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No Break On Projects Delivery, Wike Vows …Restates Commitment To Civil Servants’ Welfare …Charges Newly Sworn-In LG Chairmen On Service Delivery
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that he would not slow down on projects delivery because the people of the state deserve the very best.
Speaking after inspecting projects in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre local government areas, yesterday, Wike said that he is motivated to maintain the tempo of projects delivery to make up for the eight years that the state lost during the tenure of the immediate past administration.
Accompanied by Senator Samuel Anyanwu (PDP, Imo East) and Cross River PDP chieftain, Dr Sandy Onor, Wike said that he would make the maximum use of the opportunity to serve Rivers State to leave his positive footprints on the sands of time.
He said: “Not everyone has the privilege to serve. What we are doing is to serve Rivers State to the best of our ability.
“These basic amenities are meant to attract investors. The attraction of investors will create employment opportunities and enhance the economy of the state.
“We cannot take a break in terms of the delivery of projects because there is so much work to be done.”
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work at the Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, noting that an old structure was left in the middle of the school to remind people of the dilapidated nature of the institution before the reconstruction.
He said that the school would be commissioned by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria on Saturday.
Wike also visited the Isiokpo Internal Roads billed to be commissioned tomorrow by the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, adding that the projects commissioning and flag-off would continue till July 10, 2018.
The governor also inspected ongoing construction of Cinemas and Restaurants at the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, explaining that the cinemas would be the best in the country.
In an interview, Senator Samuel Anyanwu commended the Rivers State governor for living up to the expectations of Rivers people.
He said that the outstanding developmental strides of Wike were premised on the developmental philosophy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Meanwhile, The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that his administration would continue to give priority attention to the welfare of civil servants.
Also, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah Jang declared that the excellent performance of Wike and other PDP governors was an indication that only Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) can redeem Nigeria.
They spoke, last Monday during the commissioning of 24 units of three-bedroom flats for civil servants in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Wike said: “This is a day for workers. This is a direct project meant for the workers of Rivers State, who are the engine room of this administration.
“As our civil servants inhabit this wonderful estate, they must take steps to keep it clean. We will appoint a facility manager, but the payment will be borne by the state government and the occupants”.
He explained that the state government would flag off the construction of Labour House on June 29, 2018.
“We are interested in workers welfare. Our commitment is to ensure that we create the right environment for workers to perform their roles”, he said.
Commissioning the 24 units of three-bedroom flats for civil servants, the former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah Jang said that projects were only being commissioned in PDP states.
He lauded Wike for transforming the landscape of Rivers State with new projects, noting that Port Harcourt was regaining her garden city status.
“What our governors are doing, particularly what Governor Wike is doing, and you cannot but bring PDP back to transform the country. There is no sign that anything new will happen. If they have not done anything new in three years, they cannot do it in the campaign year”, he said.
The former Plateau State governor noted that there were no new projects being commissioned in APC states because they are not interested in the welfare of their people.
The Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State Council, Comrade Beatrice Itubo thanked the Rivers State governor for being workers friendly, and assured the governor of the support of the NLC.
In his remarks, Head of Service, Rivers State, Barrister Rufus Godwins said that after the Dr Peter Odili era, Wike was the first governor to construct a brand new housing estate for Rivers civil servants.
Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has sworn-in the 23 Local Government Council chairmen elected during the June 16, 2018 Local Government Elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Performing the swearing-in at the Executive Council Chambers, last Monday, Wike charged the council chairmen to prioritise payment of salaries, promotion of security and environmental sanitation.
He said: “Now that you have emerged through a credible process, you must prioritise payment of salaries. This is key as no excuses will be tolerated.
“Council money is for salaries, development of the areas and security. You should endeavour to leave legacies of development across the state. Make a difference through the development of your local government areas.”
He advised the newly sworn-in local government council chairmen to work closely with security agencies in their local government areas.
“You must create avenues of cooperation with all the security agencies. That will help you create the right environment for development to take place in your areas”, he said.
