Featured

My Case For Emergency Rule In Benue -Wike

Published

8 years ago

March 24, 2017

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom was one of those who politicised insecurity in the country , which has now degenerated to consume his state.
He emphasised his call for the declaration of a State of Emergency in Benue State because the State Governor has lost control and lacks the capacity to stand up for his people.
Addressing the University of Port Harcourt Governing Council at the Government House, Port Harcourt during a courtesy visit yesterday, Governor Wike said that Ortom was in the league of APC governors who plotted a State of Emergency against Rivers State when the state had security challenges.
He said: “Benue Governor has lost control. That is why there is an immediate need to declare a state of emergency for the restoration of security and protection of the people.
“If you are from Benue State, I apologise. But when Rivers State had security challenges, Governor Ortom of Benue State was amongst the APC governors who plotted for the declaration of state of emergency in the state.
“When the problem of insecurity started here in Rivers State, instead of joining hands to proffer solutions, they politicised it. Unless all those at the fore front of the plot against the state repent, this insecurity will visit them one after the other.”
He said as a result of the politicisation of security by APC governors , today insecurity has been exported to several parts of the country.
He said because he is in contact with the people of Rivers State, it is difficult to rig in the state. The governor said that those who plotted to rig in Rivers State, now understand the consequence.
Commenting on the University of Port Harcourt, Governor Wike urged the university management to remain apolitical. He said that the strained relationship between the Rivers State Government and the University of Port Harcourt was because of his advice that the institution should not be involved in the rigging of the rerun legislative elections.
He, however, said that the state will continue to support the university through the execution of projects.
Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt and Emir of Gwandu, General Muhammadu Bashar (rtd) urged the governor to remain committed to the service of Rivers State and Nigeria.
He pleaded with the governor to forgive the university management. The Chancellor also called on the governor to thank God for surviving the harsh political climate .
Pro-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Mvendaga Jibo appealed to Governor Wike to continue to support the university materially.
Meanwhile, Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has called on the authorities of University of Port Harcourt to pay up the taxes due to the State Government to enable it to fulfil its commitment to the varsity.
The governor made the call when members of the new Governing Council of the university paid him a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt yesterday.
According to Wike, the university is yet to pay some taxes it owed the state government and advised the institution to work hard and shun politics.
He called for the strengthening of the existing cordial relationship in a bid to move the institution forward and for them to sustain the university’s pride and integrity.
Pro-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mvendaga Jibo in his speech commended the state government for ensuring security and peace in Rivers State and for the donation of land for the varsity to expand.
He expressed satisfaction with the cordial relationship between the university community and the people of Rivers State and called for sustenance of the relationship.
The Pro-Chancellor assured that the institution’s governing council would co-operate with the State government to take UNIPORT to greater heights.
Jibo said that the institution was committed to carrying out its social responsibility toward improving its host community and the state in general.
He said that the governing council would approach the state government for support in times of need in a bid to make the institution one of the best.
Prof. Ndowa Lale, Vice Chancellor of the university, was also present during the visit.

Featured

RSG Set For Armed Forces Remembrance Day

Published

4 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Government says all is now set to ensure a momentous Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Speaking to newmen, last Monday, at Isaac Boro Park, venue for the parade and wreath-laying ceremony, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, assured that the annual event would be memorable.

“January 15 is a day set aside all over the country to remember those who died in the course of military engagement and also appreciate those still serving in the Armed Forces.

“We had the Juma’at Prayers last Friday and Church Thanksgiving Service last Sunday, we are grateful for very successful events. Wednesday, 15th January, is the Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade and wreath -laying ceremony at the Remembrance Arcade here in Isaac Boro Park. We are ready and expecting a superlative parade ceremony by the Armed Forces and the State Legion,” he said.

The SSG stated that it was in the nature of Rivers State Government and her people to appreciate the Armed Forces, just as he encouraged well-meaning Nigerians resident in Rivers State to join in appreciating the efforts of the nation’s heroes and remember those who had paid the ultimate price.

The SSG stressed that the actions of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, on January 15 would be replicated across the 22 Local Governments Areas in the State, with the exception of the Mayor of Port Harcourt who would support the Governor.

“As a federation with three tiers of government, the ceremonies will be done simultaneously at the federal level with Mr President laying the wreath; at the State, with our Governor laying the wreath. It is also expected that the council chairmen will be replicating same thing because there are members of the Armed Forces and legionnaires in the local governments.

A representative of 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Col. S. I Fejoh, who is one of the co-ordinators of the parade, re-affirmed their readiness and promised to showcase the pride of Nigeria.

On his part, the Acting Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State, C.O. Promise noted that members were happy and ready to celebrate the day they referred to as their birthday.

The Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Hon. Ichemati Ezebunwor, represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Wendy Kalio, also expressed optimism for a gallant celebration in the state.

“We have been fully involved and ready to celebrate the sacrifices of those who served the country. Let us honour them and encourage their loved ones. The Governor is working hard to empower the veterans and widows, let us turn up to cheer our Governor,” she summed up.

Featured

Fubara Hails Mbata’s Emergence As President – General Of Ohanaeze Ndigbo

Published

7 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has hailed the emergence of a former lawmaker representing Rivers East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator John Azuta Mbata, as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Governor Fubara said that the frontline politician’s victory at the poll in Enugu, on Friday, is a testament to his wide acceptance across the aisle as an accomplished Nigerian, whose test of character and integrity is exemplary.

He said that the overwhelming votes of the delegates show the implicit confidence of members of the socio-cultural organisation in his ability to provide needed leadership to move the Ohanaeze Ndigbo forward at this time.

Governor Fubara, therefore, extended his best wishes to Senator Mbata, and expressed the hope that he will succeed as he discharges the lofty duties of furthering national cohesion, and fostering friendly cooperation based on mutual trust and respect within the Igbos and among non-Igbos.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Rivers State, I once again congratulate you and assure you of our readiness to work with you towards maintaining and preserving national unity and cohesion”, Governor Fubara said.

Business

AfDB, Partners Boost Universal Electrification Efforts

Published

8 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, the World Bank Group, the African Union (AU), and the Tanzanian government have reaffirmed their commitment to advance Africa’s path toward universal electrification.

The AfDB announced in a statement, Saturday, that it would host a pivotal summit to support this objective.

“The Africa Energy Summit, scheduled for January 27 to 28 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, will bring together Heads of State and Government, private sector leaders, development partners, donors, experts, civil society organizations, and academics.

“The summit aims to secure the financial resources, partnerships, and political commitment necessary to achieve the ambitious Mission 300 plan and further progress toward universal electrification”, it stated.

Inaugurated in April 2024 by the AfDB and the World Bank, Mission 300 sought to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

It said the initiative would focus on a dual approach: increasing infrastructure investment and implementing policy reforms across the electricity supply chain.

According to the bank, with nearly 600 million Africans accounting for 83 per cent of the global energy deficit lacking access to electricity, the need for action has never been more urgent.

“The summit will serve as a platform to consolidate efforts and accelerate Africa’s electrification journey, aiming to transform lives, improve livelihoods, and foster economic growth.

“Experts and stakeholders will deliberate on strategies to mobilise investments, expand energy access, and address challenges impeding progress, ensuring that Africa’s energy goals remain within reach”, AfDB stated.