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Etche/Omuma Rerun: PDP Sweeps Polls …Rivers People ’ll Continue To Resist Rigging – Wike …PDP Hails Eke, Ejiogu

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winner of the Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency rerun supplementary elections.
The INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof. Olushola Omotao, who declared the result at its headquarters in Port Harcourt said the PDP candidate, Chief Jerome Eke polled 15,221 votes to defeat his APC counterpart, Ogbonna Nwuke who got a paltry 6,220 votes.
For the Etche State Constituency 2, the Returning Officer, Oluwatosin Odusonya announced that the PDP candidate, Tonye Ejiogu polled 4,162 votes to beat his APC counterpart who polled 1,618 votes.
INEC’s decision to announce the results at its Port Harcourt office rather than in Okehi, The Tide reliably gathered, followed tension said to have been built up and the need to clarify some legal issues which arose as a result of cancelled areas.
The election is the conclusion of the 2015 general elections to fill up Etche, State constituency 11 and Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency seats.
Until last Saturday, elections into the legislative seats were postponed indefinitely following the violence that characterised the 2015 polls in the area.
The supplementary election was generally peaceful but apathetic as the electorate, most of whom are farmers had gone to the farm, as farming appears to be the common occupation of the area.
The defeated candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke and the lawmaker representing Etche State Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Iroanya Opuru, had both expressed joy at the peaceful and non-violent atmosphere in the area, just as the PDP House of Representatives candidate, Chief Jerome Eke refused to speak to journalists when contacted in Ndashi, his community, saying, “I am tensed up”.
However, at Obite Ward 10, Unit 3, an attempt by some hoodlums to snatch a bag containing electoral materials from INEC officials was resisted by men of the Nigerian police.
An electoral official who refused to disclose her name, said that the election was peaceful in the unit until “some thugs rushed and we quickly packed all the materials in a bag, just as the votes were about to be counted”.
“But they struggled the bag with us and took it away. Fortunately, the Police intervened and rescued  the bag from them, gave it back to us and escorted us to INEC office in the area,” she further stated.
Meanwhile, soldiers from  6 Division, Nigerian Army on Operation SAFE CONDUCT II  and combined security agencies deployed to monitor the supplementary and conclusion of State and National Assembly elections in Etche and Omuma Federal Constituency arrested about 58 youths suspected to be political thugs.
The suspects were arrested at Ulakwo Ward 13 in Etche Local Government Area in Rivers State.
The Tide gathered that the troops over-powered and arrested the youths said to have allegedly invaded the local government area while the rerun election was on going.
It was also gathered that the Publicity Secretary of the  PDP in Rivers State and  former Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Ikwerre Local Government Council,Mr Samuel Nwanosike, former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Akuku Toru, Roland Sekibo, Odiari Princewill and an unidentified PDP member were arrested.
The suspects who were said to have been arrested from different units of the wards are still being held by the men of the Nigerian Army and the police, as at the time of this report.
This development came even when Etche and in particular the Ulakwo residence of  PDP chieftain, Prince Emma Anyanwu were highly militarised and barricaded; an unfortunate situation that forced Emma Anyanwu to remain indoors throughout the duration of the election to avoid possible altercation and arrest.
Speaking to journalists in Ulakwo, the Acting  Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Ahmed Magaji confirmed that some hoodlums were arrested and some dangerous items recovered from them.
Magaji explained that investigation is still going on and until that is done, he would make no comments.
Reacting to the incident, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Rivers State, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak said the election was peaceful in most of the areas visited.
Ikoiwak who refused to comment on those arrested stated that he was concerned with the conduct of the elections, stressing that the security agencies would handle and investigate those arrested for alleged election malpractices.
According to him, “the commission was saddled with the responsibility of conducting election; the issue of electoral violence should be best considered and handled by the security agencies”.
Similarly, The Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) has won the Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency after INEC Returning Officer, Prof Shola Omotola completed the collation of results at the Collation Centre in Okehi.
With the results collated from the supplementary elections of February 25, 2017 and rerun elections of December 10, 2016, Chief Jerome Eke of the PDP defeated Mr Ogbonna Nwuke of the APC.
Also, the Tony Ejiogu of the Peoples Democratic Party defeated his closest challenger, Mr Golden of the APC.
For the Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency, Returning Officer, Prof Shola Omotola announced that APC polled 6, 220 votes while PDP polled 15, 221 votes.
For the Etche State Constituency 2, Returning Officer, Oluwatosin Odusonya announced that APC scored 1,618 votes while PDP polled 4,162 votes.
As the two INEC’s Returning Officers for the Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency, Prof Shola Omotola and Etche Constituency 2, Oluwatosin Odusonya were about to declare the PDP winner, military personnel at the Collation Centre brought a phone to them, claiming that the call was from the National Commissioner of INEC in charge of the election.667^n
Upon receiving the call, INEC’s Returning Officer for Etche/ OmumaFederal Constituency, Prof Shola Omotola stated that all collated results should be moved to the Port Harcourt office of INEC.
Soldiers of the Nigerian Army who stopped the declaration in Okehi moved the collated results alongside party agents and political leaders to Port Harcourt. They were joined by PDP leaders led by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and the APC candidate for Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency, Mr Ogbonna Nwuke.
At the headquarters, leaders of the two parties insisted that the two INEC’s Returning Officers publicly announce collated results to the media and party agents present.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom  Wike condemned the act of trying to subvert the will of the people Rivers State through INEC result manipulation, backed by reckless security agencies.
He said Rivers people would continue to resist all fraudulent attempts to manipulate election results. He declared that elections can only be won at the polling units and not through the swapping of result sheets by security agencies and INEC.
In another development, the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has hailed the uncommon courage of members of the party and the good people of Etche and Omuma, that ensured victory for the PDP during Saturday’s re-run legislative elections in the area, even in the face of harassment, intimidation, attacks, maiming and arrests of innocent PDP members by men of the Nigerian Army and police
The PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on media and Publicity, Jerry Needam described the interference and involvement of the military and men of the Nigerian Police in electoral process as worrisome, condemnable, saying, it portends grave danger for Nigeria’s democracy.
He regretted that soldiers and police men deployed to maintain peace and security in Etche invaded collation centres to stop announcement of results, same evil and wicked machinations adopted in Rivers South East Senatorial District that gave a purported victory to Mr Magnus Abe of the All Progressives Congress, APC. But, they were however, resisted by the good people of Etche.
Obuah congratulated candidates of the PDP, Chief Jerome Eke, Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency and Hon Tony Ejiogu, Etche State Constituency 2 for emerging victorious and the good people of Etche/Omuma for voting for the PDP.
He described the arrest of its State Publicity Secretary, Hon Samuel Nwanosike, Hon Rowland Sekibo and other chaiftains of the PDP who were on a legal election duty as provocative, illegal, condemnable and acting out the script of a particular leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

 

Victor Tew

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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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