The governor charged the council chairmen of Akuku-Toru, Asari-Toru and Degema to develop the right platforms to ensure that their communities were safe.
He challenged the council chairmen of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Oyigbo and Eleme local government areas to take serious steps to ensure they clean specific areas of their councils.
Wike urged the council chairmen to work amicably with their councillors to avoid unnecessary conflicts that will cripple their councils.
On the conduct of the Local Government Elections, Wike commended the security agencies for providing security for the peaceful and credible conduct of the polls.
He also commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for conducting free, fair and credible polls.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by leaders of the state, commissioners and party chieftains.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro Felix Obuah says if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies can take a cue from the conduct of the just-concluded local government elections by the RISIEC, most of the pitfalls that characterize national elections in the country would be put to rest.
Obuah, who made the observation in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jerry Needam, commended the RSIEC for a very peaceful, free and credible chairmanship and councillorship polls across the 23 local government areas of the state last Saturday.
He also lauded the massive turnout of Rivers people and residents in the state for the voting exercise, describing it as most commendable and encouraging.
The state PDP boss noted that the smooth and rancour-free council elections as witnessed last Saturday in all the 319 wards and over 4,000 electoral units in the state have proved beyond doubt that free, fair and credible elections were still possible in Nigeria only if the INEC, electoral officials and security agencies would be sincere and committed to their respective duties and to the ideals of democracy during elections.
He expressed joy that the successful and peaceful conduct of the elections have not only exposed those usually behind election crisis in the state in the past but also confirmed the promise of the PDP-led state government under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike to institutionalize a cost effective and less rancorous model for future local government elections in the state.
Obuah enjoined Rivers people, especially the youth to learn to imbibe democratic ideals and ingenious methodologies of all time experienced leaders and democrats in the mould of Wike, whom he described as a rare political gem irrespective political leanings.
It is only through such non-partisan attitude, the state PDP boss noted, that a perfect electoral system would evolve.
The state PDP boss congratulated all the newly elected council chairmen and councillors on their electoral victories, and enjoined them to join hands with the state chief executive to ensure that development gets to the grassroots which was the essence of the third tier government.
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Arson: Those Behind It’ll Account For Atrocities -Fubara …Swears In Bipi, Three Others As Commissioners
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the State.
The Governor, therefore, assured that, working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to unravel those behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme Local Government areas, with a view to making them account for their atrocities.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while swearing in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt yestersday.
Those sworn in are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
Governor Fubara recalled mentioning when he sworn-in newly elected Local Government Councils’ Chairmen on 6th October, 2024, that there was intelligence on planned mayhem by misguided persons, who had threatened to prevent the elected officers from resuming duties.
True to it, Governor Fubara said, the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans, and burnt valued buildings at some council secretariats.
He said, “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers State.
“We want to also let the people know that what has happened (arson) after the election, we are not going to allow it to go uninvestigated.
“A similar event had happened in this manner before, and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted in order to turn the story around.
“But this time around, I strongly believe, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), we will unravel those behind the assault and make sure that they account for their atrocities.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the show of patience and calmness by majority of Rivers people despite the fact that they are angry with the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
The Governor said he has continued to show leadership, provided the climate that has engendered productive endeavours, and will not mislead those he is leading.
“As your leader; the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas.
“But, I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers, if we meet them force-for-force. We need to go with peace.
“So, I will encourage everyone of you not to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands. So, we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
Governor Fubara reiterated what he said the previous day on what should matter most for Rivers State, which is a firm support to ensure that the progress of Nigeria is sustained.
He said, if oil theft is not checked, the country’s economy will be badly impacted, and there will not be funds to address critical issues.
“We are in a situation where the fund that is being generated from oil production is not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure that there is increase in production.
“Our focus here, not minding the distractions, will be how to provide support. You have to work with us to make sure that we curb this issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.
“This is the only way that the allowances (revenue) will increase and more will also come to our State, and more progress will also be achieved in this State.”
