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PDP Sweeps LG Polls In Rivers …Wike Swears In Council Chairmen, Today …Okah, Maeba, Others Hail RSIEC, Electorate
Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have won all the chairmanship seats of the 23 local government councils in last Saturday’s local government and councillorship elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Chairman of the commission, Justice Chukwuneye Uriri who announced the results of the election at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, late last night said the PDP chairmanship candidates got the highest number of votes ahead of the candidates of other political parties that participated in the election.
The chairman, who doubled as the Chief Returning Officer in the elections said the results of the councillorship elections would be announced today.
Justice Uriri commended the security operatives for their efforts in ensuring hitch-free polls and lauded the electorate for their large turn out and peaceful conduct during the elections.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for conducting credible Local Government Elections across the state.
The governor also commended security agencies for ensuring that the elections were peaceful by creating the right atmosphere for peaceful polls.
Speaking in an interview after monitoring the local government elections in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas, Wike said that the non-participation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the elections turned out to be one of the reasons why the process was peaceful.
He said: “Sixty-six out of 68 political parties participated, but no violence. That means that if APC had participated, probably, we would have seen violence.
“Sixty-six political parties, no violence, no shooting, nobody has died. But if the APC had participated, they would want to coerce security agencies, they would do all manner of negative things like bringing cultists to shoot. You can see that nobody hijacked materials. Everything has been peaceful”.
The governor noted that the security agencies played their constitutional roles during the elections.
“I have called the heads of security agencies, and commended them for a job well done. That is what I have always said. Allow people to vote for those they want”.
He advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure they conduct credible elections by resisting pressures from different quarters.
“INEC can be committed to do the right thing. Once they build confidence, every other thing will move on smoothly”, the governor said.
Wike said that he was more interested in the peaceful and credible conduct of the elections than anything else.
“We have gone round two local government areas. The elections went on peacefully, and they were credible. Election materials arrived on time, except for a few places. Like this, nobody will complain. Observers from across the board have commended the process”, Wike said.
In another development, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike will swear-in all the newly elected Local Government Council Chairmen by 12.30pm on Monday, June 18, 2018 at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
A statement by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media noted that all the newly elected Local Government Council Chairmen are to be seated by 12noon.
Similarly, the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for conducting a peaceful free and fair Local Government Council Polls.
The deputy governor stated this shortly after casting her vote at Ward 14, Unit 10 in Obuama, Degema Local Government Area.
“The turnout is quite satisfactory and the people are generally enthused to cast their votes. We have been having positive reports from the field, the whole place is peaceful, and I commend the people for their peaceful disposition”, Banigo stressed.
Similarly, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Barrister Emma Okah has commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for early distribution of electoral materials across the 23 LGAs.
In an interview with The Tide, Okah expressed satisfaction with the huge turnout of voters in communities across the state, shortly after casting his vote in his Ward, unit 8, Elele, Ikwerre Local Government area.
The Commissioner who lauded the electorate for their peaceful conduct said Nigerians have a lot to learn from the free and fair polls in the state, adding that it should be a model for Nigeria’s democracy.
Insisting on the need for opposition in democratic governance, Okah said it strengthens democracy and serves as “the oil with which to eat the yam of democracy”.
He advised politicians not to see elections as a do or die affair.
Also speaking with The Tide shortly after casting his vote at Luuwa Community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Senator Lee Maeba, said the local government polls will set the pace for the 2019 general election.
Noting that Rivers people were effectively mobilised to exercise their franchsie, the Senator who represented Rivers South East in the National Assembly, said Rivers people will resist any attempt to truncate the electoral process in 2019.
He commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for conducting credible LG polls in Rivers State, and lauded the electorate for their massive turn out during the polls.
The lawmaker representing, Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Boma Goodhead who also spoke with newsmen during the election, also commended RSIEC and Security Agencies for the peaceful conduct of the election.
The federal lawmaker noted that the successful conduct of the polls was an indication of the political maturity in the state and called on the electorate to always defend their votes in subsequent elections.
Also speaking in an interview with newsmen shortly after casting her vote in Kaani Babbe community in Khana Local Government Area, the State Commissioner for Environment, Prof. Roseline Konya commended the electorate for their peaceful conduct during the elections.
She described the process as transparent and devoid of security breaches.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Dumnamene Deekor, shortly after casting his vote at Beeri community, said the large turnout of voters in the polls shows that Rivers people are ready to exercise their electoral mandate.
He commended RSIEC and security operatives for putting in the right modalities for the conduct of a peace election in the state.
The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Rev. Francis Ada Ebenezer also described last Saturday’s local government election as very peaceful, free and fair.
Ebenezer told journalists, after casting his vote at Ward 3, Unit 4 in Ogu/Bolo Local Government that the peaceful conduct of the election was as a result of his advice to the people over the period.
The Ogu/Bolo CTC boss commended the electorate for coming out enmass to exercise their franchise.
In Omuma Local Government Area, the elections were peaceful, orderly, transparent and successful.
