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Black Soot: Direct Protest To FG, Wike Tells Residents …Inaugurates Neigbhourhood Safety Corps Agency …As Banigo, Obuah Hail Gov On Zik Prize

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Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has called on those planning to demonstrate against the presence of soot to channel their protest to the Federal Government.
He said the Federal Government is strictly responsible for the degradation and pollution of the Rivers environment.
Speaking in Government House, Port Harcourt, last Monday, during the inauguration of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency, Governor Wike urged the Stop- the- Soot campaigners to demonstrate against the Federal Government in the interest of justice.
He said that the Rivers State Government has done all that it is suppose to do, including advocacy and enlightenment campaigns, with no action from the Federal Government.
The governor said: “I hear that people want to demonstrate that there is soot in the state. Help us demonstrate against the Federal Government and we will all be happy.
“This is because we have no control over the sources of soot. Do I go to shutdown the Refinery? Will they not say that it is economic sabotage?
“Do I even have the security? Do I control the Police or the Army to go and stop oil production at the refinery?”
Governor Wike added that the State Government cannot stop the Nigerian Navy from destroying illegal refineries in ways that release dangerous substances to pollute the environment. He said all entreaties have fallen on deaf ears.
He said nobody is happy about the presence of soot in the state as its effect is non discriminatory.
The governor said it is necessary to properly situate those with the responsibility of stopping the soot, rather than protesting for the sake of creating social tension.
He assured the people of Rivers State that the administration will continue to prevail on the security agencies and regulatory institutions to take the right step to stop the soot.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has inaugurated the Board of Directors of the Rivers State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency, with a charge to the members to kick-start the process of recruiting quality operatives for the agency.
Performing the inauguration, last Monday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, the governor said there was no going back on the establishment of the agency because it was central to the security of the state.
Wike said: “Use your experiences and capabilities to ensure that the Rivers State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency takes off effectively.
“Start the recruitment process of the operatives. By September, 2018, I expect that the training of operatives would have been concluded and the agency fully operational”.
He charged members of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency not to be swayed by the antics of opponents of the establishment of the agency because, according to him, their duty was vital to the stability of the state.
The governor alerted the nation that some politicians have approached the police to sabotage the scheme by rejecting operatives recruited by the agency.
He said that the State Executive Council will approach will approach the Rivers State House of Assembly for the amendment of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency law, so that the police will not be required to vet the recruited operatives as is obtainable in Lagos State.
The governor advised the Board of Directors of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency to recruit only persons that have the interest of the state at heart.
He said contrary to criticisms against the Rivers State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency, they are only to bear light arms subject to the approval of the police.
He said that the light arms to be borne by the agency’s operatives would be for self defence.
“The Chairman of the Board is a retired Brigadier General, while the Director General is a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police. We have appointed credible and experienced retired security chiefs because we want the best for the state.
“Now that we have prevailing peace in the state, all efforts should be geared towards sustaining it”, he said.
Responding, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency, Brigadier General Dick Ironabare assured the government and people of the state that the agency would work to enhance state-wide security.
He commended the Rivers State Governor for deeming it necessary to set up the new security scheme, which is in line with international best practices of securing communities.
The chairman said that the agency would work within the ambit of the law in the discharge of her duties.
He said most of the people opposed to the Rivers State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency do so because they don’t understand its relevance in modern day security framework.
Ironabare commended Wike for the support rendered to security agencies across the state as well as the promulgation of stringent laws to check kidnapping and cultism.
Those inaugurated as Board of Directors of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency include: Brigadier General Dick Ironabare as chairman, Dr Uche Mike Chukwuma as director general , and Barrister Nma Omereji as secretary/legal adviser.
Other members of the board are Chief Casca Ogosu, Mr Dennis Amachree, Prof Emenike Wami, Anthony Uzo Ozurumba and Mrs Victoria Chikeka.
