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Again 5,000 Dump APC For PDP In Rivers; Say APC Has No Direction …Hail Wike’s Development Strides …Ogonis Explain Support For Gov’s 2nd Term

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About 5,000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) resident at the Abonnema Wharf Community in Port Harcourt, last Friday, thronged the Isaac Boro Park to declare their support for the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike come 2019 general elections.
The scene, which was heralded with fanfare, was graced by a cream of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) bigwigs and members of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), including Chief Emeh Glory Emeh, Hon Bright Amaewhule, Engr Samuel Nwanosike, Hon Edison Ogranya, Prince Umejuru, Kinikannwo Amadi and Ikechi Chinda.
Addressing the mammoth APC defectors led by Comrade Igoniko Gogo-Abite, Emeh, who represented the governor, said the decampees had done the right thing by returning to the PDP on noticing that APC in Rivers State was only existing on the various media platforms.
According to Emeh, “The people decamping today are doing the right thing, which I also did some time ago when I saw that the APC in the state has nothing to show that it is in existence”.
He noted that the Wike-led administration had done so well for Rivers State that the defectors would taste his magnanimity, and assured the Abonnema Wharf APC decampees that they would be carried along while their request for a market, revolving loan scheme, among others, would be looked into.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), Samuel Nwanosike regretted that the demolition of buildings at the Abonnema Wharf by former governor, Chibuike Amaechi was not in the good interest of Rivers State but for a particular company he chose to favour.
The former Ikwerre Local Government Area CTC chairman observed that the Abonnema Wharf community has a voting power that could decide who would manage the economy of the state, pointing out that the injury inflicted on the people cannot be easily forgotten while assuring the decampees that Wike would stand by them.
In his speech, PDP Chairman, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Ikechi Chinda assured that he would ensure the integration of the Abonnema Wharf defectors as quickly as possible, saying that with the development, the 20 wards of Port Harcourt would be won by the PDP come 2019.
In his remarks, leader of the decampees, Comrade Igoniko Gogo-Abite explained that they decided to abandon the APC because of the good works the governor has been doing for the state in terms of infrastructural development, adding that the APC has no leadership pattern and direction.
Gogo-Abite, who enumerated some projects constructed by Wike in the Abonnema Wharf area such as the State Ecumenical Centre and roads, appealed to the state chief executive to assist the community in the area of electricity as they have been in darkness for many months.
Meanwhile, the Paramount Ruler of Rumuodara in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Eze John Enyindah Amadi has commended the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for the flag-off of the reconstruction of Egbelu Road project in the area.
Amadi, who spoke to our correspondent, said the project would boost socio-economic life of the people of the area.
He said the road will decongest both the Okporo-Aba Road and the Rumuodara-East-West Road that was always congested.
“This Egbelu Road, if completed, will help free these nearby roads from traffic congestion common in this area.
“We are, indeed, very grateful to our action governor for flagging off the road,” he said.
Amadi said the entire people of Rivers State were proud of the governor’s style of good governance.
“Every community in the state has one project or the other to thank him for, so, also on political appointments. Wike is an action governor and a blessing to the state”, the paramount ruler stated.
The Nyewe-Eli-Odara, said Rumuodara will give Wike 100 per cent vote in 2019, and urged him to run for second term.
Describing Rumuodara as one of the fastest developing communities in the state, the royal father appealed to the governor to assist in establishing and constructing a police station in the community for improved security in the area.
He further urged the governor to appoint a son or daughter of the area as a commissioner in his administration.
In the same light, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Sir Kenneth Kobani has declared that the Ogoni Ethnic Nationality resolved to vote massively for Governor Nyesom Wike in future elections because of his outstanding projects’ delivery in the area.
Speaking during the defection of hundreds of All Progressives Congress (APC) members to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gokana Local Government Area, yesterday, Kobani said that Ogoni people were committed to the victory of Wike in 2019.
He said since the creation of Rivers State, no other governor has invested in the development of Ogoniland the way Wike has done.
The former minister of state for trade said all the local government areas that make up Ogoniland have benefited from strategic projects that have improved the living condition of the people.
According to Kobani, the dualization of the Saakpenwa-Bori Road, the completion of Kpopie-Bodo Road, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road, the General Hospital, Bodo City, the Bori Zonal Hospital; General Hospital, Nchia and the Birabi Memorial Grammar School were some of the projects that have transformed the landscape of Ogoniland.
He said: “Governor Wike has transformed Ogoniland, and we are committed to his re-election. If the governor has done this in three years, by the time he completes his second term, Ogoni people will benefit more.
“All Ogoni people, including those who left APC to join us, must remain committed to delivering Governor Wike in 2019. That is our principal goal. Governor Wike has done so much for the Ogonis. No other former governor can equal his record”.
He charged all organisations to work in unity to return Wike in 2019, and warned against divisive tendencies ahead of the campaigns.
Rivers State Finance Commissioner, Dr Fred Kpakol said Wike has placed Ogoni on his priority list in appointments and projects.
He said Gokana Local Government Area alone has the Secretary to the Rivers State Government and the Commissioner for Finance, an indication that Wike loves the people.
In his remarks, Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Politics and Strategy, Chief Emeh Glory Emeh advised the decampee APC members to remain steadfast as they will benefit from their association with the PDP.
He said that APC has nothing to offer the people of Ogoniland, adding that more APC leaders in the area will soon defect to the PDP.
President-General of Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), Chief Bright Amaewhule commended the APC members for defecting to the PDP.
He said their defection will help in ensuring the re-election of Wike in 2019.

 

Shedie Okpara and Chris Oluoh

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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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