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Rerun’ll Shame Rivers Enemies …Condemns Judiciary’s Intimidation For Political Gains – Wike
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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Arson: Those Behind It’ll Account For Atrocities -Fubara …Swears In Bipi, Three Others As Commissioners
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the State.
The Governor, therefore, assured that, working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to unravel those behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme Local Government areas, with a view to making them account for their atrocities.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while swearing in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt yestersday.
Those sworn in are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
Governor Fubara recalled mentioning when he sworn-in newly elected Local Government Councils’ Chairmen on 6th October, 2024, that there was intelligence on planned mayhem by misguided persons, who had threatened to prevent the elected officers from resuming duties.
True to it, Governor Fubara said, the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans, and burnt valued buildings at some council secretariats.
He said, “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers State.
“We want to also let the people know that what has happened (arson) after the election, we are not going to allow it to go uninvestigated.
“A similar event had happened in this manner before, and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted in order to turn the story around.
“But this time around, I strongly believe, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), we will unravel those behind the assault and make sure that they account for their atrocities.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the show of patience and calmness by majority of Rivers people despite the fact that they are angry with the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
The Governor said he has continued to show leadership, provided the climate that has engendered productive endeavours, and will not mislead those he is leading.
“As your leader; the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas.
“But, I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers, if we meet them force-for-force. We need to go with peace.
“So, I will encourage everyone of you not to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands. So, we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
Governor Fubara reiterated what he said the previous day on what should matter most for Rivers State, which is a firm support to ensure that the progress of Nigeria is sustained.
He said, if oil theft is not checked, the country’s economy will be badly impacted, and there will not be funds to address critical issues.
“We are in a situation where the fund that is being generated from oil production is not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure that there is increase in production.
“Our focus here, not minding the distractions, will be how to provide support. You have to work with us to make sure that we curb this issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.
“This is the only way that the allowances (revenue) will increase and more will also come to our State, and more progress will also be achieved in this State.”
Governor Fubara explained that his administration is doing a lot for the good people of the State, that are not being seen because of the political drama that takes their attention away.
He, however, said that his administration is working out modalities, and will soon choose a day, which could probably be before the end of October, 2024, to showcase a few projects and services that have positively impacted lives in the State.
Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He explained that more persons whose loyalty are for Rivers people and the administration needed to be admitted into the Rivers State Executive Council to help drive the policy of government because they will not resign their appointment.
Governor Fubara said: “We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding into the Council, so that we will not wake up one morning and see resignation letter. So, we are taking our time.
“And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balancing. So, I can also say that the new Commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to also balance the political equation.”
Governor Fubara charged them to be dedicated, forthright, diligent and productive while rendering quality services to the State.
The Governor said he believed in their capacity to deliver because of their exposure to the workings of government, and expressed the hope that they will contribute positively to the success of the administration.
He said, “So, let me thank everyone of you. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support, and to assure them that we will continue to defend, protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank everyone of you for your support, more especially before, during and after the elections. I appreciate your doggedness, your belief in our course to salvage this State, to protect the integrity of this State,” he added.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has sought media support to fast-track the implementation of the ongoing reforms in the civil service sector.
Walson-Jack made the request during a cocktail organised by her office for media executives from different organisations in Abuja.
The event, according to her, aimed at interacting with the media men one-on-one, appreciate them and implore them to continue to strengthen the bond with the office.
“I want to start by thanking each and everyone of you for honouring this invitation. I want to say that we purposely designed this grail cocktail so that we can have one-on-one interactions.
“Let me also go ahead to thank you for all the supports you have given to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) in the years past I know that the Fourth Estate of the realm has always supported this office.
“I will also go ahead to thank you for your support, especially at my announcement as the HoCSF and that support has continued, up till date.
“We, therefore, thought it fit that we should organise this event just to interact with you to strengthen the bond that this office has with the media, “ she said.
The HoCSF recalled that her office had continued with programmes she met on ground upon assumption of office, especially the ongoing reforms on Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025).
She, therefore, appealed to the media for continuous reportage on the initiative, so as to give it the necessary publicity for proper dissemination to the citizens.
“You will recall that the office has the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025) and that is the plan that we are still driving.
“We want to request that you collaborate more with us, we are asking that the friendship, the partnership go beyond what it is now to ensure that the reforms which this office is driving get the full publicity it requires,” she said.
Walson-Jack used the medium to announce the preparation to re-introduce the civil service national anthem officially for the entire civil servants to recite at every national programme.
“The anthem has been re-introduced to drive the reforms and it’s expected that the anthem will be sung by all federal civil/public servants and indeed Nigerians.
“And it will be an anthem that will encourage every public servants to be efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, “ she added.
Participants at the event congratulated Mrs Walson-Jack for her uplifting to the position of the HoCSF and pledged to continue in the relationship.
In a response, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged the agency’s readiness to give the HoCSF the needed support.
According to him, supporting government policies has always been NAN’ priority as government’s owned media organisation.
“You can take it for granted that we are going to give the Office total support. It is part of our own mandates to support Federal Government policies, so we are going to do that fully for the head of service.
“As she said, she has her policies which are in tandem with the federal government policies, she is asking for the support in implementation of the Federal Government policies.
“She has very lofty ideas, she has lofty things that she believes that we should do. Our job is to make sure that whatever government wants to do, we have to support such policies, “ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Halima Musa, Director News, NTA, assured her office’s partnership with the Head of service towards ensuring communicating the needed values on excellence, incorruptibility and new culture of efficiency to the public.
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LG Polls: Rogue Policemen Break RSIEC Gate, Strong Room To Steal Electoral Materials …Fubara Foils Attempt To Cart Away Materials
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has foiled an attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at 1am on Friday, 4th October, 2024.
The rogue policemen were said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the Commission to cart away sensitive Electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.
The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.
However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.
The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility.
Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara condemned the conduct of the policemen on illegal duty, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.
He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.
He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.
At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogur policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday.
