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Rivers Women Endorse Wike For 2nd Term …As 15,000 Non-Indigenes Join Endorsement Train
Thousands of Rivers women, yesterday, joined the emerging tradition in the state as they stormed the Government House, Port Harcourt, to endorse Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for a second term.
Also, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike declared that supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) to form the Federal Government in 2019 was akin to digging the nation’s grave, as the country was already dead since they gained control in 2015.
Rivers women declared that they will follow their endorsement with massive rural and urban mobilisation of all groups to vote overwhelmingly for Wike in 2019.
The women in their thousands marched from Mile One to Government House, Port Harcourt, celebrating the governor and creating awareness on his achievements.
As they marched to Government House, they displayed banners and placards urging Wike to seek re-election.
The women were drawn from the 23 local government areas of the state, with each highlighting the projects executed by Wike in their respective councils.
In a solidarity message, former Rivers State Chairman of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Mrs Florence Amiesimaka said the governor has made Rivers people proud through development projects, hence, the endorsement.
She assured the governor that Rivers women will stand with him all through the electioneering period up to his re-election.
Spokesperson for Rivers South-East Women, Mrs Charity Demua declared that the women have experienced good governance under the leadership of Wike, saying that they will reciprocate by re-electing him.
Mrs Macetelli of Rivers West and Mrs Carol John of Rivers East stated that the infrastructural development of the state by the present administration has had positive impact on the lives of women and their businesses.
Rivers State Women Affairs Commissioner, Mrs Ukel Oyaghiri lauded the governor for his commitment to the welfare of Rivers women.
In his response, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike said that all Nigerians, irrespective of gender, have a solemn responsibility of ending the failed APC-led Federal Government in 2019.
He said that the nationwide breakdown of security, especially in APC states, exemplifies the failure of the incumbent administration to productively manage national resources.
Wike said: “Nigeria is in crisis. Never in the history of this country have we had crisis of this magnitude. Rather than resolve developmental challenges, they continue to give excuses for their failure.
“We must come together in 2019 to protect our votes. Supporting APC is like digging our graves. The country is already dead under their control. Every day, the country is moving from one problem to another,” Wike said.
The governor stated that APC leaders from the state take pride in de-marketing and destroying the economy of the state for political reasons.
He charged Rivers women to jealously protect their permanent voters’ cards as that was the only weapon to uproot the APC in 2019.
Wike announced a business development scheme worth N500million for Rivers women in 2018, adding that the fund will be domiciled at the Rivers State Microfinance Bank and managed by the Ministry of Women Affairs.
He said the empowerment scheme will assist the women develop small-scale businesses, stressing that the state Women Development Centre will be completed in 2018.
Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of gifts by the women to the Rivers State governor.
Meanwhile, over 15,000 thousand non-indigenes living and doing business in Rivers State, last Wednesday, endorsed the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for a second term.
This is as the Rivers State governor, urged Nigerians, irrespective of their linguistic and religious affiliations, to use their voter’s card to sack the non-performing All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government
The non-indigenes, under the platform of Non-Indigenes Without Borders trooped to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday, where they declared their unalloyed support for Wike come 2019.
The non-indigenes announced their endorsement of the governor during a solidarity visit to the Government House, Port Harcourt.
The visit was like a carnival as different ethnic groups displayed their cultural dances and attires.
The non-indigenes stated that their support for Wike stems from his outstanding development strides which have improved their standard of living.
Spokesman of the Igbo community in Rivers State, Chief Emeka Vitalis said that the Igbos will vote en-masse for Wike because his development projects have helped their businesses to grow.
In their separate remarks, spokespersons for the Yoruba and Edo/Delta communities in Rivers State, Alhaji Omotayo and Henry Iyoha, respectively, said their endorsements of the Rivers State governor stem from his commitment to the welfare of all residents of the state.
The Bayelsa community, represented by Agbai Tom, Akwa Ibom/Cross River State community led by Obong Godwin Inyang and the Muslim community in the state led by Hajia Mariam also announced their respective endorsements for the re-election of Wike.
Spokesman of the Hausa community, Alhaji Maisundu said his people will mobilise votes for Wike in 2019 because he was a de-tribalised leader.
Commissioner for Special Duties, Emeka Onowu, who is a non-indigene, noted that the Rivers State governor has been a father to the non-indigenes, carrying them along as he develops the state.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike assured the non-indigenes that he will continue to deliver quality projects and programmes that will improve the lives of residents of the state.
He declared that all residents of Rivers State should remain resolute in their commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying that they should not fear the evil machinations of the APC.
Wike said because the people have discovered that the APC was full of lies and deceit, the party may resort to rigging in 2019, adding that the APC will fail in Rivers State in the next elections.
He said: “Nobody should be afraid of anyone. Anyhow they want it, we are ready. There is nothing like do or die in this election, only God gives power. We believe in God, that is why we always defeat them.
“Whether they go to the United States of America or North Korea to bring anything, we shall withstand them. The only weapon you have is your voter’s card. Mobilise and use your voter’s card, that is the weapon that will remove them from office”.
He regretted that after two and half years, the APC-led Federal Government has no single project in Rivers State and assured that the state will be ‘a no-go area’ for them in 2019.
Wike said that contrary to the allegations of the APC ahead of the 2015 General elections, he has proved that Rivers State was a home for all by carrying the non-indigenes along through appointments and projects.
“I will always fulfill my promises. I will never give excuses. I am not like the APC that thrives in excuses. My commitment remains to deliver on projects”, Wike said.
The governor assured that he will respond to the request to seek re-election at the appropriate time.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.