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Nigerians ‘ll Resist Attempt To Truncate Democracy -Wike …Urges Rivers People To Vote Out Evil Buhari’s Govt
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has stated that Nigerians will resist any attempt by the APC-Federal Government to deliberately truncate the nation’s democracy.
Speaking during the inter-denominational service to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral, Rumuapara Deanery, Port Harcourt, yesterday, Governor Wike said that the illegal actions of the Buhari administration are pointers to the fact that he may not willingly hand over after he suffers defeat in February.
Wike said that charges concocted by the Buhari administration against the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) are aimed at frightening the Judiciary, ahead of the planned manipulation of the polls.
The governor noted that the concocted charges against the Chief Justice Of Nigeria are targeted at the Niger Delta, same way they muzzled former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He said: “Since 1960 when Nigeria gained independence, for the first time in 2011, a Niger Delta person became the President. The entire country ganged up against him . They gave excuses and denied us a second term. We did not fight. We did not shed blood. He said his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian and they called him a weak man.
“Since 1960, no Niger Delta person has been the Chief Justice of Nigeria. When it came to his own time to be appointed the Chief Justice of Nigeria politics came in. They were not willing to appoint him. It was God that created the circumstances. The President was sick and was flown out. That was how Onnoghen became the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
“Now, because they believe that the Niger Delta is not part of this country, they have come again with all kinds of stories. They think they are talking to small children. Fabricated stories and said he did not declare his assets in 2011. Step aside for who take over. We must know whether or not we belong to this country. Enough is enough. I have never seen people who are so desperate to cling to power”.
The governor added: “When they came before to attack the judiciary, I raised alarm. I told them what they were doing is part of their future plan. Unfortunately, NBA did not realise it. They chickened out and gave out their judges. Not knowing that the lion is still waiting somewhere to complete the assignment.
“They have INEC and the security agencies. They have plotted how to rig the elections. But they have not been able to gag the judiciary.
Governor Wike expressed surprise that the Attorney-General of the Federation would be used by the failed APC Federal Government to concoct illegal charges against the Chief Justice Of Nigeria.
“They know and the law is clear. You cannot try any judge except the National Judicial Council approves. They know they cannot try the CJN. But all they are doing is to cause embarassment. Put fear in all the judges.
“An Attorney General who calls himself an Attorney General will sit and file such charges against the Chief Justice of Nigeria one month to the general election. What kind of crisis are they setting up. They want to cause crisis in the judiciary and they think everyone should keep quiet?”, he said
Wike said the extreme manipulation of the system and the enthronement of a culture of impunity by the Buhari administration will not augur well for the country.
He said: “Nigeria will resist any attempt to truncate this democracy. With what I am seeing with this present government, because they are smelling defeat, they are not likely to hand over if they lose. Mark it today.
“If they lose, they will prefer something funny to happen. Anybody that does that will face the consequences. Now they are pushing people to the wall. Be careful how you deny people their mandate. Allow people’s votes to count.
“We are no longer in a democracy. This system is worse than the military. Even under the military, opinions of the people count”.
On Rivers State, Governor Wike said any security personnel plotting evil against the state will face God’s judgment and punishment.
In a sermon titled: “Your Work will follow you”, Venerable John Adubasim said Rivers people are happy with the achievements of Governor Wike.
He prayed God to bless the families of the fallen heroes and war veterans, saying that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
The Cleric warned against the attempt to scuttle the nation’s democracy by enemies of democracy.
He said that God will embarass anyone trying to subvert the will of the people of Rivers State.
Venerable Adubasim said the military should not allow themselves to be used to be used to manipulate the elections.
Simeon Nwakaudu , Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media. 13th January, 2018.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has called on Rivers people to vote out the evil APC Federal Government on February 16, so as to attract benefits to the state.
Speaking during a mobilisation meeting at Unit 7 Ward 9 of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Saturday, Governor Wike said that Rivers people will queue behind the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during the elections.
He stated that all through the 4442 polling units in the state, Rivers people will vote out the failed APC Federal Government in unison. He said since 2015, the Buhari administration has not initiated or executed any project in Rivers State.
The governor said that mobilisation for votes is happening at the unit level to carry all Rivers people along in the move to oust Buhari from the Presidency.
He said: “Vote out Buhari and vote in Atiku Abubakar. Let Buhari and APC pack and leave the Presidential Villa. Buhari’s tenancy has expired”.
He urged the people of the state to be alert at their respective units to ensure that PDP wins at all levels.
Governor Wike said rather than develop the country, the APC Federal Government is fighting all institutions in a bid to rig the forthcoming elections.
He said: “The APC Federal Government is fighting everyone. They struggled to destroy the National Assembly and failed. They are also fighting the judiciary, so they can rig the forthcoming elections. They are trying to intimidate the judiciary “.
The governor added: “This government has suffered Nigerians beyond measures. This government is evil. There is nothing good that will come out of this government. This is the worst Federal Government ever “.
Speaking on the State-wide unit mobilisation meetings, the governor said that it is meant to reach out directly to voters and propagate the need to work for Rivers development.
”I came to interact with those registered at my unit. This is happening across the state. This is a meeting for everyone registered in this unit. It is not restricted to PDP members. It is for everyone registered under the units. Reach out to them and ensure they vote PDP.
”During the next meeting, ensure you come with four persons . Every registered voter should be reached. Through this process, we will reach everyone”, he said.
Leader of the unit, Kingsley Owabie said that the unit will continue to support Governor Wike for his outstanding projects delivery.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.