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2019: Buhari’s Neglect Of N’Delta, Determining Factor -Wike …Anglican Bishops Declare Support For Gov …As Rivers PDP Campaign Train Storms ASALGA
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has decried the total neglect of the Niger Delta by the APC-led Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking during the PDP campaign rally in Ahoada West Local Government Area in Akinima, yesterday, Wike said President Muhammadu Buhari through deliberate manipulation refused to fund major projects across the Niger Delta.
He said: “Even though the Niger Delta produces the wealth of the nation, there is no funding of projects in the area.
“Look at the East-West Road, no serious attempt has been made to fund the project. All other projects in the area have been abandoned…instead, few projects are found in the north and south West “.
He charged the people of Ahoada West Local Government Area to vote for Atiku Abubakar so as to address the developmental challenges of the Niger Delta region.
He said unlike the APC, the PDP is bent on the fulfilment of promises and the enhancement of the welfare of the people.
“When PDP makes a promise, it goes ahead to fulfill the promise. Everywhere in Nigeria, people are voting for the PDP because they keep their promises”, he said.
Commenting on the plot by the APC to disrupt the general elections in Rivers State, Wike said that they lack the capacity to stop polls from holding in the state.
“APC cannot stop the elections from holding in Rivers State. They think they have monopoly of violence. They are engaged in in-fighting and they should face the consequences of their disrespect for the rule of law.
“I call on the President to call members of his party in Rivers State to order. They should stop threatening us that there will be no elections. If there is no election in Rivers State, then, there will be no election across the country”, he said.
Wike said that the APC will not be allowed to create cattle grazing routes in Rivers State.
On the claim by the factional governorship candidate of Accord Party that projects cannot create jobs, Wike noted that perpetual governorship aspirant does not understand the development process.
He said the factional governorship candidate of Accord Party couldn’t successfully operate a dance club, hence he has no business contesting the position of a governor.
Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah said that the people are happy with the governor’s achievements in the area.
He presented Rivers West PDP Senatorial Candidate, Mrs Betty Apiafi, PDP candidate for Ahoada West/ONELGA Federal Constituency, Prince Uchechukwu Nnam-Obi and PDP candidate for Ahoada West State Constituency, Okpokiri Okpokiri to the people, and asked them to vote him.
PDP Candidate for Ahoada West State Constituency, Okpokiri Okpokiri called on the people to give total support for Wike and all PDP candidates
Director General of Rivers State PDP Campaign Council, Amb Desmond Akawor said Ahoada West have just one objective, which is to vote PDP candidates in all the 100 polling units of the LGA.
Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Mr Hope Ikiriko said that Ahoada West will totally vote for Wike.
He said that Wike ways pleases God, hence his enemies are at peace with him.
PDP Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Hon Princewill Ogbobula said that the governor’s achievements have weakened opposition parties in the area.
Leading female musician, Jikume Bethelem thrilled thousands of Wike supporters at the rally.
Meanwhile, Anglican Archbishop and Bishops of the Province of Niger Delta have declared that Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike deserves a second term for his outstanding developmental strides.
The Province of Niger Delta Anglican Bishops made the declaration during a programme for an evening of worship and prayers at the Government House Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Port Harcourt.
The clerics who took different prayer points invoked God’s protection and guidance for Governor Wike and other PDP candidates during the 2019 polls.
Leading the prayers, Archbishop of Anglican Niger Delta Province, Most Rev Tunde Adeleye said that Governor Wike represents a rare breed in the Nigerian political space. He said the Rivers State Governor is needed in the state to consolidate on his good works.
He said that the infrastructural development projects of Governor Wike have reshaped Rivers State and the Church firmly stands by the governor.
”God is with you and we will continue to pray for you. We will come again for thanksgiving. God does not institute prayers for nothing”, he said.
Archbishop Adeleye said that Federal Might is full of deceit and lies. He noted that Federal Might cannot stand in the presence of God.
At the Federal Level, he wondered why some unpatriotic politicians are pushing a tired politician to continue because they want to mismanage the resources of the country.
Prayers were said for peaceful elections, credible polls and success of Governor Wike and other PDP candidates at the polls.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike expressed gratitude to the clerics for standing with the people of Rivers State.
He said that it is edifying to realise that the Church is standing by them ahead of the general elections.
Governor Wike noted that after the two major elections, all PDP candidates will return to the Church for thanksgiving. He said that the Church will never be abandoned in the state.
The programme was attended by all PDP candidates in Rivers State.
In another development, All is now set as the Rivers State Governor and Governorship candidate of the PDP, His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Wike will visit Buguma in Asari Toru Local Government today, 25th January, 2019 as part of his state campaign rally.
A statement by the Director of Information and Communications of the Rivers State PDP Campaign Council Emma Okah says the campaign rally will take place at the fields of Kalabari National College (KNC), Buguma at 10am.
Some of the major projects undertaken by the Nyesom Ezenwo Wike administration in the LGA include:
Reconstruction of General Hospital, Buguma
Abalama Sandfill & Reclamation
Skill Aquisition Centre, Buguma
Reconstruction of Community Secondary School, Ido
Other schools
The statement urged the good people of Asari-Toru LGA to turn out enmasse and give the governor a resounding reception.
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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.