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2019: Wike Picks PDP Guber Ticket …Umahi, Okowa, Ayade Also
The Governors of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade have been returned unopposed as the sole gubernatorial candidate during the primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, yesterday, got a landslide endorsement by 3,345 delegates who voted for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) guber candidate for 2019 elections.
Though Wike is the sole candidate of the party in next year’s elections, the guber delegate primaries held at the man bowl of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt, however, confirmed him as the most popular candidate by the party in Rivers State.
Out of the 3,490 delegates that were accredited for the elections, only nine votes were voided, while 3,354 voted for the second term bid of the governor.
In his acceptance speech, Wike said the endorsement was an indication that the people had great confidence in what his administration has so far achieved.
He pledged not to abuse the confidence reposed in him as he promised for greater future for Rivers State and its citizens.
Wike declared that, “I will be ready from day one to work with everybody and with my soul to make Rivers State better than the past”.
The governor reminded the people that his experience there three and half years prepares him better than any candidate for the office of the governor, “I ‘am not coming to learn from the job. I am not new in governance”.
As far as he’s concerned, the business of transforming the state was ongoing, as the NEW Vision would be more consolidated if given the opportunity for a second tenure.
Meanwhile, the governor has adopted his deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo as a running mate for 2019.
Wike told thousand of PDP delegates who participated in the state guber primaries that, “having consulted widely I am still running with my deputy governor”.
In 2015, Wike broke the gender jinx, when he for the first time took a woman as a running mate.
Harry-Banigo, thereafter, became the first female deputy governor of the state.
Consequently, some PDP stalwart have hailed the, decision by the PDP in Rivers State to adopt Wike for a second term.
Member representing Opobo/Nkoro State Constituency, Hon. Adonye Diri told newsmen that Wike was the best option for Rivers State considering the numerous projects he has done all over the State.
“There is no person challenging him because he has shown us that he is capable. So, we are asking him to go again”, Diri remarked.
Former CTC Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Sir Boma Brown was of the view that Wike was the only candidate that can withstand the opposition in the State.
“Even under pressure Wike has been able to deliver projects. If you look at the governors in opposition Wike stands out. He is our best bet for now”, Brown said.
Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, and former Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Samuel Nwanosike said Wike was not tribalistic.
“There is no part you will go in Rivers State you will not see project sited or completed”, Nwanosike said.
“In Rivers State we have passed the issue of ethnicity or upland or riverine. We need somebody that can harness the resources for the good of everybody”.
In Ebonyi, the primaries, which took place at the Pa Ngele Oruta township stadium, was conducted amid tight security.
Umahi was declared winner following the absence of any other contestant which meant he contested unchallenged.
The chairman of the electoral panel, Senator Joy Emordi said that Governor Umahi polled a total of 1988 votes.
She said despite that Umahi was a sole aspirant for the position, a situation that would have necessitated voice votes, the decision to go into normal election was based on the party’s internal democracy to enable the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to monitor the proceedings.
Emordi described the exercise as very orderly, peaceful and organized and commended Governor Umahi for his developmental strides and expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the congress.
Speaking shortly after he was declared the winner of the PDP primary election, Umahi said he was humbled by the show of solidarity and commitment of the members of PDP and Ebonyi people in general which he said had enabled him to achieve monumental developments in the state within three years in office.
Umahi said the party flag given to him to run on its platform for the next four years as governor was a call to serve and do more work, adding that his second term will a period to do more work and consolidate on already achieved development.
He thanked the leadership of the party at all levels for providing a level playing field for all aspirants to contest in all the positions.
Umahi further stated that he is retaining his deputy governor, Barr. Eric Kelechi Igwe as his running mate in the 2019 general election.
“We are not ungrateful that the party, PDP, in the state allowed us to run alone. In other states, sitting governors are not allowed to run unchallenged but for us here, you allowed me to run alone. Indeed, I am grateful to PDP,” he stated.
The Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa also emerged as the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), promising that his second tenure would be better.
Chairman of the PDP gubernatorial primary elections in Delta State, Mrs Uzo Nwandu declared Okowa winner of the primaries held, yesterday in Asaba, stating that out of the 3, 278 accredited delegates from different local government areas of the state, 26 invalid votes were counted, while 3, 252 votes went to Okowa.
It could be recalled that Okowa was the only member of the PDP who picked the gubernatorial form and was successfully screened in Port Harcourt, Rivers State to participate in the primary election.
“During the 2015 elections you will recall that promises were made and we have continued to do the best that we can despite the very challenging times to ensure that we met with the promises but one good thing that Deltans have done is that they have continued to pray for us and partner with us in governance and I must say that I am very grateful to all Deltans particularly our leaders, our youths and our women; I thank you all for all that you have done to ensure that we have a peaceful state because without peace, we cannot develop.”
Okowa, who at the occasion announced that his Deputy, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro would be his running mate for the second term, continued, “the PDP in Delta is a family and we are very proud of this family and because we realize that we are a family, PDP has insisted that there will be equitable process where there is justice and fairness; because we are one family the PDP endorsed my candidacy in 2014 and I went through by the special grace of God during the elections and we won; today in your belief for equity, justice and fairness, the party has returned me unopposed as its candidate; I am very grateful and I thank you for being a party that reasons that we can only be a family when there is equity and fairness.”
The governor added, “I want to assure you that we will continue to remain strong under the leadership of our leader, Chief James Ibori; this party will remain focused, this party will be about Delta, we shall continue to ensure that we are strengthened enough to be recognized very strongly in national politics; there is no need to be afraid, there is no need to shake, when something happened in some states, people send text messages but, we have come as always in the name of God and because God is with us, there is nobody that can be against us.
“We are strong and we will continue to remain strong, we will go forth into the elections and we will win landslide; I am proud because I have each and every one of you, our God that was with us in 2015 is with us, so there is no cause for alarm, we must go out there to talk to the people, we must go as one united family, we must go carrying everyone along and I believe that this is the principle of our party, and even when we go into the congresses on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to elect candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly, let us go through these elections with brotherly and sisterly love, let us conduct it in peace,” he admonished.
Okowa, who was elated at the peaceful conduct of the primary elections emphasized, “I have spoken with our party chairman and I know that there will be a free and fair primaries and the results will also be free and fair and by the grace of God, I appeal to each and every one of us even when you lose in the ballot you have not lost everything because you belong to one united family.”
Former Governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, who addressed the delegates before the commencement of voting, charged Deltans to queue behind Okowa in the 2019 polls.
Former Deputy Governor, Chief Benjamin Elue, Senator Stella Omu, PDP Chairman in the state, Barrister Kingsley Esiso, among others, who spoke at the event, expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge victorious in the 2019 general elections as the state remains the stronghold of the party.
Also, Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, yesterday, emerged the governorship candidate of PDP for the 2019 elections through affirmation by delegates at the party’s primary election.
Ayade was announced as the candidate by the PDP panel Chairman, Mr Olorogun Tebite, who conducted the primaries.
Tebite said that Ayade was the only aspirant of the party in the state and explained that the delegates had to vote in order to complete due process in line with the electoral law.
He commended the delegates for their orderly behaviour during the primaries.
Responding after his election, Ayade thanked delegates from across the 18 local government areas and said that his endorsement was an evidence of his good works in the state.
“If given the second term mandate I would do more in the areas of industrialization and job creation. “I urge you all to vote PDP in 2019 election at all levels to ensure continuity in governance,” he said.
Kevin Nengia with Agency Reports
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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.