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‘Why APC Wants Amaechi’; …Tinubu, Buhari, Extol Gov’s Leadership Qualities …Amaechi Dares Police, As Supporters Flood Airport …Gov Accounts For N1.9trn
Leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) say the party will welcome Governor Chibuike Amaechi if he decides to join the party, because he is a progressive by his nature and actions.
Speaking yesterday in Government House, Port Harcourt, during a visit of APC chieftains to the State, Tinubu observed that since his days as Speaker of the State Assembly, Amaechi had shown traits of a progressive, and therefore should not stay where he is being intimidated and persecuted.
Tinubu stated that the governor’s developmental strides, speak volumes and called on the citizenry to urge the governor to come over to APC.
The former Lagos State governor pointed out that moving to APC would cement the relationship between the South and North, adding that, “the progressives are offering a rescue boat”.
For Gen. Mohammadu Buhari, the leadership of APC had decided to woo the persecuted Group -7 governors in order to balance the political equation in the country.
The former Head of State said it was high time the progressives merged forces to check the present misrule, and salvage the country from corrupt and inept leadership, “we must organise ourselves to utilize the resources of the country. We must get together and move this country forward”.
Interim Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande said Amaechi’s governorship style had endeared him to the party, “we noticed that he is more than a leader, he is the leader of leaders”.
“Let him come and join APC, a party of courageous fighters, a quality which Amaechi has “Akande remarked.
In his speech, the House of Representatives member, for Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constitutency, Hon. Andrew Uchendu said for now Governor Amaechi remained a big asset to any party he would be ready to pitch tent with in the future.
The House of rep member fo Ikwerre/Emohua Federal constituency added, “we have heard all that you said. You have made a very strong case inviting us, … me and my colleagues have given the governor our mandate to discuss with you”.
Also speaking Senator Magnus Abe, representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, decried the huge loss of party discipline and values, as he lamented that the ruling party does not condone dissent voices.
Abe argued that any party that does not respect the views of its members should be ready to court crisis, pointing out that the soul of any party belongs to its members.
Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Amachree said while the governor was still consulting, the citizenry are ready to go with him, wherever he goes.
Governor Tinubu together with Gen Buhari (rtd), Tom Ikimi, Odigie-Oyegun, Masari, Bisi Akande arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport at exactly 9.05 am in a chartered Hawker 4000 and immediately proceeded to the Model Primary School at Elekahia, where the host Governor Amaechi took them round on an inspection of the school project. They later visited the adjoining Elekahia Primary Health Centre and inspected the facilities in the centre.
At the school, he told his visitors that his administration had completed and furnished 300 primary schools all over the state and had also finished and furnished seven comprehensive Secondary Schools at the rate of five billion naira per unit. He explained that the schools contain modern and world class facilities like massive classroom buildings, teachers quarters, hostels, libraries and other facilities worthy of envy.
The group later proceeded to Government House where they addressed the thousands of the supporters of the party and the people of the state who had waited eagerly for their arrival.
Chief Tinubu set the tone of the visit when he described the Rivers State Governor as a courageous and progressive leader, who was being victimized because he is fighting for the cause of the people of the state and that his courage endears him to the leadership of the party, hence its resolve to visit the state to see, seek and invite.
Tinubu also explained the reason for the postponement of the visit initially planned for Monday.
“As for yesterday’s postponement, we were ready for the visit, you people were ready to receive us, but the airspace was blocked. Because we did not want to offend anybody, we did not want to undertake the visit in a confused atmosphere and you still came in your thousands to welcome us.”
Amaechi in his speech took a swipe at those he accused of trying to grab the state’s treasury and described some of his critics as being corrupt and morally bankrupt.
He also explained the reason for his display of enthusiasm at the burial ceremony of the First Lady’s mum’s burial at Okrika town, last Saturday.
”You will wonder why I was dancing at the burial. I can tell you why. They need to know that when you have God behind you, there is nobody in your front. We have been hearing we will remove him, we will remove him since 2007, have I been removed?
They talk as if they own the court. They said we will be removed on the 11th. November 11 is on Monday, is it not? That day I will dance here to the glory of God because if I tell you that I am not happy with your presence I will be lying.
I have made a commitment and the commitment is that they have served, they are now hungry, the money they got from government is finished, that are now hungry. They are now desperate, we must stop them, as for, me I am through. I have told you that all I do is kneel down and ask God to save me from these evil men and women and by His grace I am being protected. I also need to include you in the prayer and I have been saying to God, protect Rivers people and Rivers State, so that these people will not come to power and steal your money.
Addressing his guests, the governor said, “we have heard you. We are a group of seven governors. I am peculiar in that group of seven. Let me tell you why I am peculiar. The President comes from our zone. I will consult our leaders. I will consult Rivers youths. I will consult the President and consult all ‘consult -ables’ and I will get back to you. The only thing is that I will take a decision whether for or against it will be at the Liberation Stadium. That stadium has capacity for 40, 000 people. We will want that stadium to be filled. If we are staying, we will call the President to come and address us. If we are going, we will call Tinubu and Buhari to come and address us and you will be addressing 40, 000 people in that stadium.
Governor Chibuike Amaechi had moved into the Port Harcourt International Airport after the Nigerian Police Force attempted to prevent his supporters from entering the airport to welcome leaders of All Progressive Congress (APC) who were in the state to visit him.
Amaechi who arrived at the airport at 9.00am was going back to the Government House, Port Harcourt when he discovered that Police had barricaded the gate, preventing the large crowd who came to receive the visitors from gaining entrance into the airport.
The Governor, after order his to the police to allow the crowd was rebuffed, pushed the gate open which made him to trek with some of the crowd to the airport.
According to him, Nigerians should learn to have their voice and resist oppressions.. Nigerians must have their voice.
In a related development, Governor Chibuike Amaechi yesterday used the visit of leaders of All Peoples Congress (APC) to the state, led by Gen. Buhari and Asiwaju Tinubu to reply his critics on how funds received since the inception of his administration have been spent.
Amaechi explained that he was pressed to reply based on the over blown figures dished out by his detractors stating that even at N1.9 trillion the figures were baseless and imaginary.
He stated,” they also say we have gotten N1.9 trillion thank God. Before they said it was N3 trillion…Let me tell you if we are using their figures that we got N1.9 trillion and our wage bill is N8.9billion but for the purpose of argument let us leave it at N6billion. Take N6 billion and multiply by 12 how much? 24 billion per year multiply by by six years, about 500 million. So they should remove 500 million from N1.9 trillion. Let them tell me how much that is remaining.’’
The governor further explained that if monies spent on roads put at N500 billion ,the 500 model primary schools built at N112 million, and Model secondary schools built at N4.5 billion per school, with seven completed, the 140 health centres are all subtracted then that means he was prudent in managing the state funds.
Amaechi submitted that critics of his administration are angered because he refused to share the state resources,” they said we have done nothing then they are blind because even the bat perch on our schools roofs.” thanked Rivers people for the opportunity given to him to serve them, while promising not to fail them.
A mammoth crowd cheering Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, during the visit of APC leaders to the state, yesterday. Inset: Governor Amaechi addressing the crowd.
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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.