The Chairman Caretaker Committee (CTC), Hon. Eze Stanley Nwuju shortly after casting his vote at Ward One, Unit 4, Eberi, he attributed the success of the polls to the developmental strides of Rivers Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and the show of political maturity of the people of the area.
The local government elections were peaceful across the 19 Wards in Etche Local Government Area of the State.
The elections which started early at about 8.30am in the area were devoid of violence as voters were seen casting their votes for their preferred candidates.
At Obibi/Akwukabi Ward 9 Umuokom/Achara Polling Unit 2, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Prince Nwodim who cast his vote alongside his wife, a female councillorship candidate in the Ward, at 9.30am lauded RSIEC for the fair and hitch-free elections in the area.
Ward 13, Unit 11, the PDP flagbearer, Hon. Obinna Anyanwu, after casting his vote, commended RSIEC and the security agencies for the peaceful conduct of the elections in the area.
He described the turnout of voters in his unit and ward as encouraging.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Charles Nworgu also commended both RSIEC and security agents for the smooth and hitch free conduct of the elections in the state.
He made the commendation shortly after casting his vote at Umuoga Unit in Igbodo Ward 14.
At Opobo/ Nkoro LGA started about 8 am with distribution of electoral materials started about 9am.
The Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Jaja got accredited and voted about 10am at Ward 7 in his palace.
He commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for smooth conduct of the elections.
Also, Caretaker Chairman of the Area, Sir Boma Brown who voted at Ward 6, Unit 5 said he was impressed with the huge turnout at the elections.
He debunked the claims by All Progressives Congress (APC) that the elections were a charade, “APC is predictable, everything about them is negative. Even among themselves, there is opposition, so people should not take them seriously”.
On his part, Commissioner for Education, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo Jaja observed that RSIEC complied with the rules and regulations of a peaceful and hitch free election.
Gogo Jaja who tasked those that will emerge in the elections to jettison winner takes all attitude and embrace an all inclusive government.
After voting in his Ward at Ward 7, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate in the elections, Senibo Eugene Patesi Oko Jaja expressed happiness over the huge turn out of voters.
He commended voters over the peaceful manner they conducted themselves during the poll, while praising the governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for his developmental strides in the area, and assured of replicating same if elected.
Meanwhile, RSIEC Returning Officer in the LGA, Dr. Emmanuel Sunday Uruang has announced chairmanship results of 11 wards in area with PDP leading with 21,337 votes.
According to Uruang, PDP polled 21,337 out of 22,808 votes cast at the elections.
Following behind PDP is Social Democratic Party (SDP) with 137 votes, Labour Party 86 and APGA 71 votes.
He said other results will be declared at RSIEC headquarters.
The Tide witnessed large turn out of voters in all the units across communities in Degema Local Government Area (DELGA).
The PDP chairmanship candidate in the area, Dr. Tony Philmore and another party chieftain, Dr. Ipalibo Sogulus commended RSIEC for ensuring free and fair election in DELGA.
The two who spoke to newsmen shortly after casting their votes also commended the electorate for their level of maturity during the election.
Meanwhile, the Chairmanship hopeful of Tai Local Government Area and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded local government elections, Dr. Jacobson Nbina said that his administration will prioritise educational and agricultural development in the LGA.
Nbina who stated this while speaking with newsmen, after voting, pointed out that the conduct of the polls in the area was satisfactory.
He called on the people of Tai to always support the Wike led administration to attract more dividends of the democracy in the area.
Also, the PDP Chairmanship candidate in Gokana, in the LG Polls, Hon. Paul Kobani has assured that, the people of Gokana will benefit from his administration as he will run an all-inclusive government. He said he will give priority attention to peace, security and the welfare of civil servant, as well as boost agricultural activities through the provision of loans and micro credit incentive to farmers.
Hon. Kobani, who described Gokana as a PDP LGA, commended the people of the area for their massive participation in the LG polls.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairmanship candidate in last Saturday’s Local Government Election in Emohua, Chief Tom Aliezi says youth employment tops his priority.
In an interview with The Tide, the Chairmanship hopeful also vowed to check insecurity in the area, shortly after casting his vote in Elele Alimini, Ward 9.
Describing the election as peaceful and transparent, Aliezi said that he will ensure that investors are attracted to the area.
Aliezi listed youth empowerment, peace and manpower development as his priorities.
Meanwhile, the RSIEC Commissioner in charge of media and publicity, Rev. Innocent Karibo has said that the peaceful conduct of the Local Government Election in Rivers State was as a result of proper preparation by the commission and the cooperation of the security agencies. Karibo who disclosed this during a chat with newsmen while monitoring the elections, said the commission was poised to live up to its statutory mandate.
Victor Tew with additional reports from Opaka Dokubo, Taneh Beemene, John Bibor, Kevin Nengia, Akujobi Amadi, Sam Nwuju, Collins Barasimeye & Chinedu Wosu
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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.