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2019 ELECTION VICTORY: Wike Praises Church For Standing Firm …Seeks United Front For Rivers Dev …Inaugurates Accreditation, Approves C’ttee For Private Schools, Today
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has praised the Christian community of the state for standing firm to defeat the forces of democratic darkness on March 9, 2019.
The governor noted that Rivers Christians insisted on Rivers mandate must be respected, despite the ugly plots against Rivers State.
He spoke at the 2019 Election Victory Thanksgiving Service in his honour and Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo by all the Anglican Dioceses of Rivers State at Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Wike said: “I want to use this medium to thank the church for their support. It is important for us to realise that but for the support and prayers of the church, we wouldn’t have attained victory.
“I heard that some people are angry that I declared Rivers as a Christian State. With what happened on March 9, 2019, it re-emphasised my conviction that Rivers is a Christian State. Nobody can intimidate me into changing my position”.
Wike assured the church that he will never disappoint the church, noting that he will continue to deliver development to the state.
“I will not disappoint the church. I will continue to support the church. When people who think that they are God came, Christians stood firm and showed that Rivers State is a Christian State”, he said.
He stated that all his actions during his second term would be geared towards growing the state. He said some of his policies may be tough, but they will be pro-people in nature.
The governor reiterated the state’s rejection of RUGA settlements for herdsmen in whatever form it would be introduced by the authorities.
He said that the state can only donate ocean water to the system via the laying of water pipelines to serve the cattle in the northern part of the country.
In a sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Okrika Diocese, Rt Rev Tubokosemie Abere, said the Thanksgiving Service marked the beginning of a glorious era in Rivers State.
He said: “Today marks the journey of a glorious era of our state. The attitude of thanksgiving will never end in our state”.
Abere urged all Rivers politicians to work with the Rivers State governor to develop the state in line with the hand of reconciliation extended by Wike.
He commended the Rivers State governor for his outstanding performance in his first term, and urged him to step up the tempo in his second term.
The cleric noted that the thanksgiving service was necessary to appreciate God for standing with Rivers people during the elections and stopping the enemies of democracy who wanted to impose a governor.
The Saint Paul’s Choir and the Government House, Port Harcourt Choir sang two songs that prayed God to bless Rivers State, grant her peace and create the right environment for development.
The Thanksgiving Service was officiated by the Anglican Bishop of Okrika Diocese, Rt Rev Tubokosemie Abere, Bishop of Diocese of Ahoada, Rt Rev Clement Ekpeye, Bishop of Ogoni Diocese , Rev Dr Solomon Gberegbara, Bishop of Etche Diocese, Rt. Rev Okechukwu Nwala, Bishop of Ikwerre Diocese, Rt Rev Blessing Enyindah, Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, Bishop of Niger Delta Diocese, Rt Rev Cornelius Ebirien and Bishop of Niger Delta North, Rt Rev Wisdom Ihunwo.
In a remark, Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt Rev Innocent Ordu said that the entire Anglican Community in Rivers State celebrated Governor Wike and Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo for their contributions to the development of the state.
He said that governor and his deputy as confirmed Anglican parishioners, have lived up to the expectations of the people.
Prayers were said for Rivers State, Governor Wike, Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo and the country.
All Dioceses published goodwill messages for the Rivers State governor and his administration.
Songs of praise and worship rent the air and lifted the spirit of parishioners who attended the thanksgiving service.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has called on leaders of the state from all political persuasions to liaise with his administration to move the state forward.
Speaking during the first anniversary Thanksgiving Service of Anglican Bishop of Niger Delta North, Rt Rev Wisdom Ihunwo at the Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, last Saturday, the governor said it was incumbent on leaders of the state to work for the development of the state.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke, the Rivers State governor said with the conclusion of elections, this was the time to promote a united front for growth.
Wike said: “Now that elections have been won and lost, it is important for us to come together for the development of the state.
“The governor said that all political actors should reconcile for the good of the state. He forgave those who offended him and also sought forgiveness. Some criminal cases against some politicians have been withdrawn to pave the way for peace.
“The governor is serious about peace and he is determined to promote peace at all times for the purpose of development in Rivers State”.
He appealed to the church to participate in the development process, saying that the contributions of the church will make the difference, and congratulated the bishop for his first eventful year in office.
He commended him for his investments in human empowerment, which is in line with the achievements of the Rivers State Government.
In his remarks, the Anglican Bishop of Niger Delta North, Rt Rev Wisdom Ihunwo, thanked God for giving him the opportunity to serve in his vineyard.
While acknowledging that there was much work to be done, he prayed God to always create the avenue for the Diocese to grow.
In a sermon, Anglican Bishop of Etche Diocese, Rt Rev Precious Nwala, said that the Grace of God was necessary for salvation and social growth.
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Mr Solomon Eke, said that Bishop Wisdom Ihunwo was a blessing to the church and the people of Rivers State.
Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, will today inaugurate the newly constituted Committee for Accreditation and Approval of Private Schools in Rivers State.
The inauguration ceremony would hold at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt, at 12noon.
A statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, advised the committee members are to be seated by 11.30am at the Executive Council Chambers.
The Rivers East Committee to be given legal powers and operating orders has Prof. Mercury Ndimele as chairman, and Barrister. Florence Akaakar as secretary, while Prof. Eric C. Amadi, Dr Sam Edeh, Prof. Prince Chinedu Nmom, Mrs Martha Fortune Iruene, Dr Ngozi Iheanacho, Prof. Lawrence Emenike Bull Igwe, Deacon Awajiokinor M. Mfianigh, Bishop Emmanuel Datubo Fubara, Dr. Torbiro Lazaasi Lenee, Prof Mrs Opuenebo B. Owen and Engr Dr Hilkiah A. Ogoni as members.
Other members of the committee are, Barrister Simeso Amachree, Prof Jason Ossai, Engr Charles Kennedy, Dr Goodnews Wabah, Dr Clinton Eluozo, Dr Eme Weli, Prof Nlerum Okogbule, Mrs Mae Solomon (Director, Quality Assurance Dept Secondary), Mr Gilbert Dodd Samuel (SUBEB), Mrs Stella Ichenwo, and Dr Samuel Kalagbo.
The Rivers West Committee has Prof. Felix Ideriah as chairman, and Prof Onyee Nwankpa as secretary, while Dr Mrs. Ngozi Ordu, Mr. Ogbonda G. Darlington, Prof. Joyce Akaninwo, Onyenweaku Nwauche, Barrister Blessing Amadi, Dr Animia Wodu, Augustine Nelson, Dr Jacob Chujor, and Mr Sunny Jumbo (Director, Quality Assurance Dept Nursery/Primary) are members.
The Rivers South-East Committee has Prof Okey Onuchukwu as chairman and Mrs Grace Akpogunum as secretary, while Mr Orlu Lucky, Dr Onyinechi Wariboko, Sir. Charles Amadi, Dr Ibinabo Bobmanuel, Dr Awotein George, Mr Charles Paul K. E. Tomi, Dr Maxwell Eremie, Sir Emeh Wali, and Mr Akwor Boniface (SUBEB) are to serve as members.
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.