Featured
Wike Tackles Insecurity In Ogoni …Inspects 2nd Term Inauguration Venue …Abe Lauds Gov On Peace Initiative …RSG Withdraws Charge Against Lloyd
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has declared that his administration is working with security agencies to tackle rising insecurity and cultism in Ogoniland.
Addressing Ogoni Political Leaders, Traditional Rulers and Youth Groups, yesterday, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike said the government was deploying all necessary machinery to restore peace in the troubled area.
He said: “All of the persons involved in cultism are known by the community leaders. We are coming after them to restore peace to Ogoni communities.
“This time, no effort will be spared. Attention is on the Ogoni area to check the rising insecurity. All through yesterday, the State Security Council met, and resolved on the best way to tackle the cultists”.
The governor charged community leaders to also work out modalities to tackle cultism, saying that the state government would give them full support to achieve desired results.
He warned against the illegal removal of government-recognised chiefs by unauthorised persons, saying that such illegal actions lead to conflicts that degenerate into insecurity.
He regretted the situation in Eleme where a government-recognised traditional ruler was illegally removed by some unauthorised persons.
Wike said that the state government was taking measures to reach out to traditional rulers who were not recognised by government, so that they can contribute to the promotion of security in their respective communities.
The governor, however, noted that part of the problem in Ogoniland was the planned resumption of oil production.
He said that he has received a letter from the National Security Adviser on the commencement of production at OML 11, and noted that he was not duly informed on the process.
Wike added that going forward, the state government and Ogoni people should be carried along on the OML 11 issue, saying that dialogue would yield better results.
He said: “I got a letter from the National Security Adviser. Part of the problem is OML 11. I have written back to them, and said you did not inform me when you were going there. If you want to go into a community, tell me as a governor. But even if there will be, we need to sit down and resolve issues.
“I have told the Federal Government that they cannot use force in doing everything. We need to sit down and resolve issues. As a government, we are losing revenue no doubt, but the people must be involved so that everyone is part of what is happening. I will not support anything that will make Ogoni people not to benefit from their resources. I will not do anything to betray the people who have given me their mandate. I will never do that”.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Usman Belel urged the people to support the security agencies to fight insecurity, and called for confidential information to help the security agencies track down cultists in the area.
He said cultism was not a way of life, but a criminal action that would be checked by the security agencies.
Chairman of the Supreme Ogoni Council of Chiefs, King Godwin Giniwa assured the Rivers State governor that Ogoni people would support his drive to promote peace and security in the area.
Meanwhile, ahead of activities to herald his swearing in for a second term, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, yesterday, inspected the venue for the State Thanksgiving Service.
The governor, who was accompanied by the Senator-elect, Dr Sandy Onoh (Cross River Central) moved round the Yakubu Gowon Stadium where officials were getting the facility ready for the historic event.
Wike later inspected the Obi Wali Cultural Centre, which will host the State Variety Night.
At the Real Madrid Football Academy, Wike was impressed with the level of work.
The academy is almost ready for commissioning.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Magnus Abe has commended Governor Nyesom Wike for his call on all opposition political parties and politicians to work with his administration for the sake of peace and security in the state.
Abe, who made the commendation during a stakeholders’ meeting of his faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bera, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, stated that from the governor’s recent statements and actions, he believes that the state chief executive was sincere with the Olive branch he offered to opposition parties.
According to him, “From what I have seen of the governor, from the things that he has said and from the actions he has taken, I want to give him the benefit of doubt. I believe that he is sincere, and I think that all sincere Rivers men and women should also make whatever sacrifice and contribution that they can make to help us get this state back on track.
“This is not about politics. It is not about who lost and who won. It is about how we can make it possible for the ordinary Rivers man or woman to be able to survive and go about their businesses without fear in this state,” Abe explained.
He called on all Rivers people to support the state government in returning peace and security in Rivers State; just as he admonished APC members in the state to join hands in rebuilding the party’s structure so that everyone can benefit.
Abe stated further, “I am prepared to make any sacrifice and do anything that will contribute to rebuilding the APC properly in a manner that respects the rights and the obligations, commitments and support of party members across the state.”
Abe also thanked them for ‘their steadfast’ support to the party and for their determination and commitment to the party, which he said, contributed to the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in the last general election.
Also, the Rivers State Government has withdrawn one of the three charges bordering on malicious destruction of public property brought against the former leader of the state House of Assembly and a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Chidi Lloyd.
This followed an application ‘nolli prosecue’ brought before a state High Court, presided over by Justice Chinwendu Nworgu, yesterday, to withdraw from the continued prosecution of the matter by the state government.
The counsel to the state government, Mr Adeyemi Damilare told the court that the state government was no longer interested in continuing with the prosecution, and urged the judge to strike out the matter.
He told the court that the state government, through the attorney general of the state, has the right to withdraw from any prosecution on behalf of the state when the need arises.
Counsel to the accused, Mr Azundah Onyekwere, did not oppose the application to withdraw from the case.
Ruling on the matter, the trial judge, Justice Chinwendu Nworgu struck out the matter as requested by the state government.
In an interview with newsmen outside the court room, counsel to Chidi Lloyd, averred that even though the court has struck out the matter, they were worried that the state government might resurrect the matter later.
According to him, “this is the fourth time the state government was entering ‘nolli prosecue’ against Chidi Lloyd and later came up with the matter again”, and appealed that the matter should no longer be resurrected under any guise.
It would be recalled that the state government had recently withdrawn murder charges against the embattled factional state chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon Ojukaye Flag-Amachree as part of efforts to promote genuine reconciliation and peace in the state.
Akujobi Amadi & Dennis Naku
Featured
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.
Featured
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.