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Why PDP Must Win Edo – Wike …Tasks NUJ On Objectivity, Truth
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has challenged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State to be united and committed to winning the governorship elections in September.
He gave the charge to officers of the South-South Zone’s Executive Committee of the party, who paid him a courtesy visit on Monday in Government House, Port Harcourt.
Wike remarked that,”PDP in the South-South cannot be complete until we take over Edo State. Therefore, I urge Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free and fair elections in Edo State and every other state where we have elections.
“I thank the party in Edo State for doing quite well in their campaigns. As an opposition party, they have promoted the party’s chances through committed campaigns”, he said.
Wike declared that there was no court order stopping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), National Convention scheduled for August 17, 2016 in Port Harcourt.
The governor said that the National Convention will hold as scheduled because the court was yet to hear the suit filed by sacked Senator Ali Modu Sheriff challenging the holding of the national convention.
Wike added, “the court could not have sacked Senator Ahmed Makarfi because it cannot sit on appeal in the judgment of a court of coordinate jurisdiction.”
He added that there was an application to allow Makarfi to be joined as a party in the suit, adding that the suit was adjourned to August 15.
According to him, the suit challenging the conduct of the National Convention was yet to be entertained by the court.
On the forthcoming National Convention, he stated that the leaders of the PDP in the Southern geo-political zones will meet on Thursday to determine the zoning of positions.
The governor further said that the PDP will emerge stronger from the current challenges as Nigerians are waiting for the party to provide leadership.
In his remarks, the National Vice Chairman of PDP (South-South), Bro Emma Ogidi, commended Wike for using the people’s mandate to transform Rivers State.
He said the governor was a complete party man who has helped in rebuilding the party through his engagements with stakeholders across the country.
The South-South Executive Committee of the PDP also conferred an award of excellence on Wike.
Meanwhile, journalists under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have been tasked to be objective and avoid reporting stories that will destroy the image of Rivers State or scare away investors.
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, gave the charge when he played host to the Rivers State Council of the NUJ in Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday.
The Rivers State chief executive remarked that as watchdogs of the society, journalists need to be non-partisan and factual in their reports.
He frowned at a situation where newsmen will report events based on political leanings at the expense of overriding public interest.
Even when reporting events, the governor cautioned against sensational reports, adding, “this state belongs to all of us whether you come from Rivers State or not; so, whatever affects one, affects the all of us.”
Reminding them that crime was not peculiar to Rivers State but a worldwide phenomenon, the governor said, “you must report clearly what is happening in Rivers State; our emergence is an act of God.”
Wike described journalists as partners in instituting good governance, and assured that his administration was ready to work with the NUJ in enlightening and educating the citizenry about the administration’s policies and programmes, at least, every quarter.
Earlier, the state Chairman of the NUJ, Mr. Omoni Ayo-Tamuno commended the development strides of his administration in the past one year.
Ayo-Tamuno observed that the recent biometrics and audit of state civil servants has displayed the transparency with which Wike has run the government, and called on government to ensure that those staffers indicted of defrauding the state government are prosecuted.
He described the NUJ as a vehicle for enhancing good governance, as he called for improved relationship between the union and government to promote programmes and policies of the administration.
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.