In another development, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo and the Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Bro Felix Obuah have hailed the State Chief Executive, Chief Nyesom Wike for winning the Zik Prize for Good Governance, and described him as a colossus and natural leader.
The duo made the commendation in separate statements in Port Harcourt, last Monday.
Banigo said in a statement in Government House, Port Harcourt, while reacting to the governor’s wining of the Zik Prize in Good Governance, that “For the governor’s detractors who felt his initial awards were a mere fluke, he has continued to demonstrate exceptional leadership capacity which has been noticed within and outside the shores of Nigeria, leaving these detractors dumb founded.”
She congratulated him for his political will and commitment to develop Rivers State, stressing that she and other members of his team are not only proud of him, but are ready to give him all the necessary support for him to continue to excel.
In his statement, Obuah said that one outstanding feature of Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic and political orientations, was the ability to identify the crown from the crowd.
He stated this on the heels of the Zik Leadership Prize for Good Governance awarded to the Governor Nyesom Wike by the Public Policy Research ad Analysis Centre (PPRAC), Lagos.
According to the state PDP boss, “It takes a visionary and courageous leader in the mould of Wike to confront the kind of developmental challenges such as he did on assumption of office and still excelled.
“The joy of it all, Bro Obuah noted, is the avalanche of honours, awards and recognitions on His Excellency by various national and international bodies in appreciation of his giant developmental strides.”
Obuah, therefore, congratulated the governor for proving to the world that in Rivers State, there were still gifted personalities and world class leaders to contrast a few self-acclaimed leaders who revel in blowing their own trumpets that can only deceive impressionable minds.
The state PDP chairman, expressed joy that Wike rather than get distracted, has continued to be spurred to do even more for the state and humanity by all the recognitions.
All that is needed now, Obuah pointed out, is for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the good works of the governor are brought to a complete and logical conclusion by rallying round him for a second term, reassuring that the whole benefit is that of the Rivers people.
Obuah strongly re-emphasized that the voice of the people, being the voice of God, Wike will successfully serve out his two terms according to the wishes and prayers of the Rivers people and no amount of conspiracy will stop him.
It would be recalled that the Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC), last Sunday, formally recognised the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike with the Zik Prize for Good Governance.
The PPRAC, organisers of the Zik Leadership Prize in Leadership said that Wike was honoured because of his accomplishments in projects delivery, prudent management of scarce resources, human capital development and policy implementation.
Presenting the Zik Prize for Good Governance to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the former minister of education and Chairman of Advisory Board of PPRAC, Prof Jubril Aminu praised the governor for turning the state into a huge construction site.
He commended the Rivers State governor for his commitment to the development of the state, urging him to sustain the pace.
Speaking after receiving the Zik Prize for Good Governance, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike said the award was a call to continue to serve the state and Nigeria to the best of his ability
He said: “This is very great because this award was instituted annually to honour the first ceremonial President of Nigeria, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.
“It is an award that will spur us further to continue to work for the people. It is not an award for us to relax”.
Wike dedicated the award to the good people of Rivers State, saying that their support for his administration made it possible for him to develop the state.
The governor also thanked his wife and children for the sacrifices they make to enable him serve Rivers people.
He said that the state has entrenched good governance through the delivery of projects and programmes that improve the living condition of the people, enthroned transparency and accountability as well as worked within the ambit of the law.
“This award is to remind us that we are required to do more for the people. Zik stood for unity that is why we should work to unite the country”, he said.
This year, the Rivers State governor has won: Silverbird Man of the Year 2017, Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year 2017 and the Independent Newspaper Political Icon of the Year, 2017.
Other award recipients are: Former Osun State Governor, Bisi Akande and the Zik Prize in Political Leadership, Chief Audu Ogbeh the Zik Prize winner in Public Service.
The wife of Anambra State Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obaino, the governor of Katsina State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello-Masari, wife of Bauchi State Governor, Hajia Hadiza Abubakar Mohammed, and Adedeji Adeleke were also honoured with Zik leadership awards

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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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