Governor Fubara explained that his administration is doing a lot for the good people of the State, that are not being seen because of the political drama that takes their attention away.
He, however, said that his administration is working out modalities, and will soon choose a day, which could probably be before the end of October, 2024, to showcase a few projects and services that have positively impacted lives in the State.
Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He explained that more persons whose loyalty are for Rivers people and the administration needed to be admitted into the Rivers State Executive Council to help drive the policy of government because they will not resign their appointment.
Governor Fubara said: “We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding into the Council, so that we will not wake up one morning and see resignation letter. So, we are taking our time.
“And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balancing. So, I can also say that the new Commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to also balance the political equation.”
Governor Fubara charged them to be dedicated, forthright, diligent and productive while rendering quality services to the State.
The Governor said he believed in their capacity to deliver because of their exposure to the workings of government, and expressed the hope that they will contribute positively to the success of the administration.
He said, “So, let me thank everyone of you. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support, and to assure them that we will continue to defend, protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank everyone of you for your support, more especially before, during and after the elections. I appreciate your doggedness, your belief in our course to salvage this State, to protect the integrity of this State,” he added.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has sought media support to fast-track the implementation of the ongoing reforms in the civil service sector.
Walson-Jack made the request during a cocktail organised by her office for media executives from different organisations in Abuja.
The event, according to her, aimed at interacting with the media men one-on-one, appreciate them and implore them to continue to strengthen the bond with the office.
“I want to start by thanking each and everyone of you for honouring this invitation. I want to say that we purposely designed this grail cocktail so that we can have one-on-one interactions.
“Let me also go ahead to thank you for all the supports you have given to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) in the years past I know that the Fourth Estate of the realm has always supported this office.
“I will also go ahead to thank you for your support, especially at my announcement as the HoCSF and that support has continued, up till date.
“We, therefore, thought it fit that we should organise this event just to interact with you to strengthen the bond that this office has with the media, “ she said.
The HoCSF recalled that her office had continued with programmes she met on ground upon assumption of office, especially the ongoing reforms on Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025).
She, therefore, appealed to the media for continuous reportage on the initiative, so as to give it the necessary publicity for proper dissemination to the citizens.
“You will recall that the office has the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025) and that is the plan that we are still driving.
“We want to request that you collaborate more with us, we are asking that the friendship, the partnership go beyond what it is now to ensure that the reforms which this office is driving get the full publicity it requires,” she said.
Walson-Jack used the medium to announce the preparation to re-introduce the civil service national anthem officially for the entire civil servants to recite at every national programme.
“The anthem has been re-introduced to drive the reforms and it’s expected that the anthem will be sung by all federal civil/public servants and indeed Nigerians.
“And it will be an anthem that will encourage every public servants to be efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, “ she added.
Participants at the event congratulated Mrs Walson-Jack for her uplifting to the position of the HoCSF and pledged to continue in the relationship.
In a response, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged the agency’s readiness to give the HoCSF the needed support.
According to him, supporting government policies has always been NAN’ priority as government’s owned media organisation.
“You can take it for granted that we are going to give the Office total support. It is part of our own mandates to support Federal Government policies, so we are going to do that fully for the head of service.
“As she said, she has her policies which are in tandem with the federal government policies, she is asking for the support in implementation of the Federal Government policies.
“She has very lofty ideas, she has lofty things that she believes that we should do. Our job is to make sure that whatever government wants to do, we have to support such policies, “ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Halima Musa, Director News, NTA, assured her office’s partnership with the Head of service towards ensuring communicating the needed values on excellence, incorruptibility and new culture of efficiency to the public.
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LG Polls: Rogue Policemen Break RSIEC Gate, Strong Room To Steal Electoral Materials …Fubara Foils Attempt To Cart Away Materials
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has foiled an attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at 1am on Friday, 4th October, 2024.
The rogue policemen were said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the Commission to cart away sensitive Electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.
The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.
However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.
The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility.
Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara condemned the conduct of the policemen on illegal duty, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.
He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.
He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.
At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogur policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday.