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11 Died In PDP Rally …Amaechi Campaign Organisation, Dame Judith Console Victims – RSG
Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (left) receiving the PDP flag from Dr Bello Halliru Mohammed, Acting National Chairman Of PDP as the governorship flag bearer for PDP in Rivers State at the South-South zone of presidential campaign held in Port Harcourt.
The Rivers State Government has promised lifeline for families of those who lost their lives in Saturday’s stampede at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt at the end of the South/South PDP campaign rally.
The State Commissioner of Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, who briefed newsmen at Government House Port Harcourt yesterday, also confirmed that 11 people lost their lives on the ill-fated incident, adding that Government would also offset the medical bills of all victims receiving treatment in various hospitals, across the state.
She hinted that already the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi had visited the hospitals along with his wife, Judith and the wife of his Bayelsa State counterpart to personally see the wounded and commiserate with the bereaved families.
Mrs Semenitari, who explained that the unfortunate incident was not one that gave anybody joy, said it was not an issue that any responsible government would play politics with, promising that the state government would be as factual as possible in releasing information about it.
According to her, the Commissioner for Health was already going round the hospitals to assess the situation, confirming that the total number of deaths recorded as at the time of briefing was 11 out of which 10 were women with several others wounded.
The Commissioner also said that 15 out of the 36 victims registered at the Braithwaite Memoral Specialist Hospital (BMSH), Port Harcourt, were still on admission and 10 at Teme Clinic while others who were treated for manageable injuries had been discharged.
Mrs. Semenitari, who said she was an eyewitness at the scene, hinted that the confusion that led to the stampede started even before President Jonathan’s speech, as the teeming crowd from the various states, who had come to celebrate with their governors, began to leave the stadium as soon as flags were presented to them.
According to her, the situation was escalated when the security operatives outside the gate shot into the air to disperse people, to enable them rescue those already trapped in the stampede.
The Commissioner, however, said that the details of the cause of the stampede would be made known when the report of the investigation ordered by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan would be made public.
She commended the state government’s emergency medical service, the TIMARIV corps and the police for their quick response to evacuate the bodies of those who died on the spot and those that need medical attention to the hospitals.
Though the Presidency has since ordered a probe into the tragic incident, reports of how the incident began remain incoherent. But a source told The Tide that the tragic event was sparked off by an unruly crowd that surged towards the main gate of the Liberation Stadium few minutes after the guber candidates were handed party flags.
According to the source, security agents who were at the gate were unable to control the crowd, hence, one of them shot into the air apparently to scare them but it turned out to be the road to their death.
The Tide was reliably informed that the panic caused by the gunshot reportedly had a terrible effect on some of them as they fell down and they were trampled upon by others, resulting to the death. Bodies of the dead persons had since been deposited at the morgue , but the Emergency Unit of the state-owned Brithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH) is busy attending to scores of casualties of the Saturday’s stampede.
A source from the hospital, who pleaded anonymity told The Tide that some persons who had fractures were taken to Teme Hospital and that bodies of some dead were equally deposited at Kpaima Mortuary in Diobu.
Among the states that attended the rally, Akwa-Ibom State, it was further learnt had the highest casualties of about three persons, followed by Bayelsa State, Cross River and Delta States.
Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer, Dr Rita Inoma-Abbey said in a phone chat that the incident occurred about 3pm that fateful day.
The police image maker stated that about 28 injured persons were receiving various level of treatment.
Dr Inoma-Abbey explained that supporters of the various state governors in the zone had surged to the main-gate to jubilate with their candidates leading to the stampede.
Meanwhile, the former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, and senatorial candidate of the PDP, Hon Magus Abe has expressed regrets and sympathy over Saturday’s incident.
In a chat with journalists shortly after the rally, Hon Abe blamed some security personnel for not being alive to their duties, saying that the tragic incident would have been averted if appropriate crowd control measures were adopted.
He said, “ it is sad that at a time like this when some people are celebrating, some people are lamenting”
Meanwhile, governments of Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states have picked up bodies of their people who died in the stampede.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari made this known while briefing newsmen at Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday
Mrs Semenitari added that Delta State would be coming to pick up bodies of their own people.
However, the Amaechi 2011 Re-Election Campaign Organisation has commiserated with the families of all those who were affected in the sad and ugly incident that occurred at the end of the PDP Presidential Campaign flag-off for the South-South zone held in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
“It is unfortunate that such an incident occurred at such a time when Nigerians and indeed Rivers people were willing to express commitment to the electoral process of electing their preferred candidates into office.
We pray God to grant the affected families the fortitude to bear the loss, and wish those injured and are in hospital quick recovery.
We are aware that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the cause of the incident. This investigation must be thorough to ensure that such an incident never repeats itself.
Our hearts and prayers are with the injured, those who lost their lives and their families, the campaign organisation said.
Meanwhile, wife of the Rivers State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi had expressed great shock over the number of casualty in Saturday’s stampede, which left 11 people dead during the South-South Presidential Rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt.
Dame Amaechi in a statement signed by her Media Assistant, Dike Bekwele said the state has been thrown into a confused situation, adding that she was yet to recover from the shock.
“I grieve for the victims who attended a successful rally and hoping to reunite with their families but met their untimely death”.
The Rivers First Lady, who also visited the injured persons along with the wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Mrs Alayingi Sylva at Braithwaite Memorial Special Hospital (BMSP) and Teme Hospital said the situation call for urgent attention and the need to pray for the repose of the departed.
“|This is not a time to shift blame and make political statement over the ugly situation, we must pray for the departed and for God to grant the families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, we must realize that we have lost our people especially women and mothers, indeed, my heart is heavy, I grieve for the dead”.
Mrs Amaechi is also optimistic that the injured persons receiving medical treatment at the hospitals will be well again.
“I am also glad that the other victims who are hospitalized at BMSH and Teme are responding to medications”.
The stampede during the PDP South-South Presidential Rally left 11 people dead.
Kevin Nengia & Enoch Epelle
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.