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Obio/Akpor, Degema, Christian Women Endorse Wike …Your Votes ’ll Make The Difference, Wike Tells Christians
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has charged Nigerians to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the country for Nigeria to return to the days of performance and development.
Addressing thousands of supporters during the PDP Campaign Rally at Obio/Akpor Local Government Area last Saturday, Governor Wike said that it is only under the PDP that sustained development can take place.
He said: “PDP is not a party of excuses. It is a party founded on development . It is a party of performance. That is why Nigerians must return to the PDP”.
The governor urged the people of Rivers State to vote massively for Atiku Abubakar for the revival of the seaports killed by the non-performing APC Federal Government in the state.
“Atiku Abubakar through quality economic policies will revive the Trans-Amadi Industrial Estate and the two seaports in Rivers State.
“Atiku Abubakar will create jobs and ensure that the government works for the good of all Nigerians”, he said.
While acknowledging Obio/Akpor as the Local Government Area with the highest number of registered voters in the state, Governor Wike urged the people to cast 90percent of their votes for the PDP and her candidates.
Governor Wike advised PDP members to ensure that the party wins all the 359 polling units of the Local Government Area. He said that political patronage would be based on winning of polling units.
“You must deliver your polling unit. Victory of the polling unit is the ticket to political appointments. We don’t want to hear any excuse that your polling unit result was snatched. You must protect the results “, he said.
The governor advised the people not to be deceived by INEC claims that they will organise credible polls. He said they should remain vigilant to protect their votes.
He said that the PDP remains sure of victory in Rivers State because his administration has satisfied the people.
Speaking further, Governor Wike said only those who have impacted positively on the state should contest elections or promote candidates. He said as a Minister he attracted development to the state. He wondered why the Minister of Transportation has failed Rivers People, despite his opportunities in the failed APC Federal Government.
Director General of Rivers State PDP Campaign Council, Ambassador Desmond Akawor said that all across Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the projects of Governor Wike are a testament of his performance
Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah said that the rally is a mass affirmation of the Governor’s acceptance by his people. He said that rally is more than a local government gathering.
He presented PDP Candidate for Rivers East Senatorial District, Senator George Sekibo, PDP Candidate for Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, Kingsley Chinda, PDP Candidate for Obio/Akpor State Constituency 1, Martins Amaewhule and PDP Candidate for Obio/Akpor State Constituency 2, Mr Michael Chinda to the people and asked them to vote for them.
PDP Candidate for Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, Kingsley Chinda said the governor has sold himself to Nigeria and Nigeria to the world. He said that the people are happy for the governor and his commitment to the development of the state.
He assured the people that all the legislators will represent the area effectively at the State and National Assembly.
Former President of the NBA, Chief Onueze Okocha lauded Governor Wike for his outstanding projects delivery and declared that he deserves re-election.
He said that the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area with the highest number of registered voters will vote all PDP candidates during the forthcoming general elections.
Former Attorney General of Rivers State, Mr Frank Owhor said it is the desire of the people to re-elect Governor Wike for the continuation of his good works.
Commissioner of Health, Prof Chike Princewill said that the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area will use the elections to make a statement of their preference for Governor Wike and the PDP.
President General of Grassroots Development Initiative, Bright Amaewhule said that the rally is a rehearsal of the victory party after the Governor’s re-election.
Chairman of PDP in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Chukwuemeka Aaron assured that the people would vote for Governor Wike and defend their votes.
Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Mr Solomon Eke said in all parts of the Local Government Area, Governor Wike has left his imprints of projects and performance.
Ace Musician and Port Harcourt First Son, Duncan Mighty thrilled the crowd with his songs.
Meanwhile, leaders and people of Degema Local Government Area have declared that they will work round the clock to ensure the re-election of Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
The leaders spoke at the PDP campaign rally in Degema yesterday, where they said all structures of the party have been energized to deliver Governor Wike in the 130 Polling Units of the area.
They said that key projects have been executed across Degema Local Government Area to improve the living condition of the people.
Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo described Governor Wike as a true leader who is Kalabari friendly. She hails from the area.
She said the Rivers State Governor has blessed Degema people with key projects. She thanked Governor Wike for keeping faith with her as his running mate.
“Since the creation of Rivers State, no woman has been deputy governor. In your tenure, you made it possible for a woman to be deputy governor”, she said.
She said that Degema people have decided that they would use their permanent voters cards to re-elect Governor Wike.
PDP Candidate for Bonny/Degema Federal Constituency , Doctor Farah Dagogo said Niger Delta people believe Governor Wike as an exceptional leader of the region. He said Niger Delta people are prepared to make sacrifices for Governor Wike to remain a leader of the region.
Former Degema Local Government Chairman, Mr Abiye Davids said that the PDP remains the only functional political party in the area.
Commissioner of Energy and Natural Resources, Elder Damiete Hebert Miller said that the Governor and Deputy Governor are a match for victory. He expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Governor for his outstanding projects delivery. Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Dr Tony Philmoore said that Degema people are working round the clock to re-elect Governor Wike.
Chairman of PDP Degema Local Government Area, Chief Tonye Tyger thanked the Rivers State Governor for his love for the area which led to the retention of Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo as his running mate.
Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah presented PDP Candidate for Rivers West Senatorial District, Mrs Betty Apiafi, PDP Candidate for Bonny/Degema Federal Constituency , Doctor Farah Dagogo and PDP Candidate for Degema State Constituency, Soberekon Raymond to Degema people and asked them to vote for them.
Addressing the rally, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike assured Degema people of more projects in the area.
The governor stated that his administration after consulting leaders of Degema Local Government Area, will elevate a traditional stool to first class status.
He called on Degema people to overwhelmingly vote for Atiku Abubakar for the transformation of the country.
He said for the people of Rivers State, Atiku Abubakar remains the best option because he has already started investing in the state.
Governor Wike stated that Atiku Abubakar will facilitate job creation for the teeming youths of the country.
“Voting for Atiku Abubakar will generate more jobs for the country and revive the economy. For us in Rivers State, he is the best option “, he said.
He said the struggle ahead is to fight to overcome the forces of darkness and dictatorship. He said all Nigerians must be united to make progress in this regard.
Governor Wike said that a vote for PDP will translate to freedom and development, noting that all PDP candidates deserve the votes of the people.
On the PDP Presidential Rally on Monday, Governor Wike urged the people to mobilise PDP to make the desired statement to the entire country.
Highpoint of the occasion, was the defection of hundreds of APC members to the PDP.
Similarly,thousands of Rivers Christian Women from the 23 Local Government Areas of the state have endorsed the re-election of Governor Nyesom Wike.
The women under the aegis of Women’s Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) declared that they are happy with the performance of Governor Wike since 2015.
Leader of Women’s Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) , Pastor Mrs. Ene Secondus said all Christian Women will use their permanent voters cards to support Governor Wike.
“We are here to publicly endorse the Re-election of Governor Wike. He has worked for Rivers State and enhanced the development of the state.
“All our permanent voters cards are dedicated to ensuring that the Rivers State Governor gets a second term. The state will benefit from his second term “, he said.
While thanking Governor Wike for constructing the Christian Ecumenical Centre for the unity of Rivers Christians, she said Christian Women are happy that Governor Wike has declared that Rivers is a Christian State.
She said that Governor Wike has made Christian Women to love his style of leadership and they are always praying for him.
They called on Governor Wike to as part of his educational programmes to indigent women by sponsoring adult women education in the state.
According to the Rivers Christian Women, their support for Governor Wike is borne out of passion and commitment to the development of the state.
Mrs Secondus announced that the women will also support the PDP Presidential Candidate and all other PDP candidates during the elections.
Responding, Governor Wike thanked Rivers Christian women for their overwhelming endorsement of his re-election.
Governor Wike said that it is incumbent on women to work for the bright future of the state and the country, hence they must guide their families to support PDP candidates.
