Front Pix
The Shame That’s A Rerun …Of Disobedience To Court Order, Brutality
Gov. Wike and Ikoiwak Aniedi
After the Supreme Court judgements that upheld the elections of Rivers and Akwa Ibom States governors Nyesom Wike and Emmanuel Udom, respectively, Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun could not conceal his disappointment when he said, our party has really lost key states.
According to him, even with the dwindling earnings from oil, the two states are indeed too lucrative to lose.
So, there was plan ‘B’ to reclaim them. Luckily, the cases covering state and national Assemblies elections terminated at the Appeal Court and so failed to enjoy the favourable judgement of the Supreme Court. In their instance, rerun was ordered and with a successful outing, what the APC could not win through the polls and the courts will be won in rerun.
With victories in such rerun, the APC hoped to garner sufficient number of lawmakers to unseat the elected governors, using frivolous impeachment claims.
The attempt however failed in Akwa Ibom, with the PDP winning predominantly all the contested seats. That left Rivers as the lone prize left for grabs. And did the desperation show.
In interviews on AIT and Rhythm 93.7 radio station in Abuja and Port Harcourt respectively, former governor Rotimi Amaechi revealed a little of what Rivers was to expect in the rerun to fill the three Senatorial seats, 12 House of Representatives Seats and 22 House of Assembly seats.
The Transport Minister fell short of saying that his party would use the Armed forces against opponents and ensure that the APC won the elections by all means. The state government, unwilling to dismiss such threats with the wave of the hand, petitioned 50 countries’ embassies, the Federal government and all security institutions.
Infact, a competent High Court barred, the Military from deploying its officers and men for election duties in Rivers State, as it is unconstitutional to do so. But that court order was obeyed in its breach.
Before the elections, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dr Austin Tam-George, raised the alarm that not only were military men freely deployed, military uniforms were also allegedly given to thugs who were properly armed.
He said former governor Amaechi was personally spotted at a Hotel in Port Harcourt supervising the activities.
Against repeatedly voiced fears, the State’s Water Resources Commissioner, Walter Ibibia was abducted by gunmen allegedly wearing military uniforms.
The same, using Military gun boat, allegedly hijacked election materials meant for the Commissioner’s Isaka/Ogbogbo, fishing villages Ward in Okrika, and returned later to submit fake results.
In Khana, Rivers Environment Commissioner, Roseline Konya was allegedly manhandled by soldiers in public glare, while the State’s Secretary to Government (SSG), Kenneth Kobani was not only allegedly beaten, he was also arrested by soldiers.
Reports said, the SSG was chained to a chair all through Saturday night without his drugs.
The story was not different in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni where the PDP also alleged that their leaders were thoroughly manhandled by armed men in Military uniforms, their only offence being members of the opposition PDP. These are only part of a short list of tales of anguish endured by the opposition politicians.
Information Commissioner, Dr Tam-George has called on the authorities to call the soldiers to order and release the SSG, just as the House of Representatives candidate, representing Port Harcourt raised the alarm that Ward Collation Officers were nowhere to be found after the end of polling, leaving returning officers to wait endlessly at the Port Harcourt Township School, venue for the Ward Collation.
Even most bizarre is the fact that the APC in each local government area, assigned a Military Major to act on Party members’ complaints once called on a specific GSM Number. These numbers were sent to APC members in charge of election duty through texts, with which the day’s business plan was executed.
Such was the shame that the Rivers rerun became. A rerun that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) assured the Nigerian nation would be free, fair and credible. A rerun which the nation’s security institutions assured would reflect the wish of the people. And for which additional 6,000 Police men and women were deployed to join 5,000 already on ground and another 2,000 members of the Civil Defence Corp.
Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elder Ikiowak Aniedi repeatedly assured the state electorate and indeed the parties that he would be impartial as would INEC. He warned that any staff engaged by the Commission that betrays its trust would be sanctioned. Infact, two days to the rerun on Thursday last week, the State REC assured that relevant electoral materials had been received, and that they would get to every polling unit before 8am Saturday, when both accreditation and voting would start.
But on that day, the opposite was true in most areas, even within Port Harcourt, not to talk of those LGAs close to the city.
Regrettably also, after voting in the various units when, collation should start at the Ward Collation Centres and then the LGAs, collation officers were nowhere to be found. Some canvassed that they might have been abducted to produce fake results different from those gathered at the various polling units and to later impose same on the Senatorial District Collation Officers, by force of arms or subtle intimidation.
Such was the doubt cast on some results of the rerun. Another is the cancellation of elections from six LGAs by INEC on account of alleged irregularities including insecurity.
But what was the essence of the heavy security presence in the state?
To prevent crime, criminality and disruption of polls or to tame opposition politicians to the party at the centre? If the earlier was the need, nothing would have gone wrong with the large number of security men, patriotic, professional, purposeful, proactive and principled.
But if the latter was the mandate then they indeed succeeded because the tales of brutality confirm the success of the mission. But what a shame?
Former President Goodluck Jonathan must be heartbroken, that the attempt he made to deepen democracy, by accepting defeat, when other incumbents wouldn’t was for nothing. Those who blamed him for taking that nationalistic step also have enough grounds to say it was not worth the sacrifice. If democracy is what the Rivers rerun of Saturday represents, then, it was not worth the sacrifice of a serving President’s ambition.
This is why the world looks up to President Muhammadu Buhari to contribute his best towards ensuring that democracy thrives. He must not forget his very first remark that truly endeared him to many Nigerians.
“I belong to no one and belong to all”. The President’s seeming indifference to complaints leading to and arising from the rerun contradicts that noble proclamation.
As President, Buhari must see himself as father of the nation and no longer a party leader. He must defend democracy, even if it’s the only thing he achieves in the end.
My Agony is that once again the people’s will may be subverted in the end, if the right steps are not taken. But there always is a moment of reckoning.
Front Pix
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.