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Why We Embraced Peace – Wike …Decries Ploy To Short-Change Rivers In NASS …Reverse Self, IPAC Tells INEC
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has explained that the need to ensure peace and violence-free elections was behind his agreement to attend and sign a peace pact with erstwhile Governor Chibuike Amaechi on Tuesday in Abuja.
The governor told a huge crowd of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faithful at Degema Town, in Degema Local Government Area on Wednesday during the Rivers West Senatorial re-run rally, that the meeting was convened by the Director, Department of State Security Services and Inspector-General of Police, promising to implement and abide by the agreement.
“The state government will sincerely implement the resolutions of the peace meeting brokered by the police and the Department of State Security Services for the peaceful conduct of rerun elections in the state,” he assured.
Wike emphasised that his commitment to peace and the need to make sacrifices for the development of the state was paramount, stressing that government will provide logistics to both Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for the peaceful and smooth conduct of the elections.
He said: “I was at the peace meeting because we love peace and want the state to move forward. I signed an undertaking on your behalf that we are prepared for INEC to conduct credible, free and fair elections.
“It is not in our position to generate crisis because we are the ones losing”, Wike further explained, adding that those who want the state to burn will be disappointed.
Wike expressed sadness that some politicians were celebrating that the elections were postponed, saying that his commitment to ensure that Rivers State have representatives at the National Assembly was because the people of the state have been shut out on the deliberations on the 2016 budget and the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), among other important legislations.
He called on members of PDP to remain vigilant and continue to woo new members, while waiting for a fresh date for the rerun elections.
According to Wike, “Nigerians know, the world knows that Rivers State is PDP. So shall it be forever.”
He pledged to ensure that development gets to all local government areas of the state, stressing that with the successes achieved in just one year, the remaining three years will witness more development.
Earlier, Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo had said that the massive turnout of the people was an indication that the people will always vote PDP candidates.
The Rivers West Senatorial District PDP candidate, Senator Osinakachukwu Ideozu, said that the reason given by INEC for the postponement of the rerun elections was not tenable as the state was peaceful.
Also speaking, the former Acting National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, decried the frequency of inconclusive elections under the leadership of the APC.
It would be recalled that on Tuesday, INEC postponed the scheduled July 30th, 2016 rerun elections following the request by the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC).
Despite the postponement, thousands of PDP members still attended the rally in Degema.
The Tide investigation shows that the former Governor, Chibuike Amaechi and APC gubernatorial candidate in the state, Dr Dakuku Peterside led other APC leaders in the state to meet with Governor Nyesom Wike at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, at the instance of the DSS Director General and the IGP.
A statement made available by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Donald Awunah, said: “In order to guarantee a violence-free and credible re-run into the Senatorial/House of Representatives elections in Rivers State, a crucial meeting to chart the path to peace in Rivers State before, during and after the re-run elections was held between the Inspector-General of Police, Ag.IGP Ibrahim K. Idris and the Director-General of Department of State Services, Musa Daura.
The statement added that the two major players in the politics of Rivers State, Amaechi and Wike were in attendance.
The meeting, according to the statement, deliberated on the need to have peaceful, free and fair elections devoid of violence, which was the hallmark of the previous elections in the state.
It added that both Wike and Amaechi had resolved to be irrevocably committed to lasting peace and vouched to play the game by the rules in the forthcoming re-run elections in the state.
They also agreed to prevail on their teaming supporters to adhere strictly to their commitments to peace and security of the state, the statement added.
Meanwhile, Irked by the suspension of the July 30 re-run elections in Rivers State, the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC) says the postponement is unacceptable, and urged the electoral umpire to do the needful by going on with the planned re-run elections in the state.
Rivers IPAC, in a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Wednesday, said unequivocally that the Independent national Electoral Commission (INEC) should reverse itself and go ahead to conduct the elections it had so much promised and announced its readiness to do so.
At the press briefing, the Chairman of Rivers IPAC, Bro Felix Obuah, flanked by Chairmen of 28 other political parties in the State, accused the INEC of arbitrarily suspending the re-run elections without consulting the concerned political parties and intimating them on why the elections should not go on as planned.
Obuah, who is the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in the State, noted that the undue suspension of the re-run elections “clearly shows that Nigeria’s democracy is on trial by the electoral body that ought to be an unbiased umpire”.
He remarked that Rivers State has been relatively peaceful with the residents carrying on with their businesses across the state lawfully as compared to other States where elections and re-run elections have been conducted by INEC.
While maintaining that security concerns are not peculiar to Rivers State but a national and universal phenomenon, the Rivers IPAC boss stated that “to anchor on or hide under security concerns to postpone elections Long prepared for, for almost a year now is to say the least a blatant lie and deception”.
Accordingly, Rivers IPAC condemns INEC’s unilateral suspension of the July 30 re-run elections in the State, adding that 30 out of 31 political parties are ready and most prepared for the elections having worked hard to prove to the people that they remain the best choice to pilot the affairs of the state.
Sam Ovu-Eleonu/Kevin Nengia/Josephine Atagana
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.