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Rerun’ll Shame Rivers Enemies …Condemns Judiciary’s Intimidation For Political Gains – Wike

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Rivers State Governor , Chief Nyesom  Wike, has stated that the  enemies of the state will be disappointed  after the rerun elections on December 10, 2016 , despite their negative  plots against  the  state.

Speaking during the  2016 Super Sunday Service of the Christ Apostolic Church at Emohua, Governor Wike  noted that the enemies  of  Rivers State are working  hard to stoke violence in areas where the rerun elections will hold .

He said: “I have to come to formally report to God that the enemies of the state are back. The way they were humiliated in 2015 and March 19, 2016 is the way they would be humiliated  on December 10, 2016.

“Pray for peace in the forthcoming rerun  elections in the state .”

The governor  said  that the resources  of  Rivers State  will always be used for the good of Rivers people.

“Never again  will Rivers resources be used to sponsor national politics. We will not take our money to play  national politics”, he said.

Governor Wike added: “Rivers is a Christian State and we owe nobody an apology for that. I want to reiterate our commitment  to setting up  a special intervention  fund for churches to take care of their members  who are in need.

“At present, church  leaders  are fine tuning the details  for this special fund, which we believe will further unite the church.”

The governor  said  that State Ecumenical Centre  will be  ready for the State’s  50th Anniversary by next year, while the Government House Chapel will be  dedicated  by December, 2016.

In his address, Chairman of the Port Harcourt Conference of the Christ Apostolic Church, Pastor GC Onuigbo urged the governor to sustain his development  programmes. He also called on the governor  to carry all the people of the state  along irrespective of their political affiliation.

Guest Preacher, Pastor Ayo Ezekiel described Governor Wike  as a man of destiny who has been positioned by God to rebuild  Rivers State.

Highpoints  of the Super Sunday Service were the special prayers for Governor Wike, Rivers State and Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that any attempt to humiliate, muzzle and weaken the nation’s judiciary under any guise, for manifestly political purposes, cannot be healthy for the stability and progress of the nation’s democracy.

In his address at the opening of the Rivers State Judiciary 2016/2017 Legal Year at the State High Court in Port Harcourt last Friday, Wike said the attacks on the judiciary: “Stands to be condemned by all those who can see the danger in such brazen actions by state agencies that are subject to our laws.

“What is even more disturbing is the double standard and lack of courage exhibited in the matter by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) when there was nothing new in the facts to warrant such a dangerous volte-face and pitiable submission to extraneous pressures.”

The governor said that the judiciary must be independent and effective to enforce the universal application of the rule of law.

According to him, the absence of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary is a recipe for anarchy.

He said: “It serves no useful purpose to be desperate or hysterical with the fight against corruption. Thus, it remains unacceptable when unorthodox mechanisms not warranted by law are applied in the so-called fight against corruption.

“For some of us, the provocative invasion of the residences and subsequent arrest and detention of serving judges and justices of the Supreme Court in the dead of the night cannot by any stretch of imagination be justified as appropriate in a decent society.

“Granted that judges are not above the law, but at the same time, they do not deserve to be assaulted, stripped of their dignity and treated like common criminals on mere suspicion and unproven allegations of misfeasance.”

Speaking further, Wike faulted the anti-corruption war of the Federal Government, saying, “The fight against corruption in the country undermines development. It serves no useful purpose”.

He flayed the Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC) and Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on their decision supporting the stepping down of the embattled judges arrested by operatives of Department of State Security (DSS) on alleged corrupt practices.

Wike lamented that, if the two revered legal bodies knew the implications of their decision, the NJC and NBA would have thought twice.

The governor said it was unfortunate and dangerous because lawyers had played into the hands of politicians, which would later be used against the former.

The governor also took time to berate the police and the INEC for aiding the Rivers APC to rig the forthcoming Rivers rerun elections through the printing of fake election result sheets.

He said: “Even now, INEC is doing nothing to convince the world that the outstanding elections they have suddenly and reluctantly fixed for 10th December, 2016 will be free, fair and credible.

“Rather, they have already started the sabotaging process by giving out the security codes of result sheets to agents of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to enable them have replicas of INEC’s result sheets with which to easily rig the elections.”

Former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Chief Onueze Okocha, decried the extreme poor treatment of judicial officers as if they are common criminals.

He said though corruption should be condemned, the government must realise that the failure to obey the rule of law, lack of respect for the separation of powers and the rule of law constitute corruption.

He said: “The NBA, with due respect to our esteemed president and some other leading lights in the association, has appeared to be rather vacillating on this matter and the issues now thrown up”.

Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) said the country was living in perilous times when justice has been forced to be selective with the independence of the judiciary on shaky grounds.

He regretted that the security agencies now manufacture evidence against judges for the purpose of intimidation.

In her address, Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Inyie Iyayi-Lamikanra, commended Wike for enthroning financial autonomy at the state.

Earlier, the Rivers State Judiciary held a re-dedication church service to mark the beginning of the 2016/2016 legal year at the Saint Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Port Harcourt.

In her speech, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra, had thanked the governor for his commitment in repositioning the judicial system in the state.

Iyayi-Lamikanra said there has been regular release of funds to the judiciary by the state government even without request, adding that the governor had rescued the judiciary workers from the current economic recession.

She disclosed that the judiciary had remitted N367, 000,000 to the state account in the last legal year.

The state chief judge further confirmed the approval of two judges by the National Judicial Council, adding that they would be sworn-in, Monday.

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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

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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

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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

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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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