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Beyond Political, Spiritual Predictions …Donald Trump To Lead The Free World
Under-estimated from day one, berated and scorned by some, not many saw him coming or even gave him a chance. But bad-mouthing billionaire businessman, Donald Trump is today President-elect of the most powerful nation on earth, the United States of America (USA).
From the primaries, in the Republican party, to the campaigns for the Presidential elections, he was controversial, his political rhetorics, divisive and unspoken word racist. He berated leading lights of his own Grand Od Party (GOP), vilified former US President George Bush over Iraq, mocked frontline republican rivals Michael Rubio, as little Rubio and Ted Cruise, lying ruise.
His campaign style was benile and polarising. He threatened to deport over 11 million undocumented immigrants, restrict Muslim’s influx into the country, build a wall to restrain Mexicans, who he described as rapists and criminals, mocked a physically challenged reporter, denigrated another female journalist and vowed to replace the status in Washington, the seat of US Political Power.
At some point, the choices left for the Republican Party were to replace Trump or distance itself from him. Infact, many top Republicans openly voiced their disapproval of his candidacy and promised to vote for his Democratic Party rival, former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.
So when, towards the last three weeks of the campaign, a leud tape went virile, one that saw Trump boasting about his approach to and passion for a class of women, most GOP members thought it was the height of it. Here was a man facing protests among women for describing some of their ilk as pigs, one who described living conditions of African Americans as awful, one who questioned the nationhood of the first Black President, Barack Obama and indeed one caught boasting about his escapades with women, in his own words on tape.
To make matters worse, after Trump had in defence described his vulgar comments as locker-room talk and denying during one of the debates of doing any of those things he boasted about, more than 12 women surfaced with claims that he had sexually harassed them. One even produced a photograph of herself and Trump, all of which, he denied ever meeting, calling them ‘attention seekers’.
Even in the midst of his controversies, his condemnation of nearly all known democratic structures did not abate. Trump said the Amercian press was rigged and so was the political process. Infact, Trump said the political system was rigged against him and threatened not to accept the eventual outcome unless he won.
To describe Trump as a controversial candidate would be an understatement, he was not a conventional politician who spoke guidedly, mindful that what he said would impact on his ambition. Instead, the more foul language, the more electoral missteps, the more polarising campaign, the more accepting Trump became to an equally little-seen voting force.
In poll after poll, Trump trailed Clinton first by double digits and later by a narrow single digit when Clinton’s long dragging E-mail scandal was dramatically re-opened by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Trump’s closest to his opponent in average of all polls was two percentage points and again rose to three, after the FBI finally cleared Clinton. Yet Trump remained on point, insisting amidst jeers that he would win unless the process was rigged against him.
Before the elections proper, the Cable News Network (CNN) pre-poll projections, gave Clinton 268 electoral votes as against trump’s 204, meaning Trump needed to win as many as six states to hit the 270 magic number needed to win the elections, yet Trump soldiered on.
Rather than be discouraged, Trump stretched his campaigns to hardcore traditionally Democratic Party-controlled states like Minessota, Wisconson, and Virginia, all states won by Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012. He also stormed Pennsylvania after making strong showing in Ohio and Iowa.
Trump’s never-say-die disposition to the campaigns forced out the DNC political machine led by President Obama, accompanied by Senator Bonnie Sanders, Vice President Biden, First Lady Michele Obama, Former President Bill Clinton and daughter, Chelsea and indeed all notable Democrats. To stop Trump, the Clinton Campaign revisited Blue states earlier visited by the opponent and even had to go to Colorado, North Carohna and Pennsylvania thrice.
In the end, it was Trump that emerged winner, even after Nigeria’s TV evangelist, Prophet T.B. Joshua had predicted a Clinton victory. It was a victory that was largely unforeseen and even prayed against by many American allies whose relationship with the US he had threatened to review.
Trump had threatened to annul the Iranian deal, force nations enjoying US protection to pay for it and approach all treaties with the eyes of a businessman and above all exit the Paris Climate Change Protocol, to save the US coal industry. Infact, he warned that the days when America played father Christmas and global Policeman without proper reward were over. To make ‘America Great Again’, Trump promised to re-negotiate all existing trade deals and return American jobs, chlipped to China and elsewhere back to Americans.
The question was what went right rather than wrong with Trump?. Paul Ryan, Chairman of the US-Congress, a top Republican who once distanced himself from the Trump campaigns explained: When others were listening to the familiar, Trump heard the voices of many Americans, most didn’t hear – the voices of Americans who wanted a clean-break with the way Washington did its business.
It was a protest by the middle class American, working class crop battling with high health insurance premiums and static wage and Americans tired of the political status quo. Trump heard the voices of those Americans, in the loudest pitch possible, with roaring calls for change, which Democrats and even Republicans did not hear. Not even President Obama, with his high approval rating.