“I am happy with the way that you have come to show your support for us this morning. This is a step in the right direction. The mobilisation is awesome “, he said.
He said all Christians must be concerned on the direction of the country, so that they can team up with other stakeholders to halt the nation’s free fall.
“Today, the level of insecurity in the country is horrible. People are being killed everyday. As Christians, we must be concerned about our future and destiny. When things are wrong, everyone is affected “, he said.
Governor Wike urged the women to use the opportunity of the elections to ensure a positive change in the country.
“This is a period that we must take a decision on the future of the country. We must make sacrifices by setting aside the election days of voting and defending our votes. No trading, farming or working on those days. We should reserve them for voting.
The governor charged the women to take up the role of voter mobilisation by talking to family members to turn and vote for the PDP.
He explained that only through such campaign will they enthrone Atiku Abubakar who will enhance security, employment opportunities and economic development.
“If you allow this government to continue at the Federal Level, then you are digging your graves. I will not dig my grave and you will not dig your grave because we have the opportunity to sack this failed APC Federal Government.
“You must cast your vote. You must exercise your right and vote out this bad government. Vote out the failed APC Federal Government and vote for PDP”, he said.
He urged the women to be agents of peaceful polls. He said as mothers, they should prevail on their children not to be used as killers or purveyors of violence.
The governor announced that his administration will embark on the vigorous promotion of Adult Women Education.
The women sang several endorsement songs to promote the candidacy of Governor Wike.
Special prayers were said for the success of the PDP during the elections. The women also prayed for the peaceful conduct of the polls.
In another development, Chief Nyesom Wike has called on Christians to troop out and vote during the forthcoming elections, because their votes will make the difference.
Speaking during a Special Combined yesterday Worship Service at the Deeper Life Camp Ground, Rumudara, Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said Nigerian Christians can no longer stand aloof while the country slides into destruction.
He said that Christians should not believe the false propaganda that they cannot influence the outcome of political contests in the country.
“You must vote during the forthcoming elections. If you don’t vote and a bad leader emerges, you are part of those that brought that bad leadership.
“Your vote can make the difference. So go ahead and vote to effect a positive change”, he said.
He charged the Church not to allow the Children of God to be surrounded by those not supposed to be in charge of leadership of the country.
The governor said that all Christians have witnessed first-hand the failures of the last four years of the Federal Government which have destroyed the economy, engendered unemployment, insecurity and dictatorial tendencies. He said this is the opportunity to chart a new direction.
Governor Wike said that all efforts of Christians to ensure that the country makes progress would be crowned when they vote for their preferred choice.
He appealed to Christians to continue to pray against those plotting electoral violence and bloodshed in Rivers State.
He said: “Please pray for this state. Pray against those plotting electoral violence in this state. Pray for the state to have peaceful and credible polls. Those plotting shall be disappointed.
“None of my supporters should engage in political violence on my behalf. Nobody should use violence to support me”.
The governor stated that security agencies plotting bloodshed in Rivers State will be consumed by their plot and Rivers State will emerge victorious.
He further urged the Church to pray for the Judiciary. He said Christians should pray that God enables Judges to act right despite the intimidation and false propaganda by the failed APC Federal Government.
The Deeper Life Camp Ground Youth Choir Ministered to the congregation in a Special number where they declared that they are no longer slaves to sin and fear, but children of God.
In his remarks, State Head of Deeper Life Church, Pastor Chike Onwuasunya said truly Governor Wike is Mr Project as his projects are visible.
He said that since 2015, Deeper Life Church in the state has been praying for the success of Governor Wike. He said the Church will always remain committed to praying for the state.
He declared that all those making prophecies and preaching violence against Rivers State will witness the peaceful elections. He said all evil plans will fail.
He urged Deeper Life members to vote to determine the positive direction of the country.
Prayers were said for the Rivers State Government, Governor Wike, his family and the peaceful conduct of credible elections.
The Adult Choir also ministered at the Church Service declaring freedom for the Children of God.
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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.