Featured
2019: We’ll Return Wike As Governor – Rivers West …As Kwakwaso, Security Council Condole Gov Over Aguma’s Death
The Rivers West Senatorial District, last Monday endorsed Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for a second term, saying that they are satisfied with his excellent performance.
Thousands of leaders and PDP members from the eight local government areas of Rivers West Senatorial District converged in Ahoada where they communicated their resolution to the Rivers State governor.
From one local government area to the next, the people of the district defied the heavy rain to display their support for Wike.
Leader of the Senatorial District and former presidential aspirant, Chief Feddy Alabraba said the endorsement of Wike was premised on the fact that the governor has touched all the eight local government areas of the district.
“The people of Rivers West Senatorial District are for Governor Wike. In view of the good works of Governor Wike, we have resolved to overwhelmingly vote him again in 2019”, he said.
Former Minister of Sports, Dr Tammy Danagogo said the eight LGAs of Rivers State are direct beneficiaries of the quality projects of Wike.
He outlined the projects executed by Wike on local government by local government basis, noting that Wike deserves the massive support he enjoys.
He said: “You have proven to the people of Rivers West Senatorial District that you are the only man to stand with them irrespective of the situation.
“You were the first governor to oppose cattle colony in the South and you opposed the anti-people bill on the water-ways. The people are sure that you will defend their interests at all times”.
First Class traditional ruler, Eze Ekpeye Logbo, Eze Robinson O. Robinson declared that the people were happy with Wike, hence the resolution of the district to support his re-election.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike declared that Rivers PDP would win the 2019 elections in honour of the late Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
He said: “From what I am seeing here, 2019 is concluded. Nonetheless, we should expect alignments and re-alignments. In Ahoada East, we need someone who will complement the efforts of Edison.
“In this election, we must not give room for manipulation. APC has nothing to offer Nigeria. After three years, they should be booted out”.
He warned security agencies against being used to rig elections, saying that when the chips are down, the APC-led Federal Government will abandon the security agencies as they made DG DSS a scapegoat.
He said that he would not be intimidated by EFCC, saying that his commitment to the growth of the state was total.
A minute silence was observed in honour of the late Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Rivers State.
Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of icon of the re-election to Wike by the Eze Ekpeye Logbo.
A minute silence was observed in honour of late Emmanuel Aguma.
Meanwhile, the former Governor of Kano State and presidential aspirant, Rabiu KwanKwaso, has consoled the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, over the death of the state Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Emmanuel Aguma, SAN.
Kwankwaso, who paid a condolence/courtesy visit to Wike, last Monday in Government House, Port Harcourt, said news of late Aguma was a shock to him and members of his team.
“It was a shock when we heard of it. We felt we should condole with you”, he said.
The aspirant urged the governor, people of the state, and immediate members of the bereaved family to take heart.
Kwankwaso, who is one of the presidential aspirants in the plate for of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), praised Wike for transforming the state through massive infrastructure.
Noting that Wike deserves a second term in office, Kwankwaso stressed that Wike would take the state to an enviable height, if he leads the state for another four years.
“We pray to God to give us long life and health to see you completing a second term so that you can revolutionise the entire state.
Responding, Governor Nyesom Wike said, “On behalf of the people of Rivers State, I most sincerely thank you for coming to sympathize with us over the loss.
Wike described late Aguma as a committed and loyal person in his cabinet, adding that it was difficult to get someone to fill the vacuum created by his sudden exit.
He said the state never had any legal crisis under his administration because of the way handled affairs.
“In this world whatever position you have, use it to service God and mankind”, the governor said.
He commended Kwankwaso for coming back to the PDP, noting that Kwankwaso would be very valuable in the victory of PDP in 2019.
Similarly, service commanders of the Rivers State Security Council, last Monday, paid a condolence visit to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike over the passage of the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon Emmanuel Aguma (SAN).
The service commanders, who were led by the Assistant Comptroller of Nigeria Customs Service, Zone C, Sanusi Umar, comprised of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, DSS, Nigerian Police, Civil Defence, NDLEA, Nigerian Immigration Service, Customs and FRSC.
Umar described the late Attorney General of Rivers State as a very reliable and industrious public officer.
While condoling with the government and people of Rivers State on his sudden demise, the Assistant Comptroller of Customs said late Aguma was a true professional.
He said: “All of us here interacted with him while he was alive. He was a true professional who was very reliable and industrious. He was active, cheerful and broadminded.”
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike reiterated that the late Attorney General of Rivers State was one of the best hands in the State Executive Council.
He said that it will be difficult to find a replacement for him as he was an embodiment of selfless service, professionalism and loyalty.
Wike explained that he noticed that the late Attorney General of Rivers State was ill during the series of commissioning.
He said though the Attorney General offered to witness the commissioning of National Industrial Court, he insisted that he should travel for urgent treatment.
The governor said that the passage of the Attorney General of Rivers State is very devastating at this time.
“No matter how painful it is, we cannot question God. Everything will be done to give him a befitting burial”.
Wike said that consultations are on with all major stakeholders to arrive at the burial date for the Attorney General of Rivers State.
The Rivers State Security Council later moved to the family of the Late Attorney General of Rivers State where they condoled with his aged mother.
At the home of the late Attorney General of Rivers State, very prominent Rivers leaders are condoling with the family.
Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili and his wife, Justice Mary Odili were on ground to pay their condolences.
Featured
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.
Featured
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.
Featured
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.