Infact, Obama repeatedly told Americans that Trump lacked the temperament to serve as Commander-in-Chief and with his divisive and exclusionist rhetorics, was unfit to be President. He then advised Americans to reject Trump.
But as it is, Obama must eat his words and has. He must ensure a smooth transition like that he enjoyed from the Bush Presidency and has started and must help heal the wounds of the disappointed and morally wounded and has through public speeches after the results.
Such was the unpredictability of the 2016 American elections. It was a displacement of the status quo, not only in Washington, but indeed the whole of the all powerful American media which predicted a Clinton victory to the angst of Trump.
Nearly all the powerful newspapers endorsed Clinton with only one endorsing Trump. All but one poll chose Clinton as preferred winner but in the end it was Trump and not Clinton that made it to the finishing line first, putting to question the time-tested electoral polling system of the US media.
What went wrong with the US media? Trump supporters insisted the media was biased against their candidate and so was deliberately peddling anti-Trump falsehood, including questionable poll results to sway voters. They repeatedly questioned the authenticity of the polls, saying they were unbelievable but who dared challenge the US media and succeed, not with the first amendment which makes free speech a number one right.
That is why it’s difficult to blame pundits who went along with the American media to predict a Clinton victory must be forgiven. Trump fooled all.
My Agony is that the social media has been making a mince meat of the vocal Prophet T.B. Joshua for predicting a Clinton victory, which never was. Some even questioned the ‘god’ who revealed that false prophecy to him.
Truth is T.B. Joshua predicated that Clinton would win and she did. She won the popular votes. Only, Trump too won. He won the all-important electoral college votes. However, of both winners, T.B. Joshua’s and Trump, it is the latter that is the 45th President-elect of the United States of America. Full-stop.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
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We’re Working To Improve Quality Of Life Of Rivers People -Fubara …As Taraba Gov Inaugurates 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja Roads Project
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the Okania-Ogbogoro Road junction, venue of the inauguration of the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja (and Mgbuoba) Roads project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday.
The road cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction, and was inaugurated by the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
Governor Fubara said that during the campaigns, he saw the roads in terrible condition, made a promise to fix them, and noted that that promise has been kept.
He emphasised that his administration will never be reckoned with abandoning of projects that it started, which is why he is particularly excited that the road has been fixed to ease the inconveniences suffered by the people.
The Governor said, “What we are doing here today is very simple: Promise made, promise fulfilled. I told you that whatever we are going to start, we are not going to leave it halfway. So, we have come here this afternoon to fulfill that promise.
“I am so excited, and I am so happy. I am leaving here with so much joy that we have done something that has so much impact, and importance in the lives of our people. So, I feel very fulfilled. Government is about the people. Government is knowing, understanding and seeing what you can do to make life easy for your people.
“We understand the situation of this road. Fortunately, I have a few friends who also live around here. So, there is nothing you will say that I don’t know. As a government, we will continue to do those things we know will make life easy for you.”
The Governor thanked members of the communities in the area for their support to his administration, and also for cooperating with the contractor to ensure completion of the project.
He assured the people that their request for the rehabilitation of the Community Secondary School and Health Centre, will be looked at and addressed immediately, saying, “Our government is a government that takes the interest of our people very seriously.
“There is no government without the people. It is only the people that keep the government going. So, what we will continue to do is to make sure that the problems and interest of our people are top on our list,” he assured.
Performing the inauguration, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, said roads are not just physical infrastructure but represent a commitment to facilitate ease of transportation, boost local commercial activities and improve quality of lives for the people of Rivers State.
Dr Kefas noted that Governor Fubara has provided the people good roads, and like other good roads, it will serve as an artery of development, further connecting communities, enhancing access to essential services while unlocking economic potentials.
He said, “By completing this project, Your Excellency has, once again, demonstrated the transformative impact of visionary leadership. When I was coming in with the Governor on a ride, I saw the joy, the happiness of the voiceless people who were abandoned and neglected in this area, coming out to wave and welcome us.
“It wasn’t a hired crowd. Everybody, those who couldn’t make it to this place, in front of their homes, they were waving at us, and I was telling the Governor: this is all about good governance. He listened to the people, and solved their problems. So, it shows that he is doing the right thing, and I want to thank you, my brother, for what you are doing for the good people, especially the poor people even in difficult times.”
Governor Kefas further said: “As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration and shared vision among us as Governors. Together, we can inspire our people, improve their lives, and create lasting legacies in our respective states.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, recalled that when it was flagged-off in May, 2024, the project was for a 5km stretch but was extended in October, to include Mgbaraja axis, increasing the length to 6.55km, explaining that the 10.3 meter wide, and 5km of drains road, has now linked Apara Kingdom to Nkpor Kingdom.
In his address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, described the road as a very significant route that was abandoned for years until Governor Fubara intervened and fixed it, promising that Obio/Akpor people will not take the gestures of the State Government under Governor Fubara for granted.
