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Violence Rocks Rivers Assembly; Ikuru, Speaker, Others Attacked …Abe, Peterside Flay House’s Insecurity …Reps Order Speedy Intervention …Supplementary Appropriation Bill Passed
Violence erupted at the resumed sitting of the Rivers State House of Assembly yesterday when the five –member anti-Amaechi lawmakers made an attempt to remove the House leadership from office.
It was on a day that Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, represented by his Deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru was guest of the House to present an executive request for the amendment of the state 2013 Appropriation Act.
The state government said it required the amendment to enhance effective implementation of the capital needs of the budget and urged the House to approve same.
Trouble started when leader of the five opposition lawmakers, Hon Evans Bipi allegedly assaulted Leader of the House, Hon Chidi Lloyd resulting in a pandemonium with the Speaker, Otelemaba Dan Amachree, Hon Michael Okey Chinda and others ending up with injuries.
Our Assembly correspondent reports that Deputy Governor Ikuru narrowly escaped being hurt by thugs allegedly hired by the opposition members, but was saved through the timely intervention of his security aides during the chaotic situation.
When tempers settled however, the House presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Dan Amachree considered the executive request, and through a voice vote passed it.
Curiously, our reporter said, shortly after the adjournment, the five-opposition lawmakers returned to the Assmbly chambers and in what observers described as a mock session announced the suspension of 15 members of the House, removal of the Speaker and his replacement by leader of the five opposition-Assembly members, Hon Evans Bipi.
On getting wind of the session, the 23 members loyal to Speaker Dan Amachree returned to the chambers and concluded the day’s proceeding before adjourning sine die.
With the arrival of the majority in the House, accompanied by security operatives, Hon Bipi could not make an acceptance speech following the over-whelming presence of majority and stiff opposition to the mock impeachment.
Our Assembly correspondent reports, it was after the departure of members that what is being aired on national television was hurriedly recorded as acceptance speech by a new Speaker, Hon Bipi.
It would be recalled that the Assembly’s last meeting in June was disrupted by an irate mob allegedly engaged by the anti-Amaechi lawmakers, an action which has pitched the state police command against the Rivers State Government.
Reacting to yesterday’s violent session, the state police commissioner Mr Mbu Joseph Mbu denied allegations of partisanship saying the letter informing the police of the Assembly’s planned resumed sitting was authorised by the Clerk of the House and submitted by the House Leader, Hon Lloyd.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe has described the attack on the Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Otelemaba Dan Amachree and Leader of the House, Hon Chidi Lloyd, under the watchful eyes of the police, as a shame and slap on democracy.
He has, therefore, charged lovers of democracy and Nigerians to not only condemn the dastardly and barbaric act but resist moves being orchestrated by those under democratic oath to make laws for good governance to make the state ungovernable.
Sen Abe was reacting to the incident in the state House of Assembly yesterday, where five members on a mission to impeach House officers resorted to physical attacks, injuring the Speaker, Leader and other members before the House could sit formally.
The chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) wondered the kind of democracy Nigeria was practicing, if democratic institutions and those elected to make laws cannot be protected.
Sen Abe said that plans to throw the state into anarchy will not succeed, and urged well- meaning Rivers people to stand by Governor Amaechi, whom he said, was being persecuted for defending the state.
Also speaking, Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and member representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency, Hon. Dakuku Peterside, condemned, in strong terms, the invasion of Rivers State House of Assembly by hoodlums yesterday morning.
He said, “I am horrified by the unfolding tragic drama in Rivers State, and I condemn in strict terms, the wanton destruction of property and attack on innocent people all in the name of politics in my state”.
He warned that Nigerians must stand and denounce this growing impunity in Rivers State.
According to Peterside, “this is a great test for the Nigerian nation, democracy and freedom, and men of goodwill must rise as a people in condemnation of these attacks without any justifiable reason, except if we are all ready to face the potential damage that may befall our democracy and our future”.
“Nigerians, therefore, must not watch helplessly as Rivers State slips into anarchy in a manner reminiscent of the events leading to the civil war that did not only claim millions of lives of our country men and women but also took Nigeria many years back. Anything that touches on the legislature, an arm of government which is symbol of democracy, has far reaching implication on freedom and the people,” he said.
Like most Nigerians, the lawmaker is however worried by the continuous use of the apparatus of the Nigerian state to coerce, harass and intimidate those who hold dissenting opinions and perceived enemies of Federal Government.
He emphasised that it was important not to send the wrong signal by any act capable of emboldening criminals.
“It is important to apprehend and unmask the perpetrators of these crimes and those who aid and abet them through financing and other forms of support as any attempt to look the other way will not do our nation any good. It is an act of courage to protect freedom and every onlooker must be reminded that great nations did not become great by wishful thinking, they acted. This is the time to act,” he added.
Other Rivers stakeholders, who spoke to The Tide, condemned the attack, and called on the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to urgently redeploy the state Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu, for his inability to ensure peace, law and order in the state.
Chief Chukwuemeka Eze said the five anti-Amaechi lawmakers were engaging in jungle politics, and warned that the State should not be subjected to this type of unwarranted attacks.
Emeka Reuben Okala said that the five anti-Amaechi lawmakers acted ultra vires, and obviously out of order, as he warned that “Rivers State belongs to all of us.”
In a related development, the House of Representatives yesterday mandated its ad hoc committee investigating the crisis in Rivers State to accelerate action on the process and submit its report next week.
Giving the directives to Chief Whip, Ishaku Bawa, and Deputy Leader, Leo Ogor, Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha also warned the police and other politicians in the state on the need to give peace a chance and avoid creating clogs in the wheel of democracy.
This comes on the heels of a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Hon Andrew Uchendu, which drew the attention of the House to the fracas that took place in the state’s House of Assembly yesterday morning.
Ihedioha regretted that most politicians have forgotten so soon how the present democracy was achieved.
His words: “It does appear some of us have forgotten how we got this democracy. I am going to direct the Chief Whip and House Leader to work with the ad hoc committee, which we inaugurated last week, to investigate this matter immediately and submit their report latest next Tuesday.
“Some of us were in the trenches fighting for this democracy, and cannot fold our hands and sit when the democracy is threatened,” he said.
Presenting the motion, Hon Uchendu had said he regrets to inform the House that some militants invaded the House of Assembly to prevent the House from sitting.
He gave an account of yesterday’s fracas in the House of Assembly: “This is prior to the information the House of Assembly gave to the Commissioner of Police that the House would sit today. In the ensuing fracas, there was a free-for-all-fight, and so many members were wounded.
“The House Leader, Hon Chidi Lloyd, who spoke to me on phone, said that so many members were wounded. The interesting thing is that the House still went ahead to sit with many members and their stained clothes,” he argued.
Uchendu alleged that democracy was being threatened in the state by the activities of the police, hoodlums and ex-militants.
Kevin Nengia, Ike Wigodo, Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja
Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Otelemaba Dan Amachree, departing the Assembly chambers escorted by the authentic mace bearer after the day’s proceedings, yesterday.
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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.