that sacked David Lyon.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports there was tight security in and around the Three Arms Zone in Abuja as the Supreme Court hears the application by the APC to review the judgment disqualifying the party’s candidate.

    Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, led the team of lawyers for Lyon and deputy.

    Also in court is the Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Duoye Diri, National Chairman of the APC, comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

    The APC returned to the Supreme Court with an application urging it to reverse its decision disqualifying its candidate in the last governorship election in Bayelsa.

    The party, in an application filed by its team of lawyers led by Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), also wants the apex court to set aside the “wrong” interpretation given to its judgement of February 13, 2020 and its subsequent execution by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The party is, among others, contending that the Supreme Court, in its judgement, misinterpreted the November 12, 2019 judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja which it (the Supreme Court) affirmed.

    The APC argued that the Supreme Court acted without jurisdiction and denied the APC fair hearing when it proceeded to disqualify its governorship candidate even though the Federal High Court, in the judgement by Justice Inyang Ekwo, which the apex court affirmed, refused PDP’s prayer to disqualify Lyon.

    The party also faulted the interpretation given to the apex court’s judgement by the INEC in deciding to issue the certificate of return to the candidate of the PDP.

    “In this honourable court’s judgement of 13th February, 2020, the court erroneously and inadvertently stated that the trial High Court consequentially disqualified the applicant‘s governorship candidate even though the trial court made no such order and when the trial court indeed refused to grant the express orders sought by the plaintiffs therein for his disqualification,” APC averred.