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APC In Disarray: Abe, Group Storm Out Of SEC In Rivers …Audu/Faleke Group Abandons Party In Kogi …Abubakar’s Adviser Resigns, Says Party Is Sinking In Bauchi …Okorocha, Stakeholders Battle In Imo
The All Progressives Congress (APC), in Rivers State last Wednesday held its first State Executive Council meeting after several months.
Our correspondent gathered that the APC SEC meeting was held ahead of the State Party Congress scheduled for this weekend.
However, the meeting was not void of controversies as some leaders of the APC led by Senator Magnus Abe walked out.
The Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Abe walked out with his supporters to hold a media conference at his governorship campaign office in Port Harcourt where he claimed that those at the meeting were not members of APC SEC.
He said the meeting was already flawed, just as he expressed worry that the APC state congress may not be free and fair.
Senator Abe advised the party not to take actions that will interfere with the process of electing credible people into the State Executive Council.
“The meeting had a few challenges in my view because the State Executive Committee of the party is a constitutional body provided for in the APC Constitution, but as we observed at the meeting, most of those who turned up for the meeting were not members of the State Executive Committee.
“A lot of them were rather co-opted into the Committee this afternoon by means that were far from clear to us. Several members of the Committee expressed misgivings on that note.
“We have not heard from the State Chairman of the party and the State Working Committee as to how that will be done with respect to some of the concerns that have been expressed and some of the actions that have been taken.
“We have had cause to advise the party against trying to take any action that is likely to interfere with the ability of members to elect people of their choice to manage the affairs of the party.
“The things that have gone on in the state over the past couple of weeks have already giving members of this party very serious concerns about the transparency of the management of the process that is forthcoming.
“As you can see, members of the party all across the state are mobilised and ready for the congresses but it has to be a congress where the actual result as determined by the people on the field is what will be reflected in the records of the party”, Abe said.
Meanwhile, the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi has taken a different dimension as members of the Audu/Faleke Political Organisation in Kogi State have opted out of the forthcoming congresses.
The group said in a statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja, yesterday, that it was abandoning the congresses because Governor Yahaya Bello had allegedly hijacked the process.
“Now that the party’s congresses are here, the governor, true to type, has hijacked the whole processes, handing over the ward congresses to his local government administrators to compile names from wards to local government areas.”
The organisation’s Director, Media and Publicity, Mr Duro Meseko, signed the statement.
Meseko said that the governor had been using the administrators to function virtually as alternative party executives and refused to fund the authentic party executives.
The group also cited the inability of the national leadership of the party to live up to expectations as another reason for boycotting the congresses.
“The National leadership of the party has also not lived up to expectations in most cases regarding Kogi issue.
“For instance, the letter from the National Secretariat of the party on the organisation and conduct of the congresses was handed over directly to the governor instead of the leadership of the state executive.”
Meseko also mentioned the inability to reconcile various factions in the state branch of the party for its decision.
He further alleged that thugs were being armed to attack members of the group at the venue of the congresses, adding that the decision to boycott the congresses was to safeguard lives and property.
The group, therefore, directed its members in the three senatorial districts of the state not to participate in the congresses.
In another development,the adviser to Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, on Special Duties, Sani Mallam has resigned his position with immediate effect
This was just as the adviser admitted that APC is gradually sliding like a sinking ship.
Sani Mallam exclusively told our correspondent in an interview yesterday in Bauchi.
Although he said, his decision to resign his appointment was to enable him concentrate on campaigning for APC Chairmanship in Bauchi state ahead of the party’s Congress.
According to Mallam, he cannot combine office routine while engaging in campaign for the party’s chairmanship Mallam, however, said the All Progressive Congress party was sliding gradually due to its current crisis.
He blamed the outgoing team led by Ahmed Uba Nana for the party’s crisis, saying APC popularity is fast drifting.
“ There is no justice in the APC currently at all levels and if not addressed, the party may lose to the opposition,” Mallam said.
Mallam stressed that APC supporters will not fold their hands while the governors imposed unpopular candidate during the party’s Congress.
“ Let the APC try the mistake of PDP in 2015 and see how the party will lose election to the opposition,” Mallam further said.
He then cautioned APC against imposition of candidates for personal interest detrimental to the party.
Also, Imo All Progressives Congress Stakeholders Forum has pleaded with the party´s National Working Committee to intervene in the crisis currently rocking its ranks.
Oke Ikoro, the Chairman of the forum, made the plea last Wednesday in Abuja when a delegation of the forum visited the NWC.
According to him, APC in Imo has been appropriated by Governor Rochas Okorocha who “has completely privatised the party” through his activities.
Ikoro said there was so much anger, acrimony and bitterness among party members.
He said: This is why we have come here to lend our grievances to the NWC, we came to express our disappointment on the leadership of Governor Rochas Okorocha, his activities and the APC under him.
“We didn´t want to say this with word of mouth but we have put it in writing so that you can have a critical look at it after we had gone.”
Ikoro said that the stakeholders had to bring the matter to NWC after trying without success to address it at the state level.
He alleged that some of the governor´s actions in the state were not friendly and were forcing members out of the party rather than bringing membership to the fold.
Ikoro said the actions included the demolition of markets and indiscriminate revocation of land titles without due process.
He also criticised the governor´s plan to install his son-in-law as the next governor of Imo.
Ikoro said: “All we are saying is that due process should be followed and that the state funds should not be wasted.”
According to him, people are exiting from the party because of the highhandedness of the governor.
He said: “We are calling on the party leadership to call the governor to order and to separate the party from him.”
Ikoro expressed optimism that as the highest organ of the party empowered to bring peace and unity, the matter would be addressed by the NWC.
He said: “Furthermore, on Saturday, the ward congresses of the party will start and we know that what the governor is planning is to hijack the process.”
He alleged that the governor’s plan was to influence the congress by ensuring that his cronies were put in elective offices.
He said that the party leadership should intervene to prevent the governor from hijacking the process.
In his response, the APC National Chairman, Chief Odigie-Oyegun, said there was nothing to celebrate in the report.
He said that the saving grace was that the stakeholders were all dedicated and did not storm out of the party.
He said Imo must lead in the South- East to ensure the party´s electoral victory in 2019 and as such the unity of the party was critical to achieve the goal.
Odigie-Oyegun said: “Some controversies are necessary to bring about unity that will bring victory, together Imo state will be almost a certainty but we will be in deep trouble if we are divided.
“Without any prejudice, I want to assure you that we, on our side, will do everything possible to take up your complaints and reservations.
“We will talk to the other side so that an acceptable compromise and understanding is reached to make it possible for us to work as one party and one political fighting force.
“I am certainly not unaware of the issues; as the party’s national chairman, all these things end up directly or indirectly on my desk.”
The party chairman added that whatever the rights and the wrongs of both sides were, victory could only come through unity.
He said that to get unity, there must be justice, adding: “while am insisting on a united fighting force, I also insist that there is justice’’.
Odigie-Oyegun said that as far as the coming party congresses were concerned, the leadership was determined to ensure free, fair and level playing field for all aspirants in spite of what anyone thought.
He charged the stakeholders to prove their worth by ensuring that the right things were done and that true reconciliation was achieved in the party in Imo.
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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
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
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
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.