Professor Ibrahim Gambari Photo: Sun News Publishing

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The Federal Government on Thursday named a 40-man technical committee to replace the abandoned Professor Ibrahim Gambari-led steering committee for the defunct Niger-Delta Summit.

President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has approved the list of nominees to serve on the committee to review and distil all previous reports on the Niger Delta, and come up with appropriate recommendations on the way forward for the region.

A former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, who was earlier nominated from Abia State to serve in the Gambari steering committee may head the reformed and renamed committee.

Vice President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is to inaugurate the committee on Monday, September 8, 2007, at the Vice President’s Conference Room, State House, Abuja by 3:00 p.m.
The 40-man list comprises Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, Chief E. C. Adiele, Chief Tony Esu, Hon. Nduese Essien, Mrs. Grace Ekong, Prof. Peter King, Chief Anderson Eseimokumo, Prof. Lawrence Ekpebu Prof. Austin Ikein, Youpele Banigo, Chief Anthony Ani (MON), Ukandi Gabriel Ogar, Col. Edor Obi (retd.), Barr. Nkoyo Toyo, Prof. Omofume Onoge, Prof. B. I. C. Ijeoma Chief Isaac Jemide and Dr. Abel Dafioghor.

Also on the list are Barr. Benard Jamaho, Mr. Sam Amuka Pemu, Senator Stella Omu, Ben Bouegha, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Admiral Peter Ebhalemen, Barr. Charles Edosomhan (SAN), Prof. E. M. Umezurike, Dr. Godswill Ihetu and Barr. Cyril Anyanwu.
Others are Dr. Sam Amadi, Hon. D. I. Kekemeke, Chief Olusola Oke, Col. Wole Ohunayo (retd.), Engr. Tonye Princewill, Magnus Njei Abe, Chibuzor Ugowoha, Mr. Ledum Mitee, Mr. Tony Uranta, Anyakwe Nsirimovu, Chief Timi Alaibe and Atei Beredugo
Also on Thursday, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua approved the appointment of Elder Braeyi Ekiye as a Special Adviser to the Vice President on Parastatals, Statutory Bodies and Inter-Governmental Affairs.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Vice President, Mr Ima Niboro, said until his latest appointment, Elder Ekiye was the Principal Private Secretary to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan.

Born on July 31, 1949 in Adagbabiri, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Elder Ekiye began his career in 1969 as a freelance reporter/broadcaster with the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, now Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
According to the statement, between 1979 and 1983, he was speech writer to the late Chief Melford Okilo, governor of old Rivers State.

A recipient of several honourary awards in journalism and PR practice, Elder Ekiye is the publisher of Environmentwatch newspaper, an indigenous tabloid in Bayelsa State.
He is a seasoned journalist, author, publisher, administrator, politician, public relations practitioner and holder of a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Calabar.