Speaking on behalf of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the firm that handled the project, Eric Shen, said they are happy to be part of the infrastructure development strides of Governor Fubara, stating that though the rains posed significant challenge, they have delivered quality road network to serve the connectivity needs of the people.
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We’ll Implement Judicial Commission’s Report On Arson, Killings -Fubara …Says Such Violence Must Stop In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of implementing the recommendations of the report submitted to him by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Arson, Killings, and Wanton Destruction of Property at some local government council headquarters on or around Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance when the seven-member commission, led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, submitted four volumes of reports of their investigation and recommendations to him at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor declared that his administration will neither tolerate nor allow such level of violence in the State anymore because it is not profitable or productive.
He said, “We are not going to be part of any system that would encourage any destruction in this State. And for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote and immediate causes of this problem.
“And I believe that the recommendations of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.”
Governor Fubara said: “We are going to take it to the next stage. The report will be presented to the Executive Council, and there, we will surely come out with the White Paper and with the White Paper. I can assure you, we are going to follow it to the end.
“Nobody is above the law, including me. So, provided what we are doing is within the confines of the law, we will do it with the help of every one.”
Governor Fubara recalled how, before 2014, a group of persons had ran wide recklessly in the State, burning down court buildings.
He noted that it is such persons, who had recently surfaced with their destructive tendencies, and have extended the violence to local government councils, killing people and destroying government property.
Governor Fubara wondered why somebody will spend so much money to build a structure intended to last as legacy of the administration but would eventually be part of its destruction in the name of politics.
Governor Fubara clarified that he has never been part of such destructive politics that continue to set the State backwards and frustrate progressive development strides.
Governor Fubara said: “I make bold to say it, I have never been and will never be a party to anything that will bring shame, disgrace, destruction to our dear State.
“It is our State. If it is well with us, it will be well with everybody. As a matter of fact, why should I encourage destruction, when I know that when you finish spoiling things, you still need money to rebuild them.
“I am an accountant, I know the importance of how we can manage money. Rather than spoil, you should use that money to do a new thing for the State.”
Governor Fubara vowed: “So, I am going to ensure that we put a stop to that level of violence or such unreasonable violence. I call it unreasonable violence because it doesn’t mean anything in politics.
“Politics is a business of interest. There is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. Some persons who were not even in our support, today, they are here following us because their interest is the most important thing.
“Likewise tomorrow, if the interest changes, they will also go their different ways. So, why burn down the house?”
Governor Fubara thanked members of the commission for being bold, focused, and accomplishing their task with determination in the face of physical and legal threats.
In her presentation, Chairman of the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, said they had put their findings into four volumes, including the recommendations.
Justice Minakiri explained: “We have here four volumes of the report. We have the memoranda, which is the memoranda we got after we made our publications.
“We also have the exhibits that came with the memoranda. We have the proceedings and the records. At the end of the day, we came up with the main report.”
Justice Minakiri advised that the recommendations of the report should be studied and implemented so that people can be deterred from such callous acts and the sought-after peace secured for the State.
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We Are Eager To Showcase The Best Of Rivers State -Fubara …Declares Federation Of Public Service Games Open
The Rivers State Government says it is committed to providing a memorable experience for all delegates participating in the Federation of Public Service Games(FEPSGA) hosted by the State Government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the opening Ceremony of the 43rd Edition, Public Service Games, titled ”Simplified Rivers 2024″, at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara said “Our hospitality is renowned and we are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment, we have everything in place to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.”
Governor Fubara said to ensure the success of the games his Administration has put in place comprehensive plans and preparations with four venues approved for the events which include the Sharks Stadium, Alfred Diette -Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt Club and the University of Port Harcourt.
The State Chief Executive urged participants to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals, stressing that it is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity.
According to him, we envision a public service that is more productive, more efficient and more effective, a future where public servants are empowered to deliver exceptional results driven by a culture of excellence, innovation and teamwork.
The Governor reiterated that while a healthy mind and body are essential for high productivity, regular physical activity boosts our mood, increases energy levels and enhances our cognitive function. We are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment.
In her address Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who spoke through Dr.(Mrs) Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Interior Commended Governor Fubara for hosting this year’s event, and for his dedication to promoting sports and fostering unity in the country.
She noted that the event which serves as a platform for furthering unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship amongst public servants, was a celebration of their shared commitment to excellence, resilience and service to the nation.
Also speaking the National President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Comrade Amaebi Aloku, said Rivers State got the nod to host the annual event because the Federation was pleased with the vision of Governor Fubara in identifying with the needs of the Civil Servants in the State, in terms of their welfare and being one of the first State to implement the new minimum wage and even taking it above what was approved by the national.
Earlier the Head of Service Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke had welcomed all participants to the State and expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving and making available the resources to host the games, noting that it was an opportunity to interact with all Civil Servants across the nation.
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