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Mobile Courts On Street Trading In PH Begin Sitting, Today …Wike Assures Traders Of Conducive Business Environment …Residents Hail Gov On Clean City Initiative
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has stated that the mobile courts for the Task Force on Street Trading, Illegal Markets and Motor Parks would become operational, today.
Addressing operatives of the Task Force on Street Trading, Illegal Markets and Motor Parks at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, Wike said that the Magistrates would be deployed to the various locations, today.
The governor said: “From tomorrow (today), Magistrates will sit at the various locations to prosecute offenders of the law banning street trading.
“Your business is to arrest the offenders in line with the law and take them to the magistrates for trial. Anyone that is guilty will be sanctioned by the Magistrates”.
He warned the operatives of the task force against taking laws into their hands, stressing that the state government would not tolerate them manhandling any offender.
Wike said that the ultimate goal of the exercise was to ensure that there were no street traders in Port Harcourt and that illegal motor parks were closed.
“We don’t want to see any street traders anywhere in Port Harcourt. Your duty is to ensure that the streets are clean.
“Those selling corn and other items on the roads should also leave. If you want to be a trader, kindly move into the markets”, he advised.
He noted that a committee has been established to monitor the activities of the task force, and warned that where there are infractions, the operatives would be sanctioned.
The governor warned the operatives against harassing people for money, warning that any operative indicted for seeking bribe would be sacked.
He regretted that some operatives don’t go to their duty posts, and explained that modalities have been put in place to fish out such truant operatives.
The governor charged the operatives to shun acts that would attract negative publicity to the task force, stressing that all eyes were on them, hence they must remain focused on their legal responsibilities.
He said that he called the emergency meeting basically to appreciate the operatives for their excellent performance, and charged them to perform better.
Wike assured that additional 450 personnel would be employed, while more vehicles would be handed over to the task force.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has restated its commitment to provide an enabling environment that would promote business activities, just as it urged traders to be brand ambassadors by portraying the state in positive light in all their dealings.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, who led a team of directors of the ministry, stated this during an advocacy visit to the leadership of the Rivers State Traders Association in Port Harcourt.
He said traders as key stakeholders were better disposed to contribute to the development of the state by promoting the ideals and values of the state, noting that the Rivers State was peaceful and safe for investments.
Nsirim stated that traders have critical role to play in the development agenda of the current administration, noting that the construction of the Fruit Garden, Mile One phase one and two markets as well as the Rumuokoro ultra-modern markets were eloquent testimonies of the government’s resolve to ensure that businesses thrive.
He further said that the compensation to traders of the fire incident at the Fruit Garden Market was a demonstration that Governor Nyesom Wike attaches premium to the welfare of traders and business owners in the state.
“We want everybody leaving and doing business in Rivers State to know that the state belongs to us, and that when the state is prospering, our businesses will prosper.
“The truth of the matter is that there are people who are making our state not look like what God has created it to be. They will go to the media; they will go outside the state, and say all sorts of bad things about Rivers State.
“These will make people to run away from the state and making people not to come and do business here. But as you know, the person who is selling Garri in the market will make more profit if more people are leaving and doing business in Port Harcourt and other parts of the state.
“So, we have introduced a campaign that we have tagged ‘Our State, Our Responsibility’,” Nsirim explained, just as he solicited the support of the traders to support the policies and programmes of the government.
He also urged them to collaborate with the state government, especially in the on-going enforcement exercise of illegal street trading, illegal markets and motor parks in the state, pointing out that henceforth, anyone caught flouting government directive would be prosecuted.
Nsirim also urged the traders to support the government in the fight against crime by reporting criminal elements to security agencies.
Responding, the President General, Rivers State Traders Association, Comrade Victor Bekwele, commended Governor Nyesom Wike for his infrastructural and human capital development across the state.
Bekwele specifically lauded the governor for the construction of world-class markets for traders in the state; even as he thanked the Information and Communications Ministry for promoting peace and development of the state through its advocacy campaign.
He pledged the support and loyalty of the traders to the WIke-led government, and expressed happiness that it was the first time the association was receiving officials of government in its secretariat.
According to Bekwele, “We thank God for this visit and for the campaign. It is our state and it is our responsibility. Let nobody represent us in disguise. This is the first time we are receiving government officials in our secretariat.
“We are very happy and I must tell you that by this visit, our one year in office is successful. The traders in Rivers State are happy with Governor Wike, and we are ready to work with him anywhere, anytime,” he said, stating that the association was against street trading, hence it would support the task force set up to rid the streets of illegal traders and illegal motor parks to succeed.
Also, some residents of Port Harcourt City have expressed delight at the clean state of Port Harcourt, just one week into the operation of the task force on street trading.
Some of the residents, who spoke to our correspondent, rated the impact made so far very high, and commended the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for the initiative.
A resident of Ojoto Street in Mile111 Diobu, Chief Noah Joseph, said he was surprised at the high success recorded by the task force within a short period of its existence.
“I am quite happy, and I want to commend Governor Nyesom Wike. I want to commend the chairman and members of the task force on street trading for making us proud.
“I sincerely believe in clean Port Harcourt, but you see with the lack of political will by past administrations that tried it and failed, I doubted the success of the exercise.
“But two days into the exercise, I returned from the village where I travelled to, behold, it was a new city, I saw. I pray that the task force sustains the success and possibly improve on it”, he said.
Another respondent, Pastor Emmanuel Uwa, rated the task force high in its effort, and urged them not to relent.
“Governor Nyesom Wike has again shown that with determination, any government can achieve whatever good thing it desires for the people.
“Kudos to the governor, kudos to the task force members and kudos to the residents of Port Harcourt City for their cooperation, which made it possible for the initiative to record such a wonderful feat in such a short period”.
Speaking in similar vein, a trader at the Mile 1 Market, Chinonso Ekwunife, said the initiative has transformed Port Harcourt back to a clean city.
“I am very happy that all the cluster of dirt, illegal parks that used to be everywhere, especially along lkwerre Road are no more.
She stated that at the initial period, there was doubt that operators of the task force would be influenced by bribe, but rather than that, they displayed strong commitment, and urged them to continue in such a spirit.
Another respondent, Godknows Uche, said he could not believe that such areas as Rumuokoro, Mile 111 Park vicinity, Waterlines could be so clean and with no traffic obstructions.
“I sincerely thank the governor for the good result. It means that the decade long slogan of restoring Port Harcourt to back to its Garden City status could become a reality.
“What is important is to sustain the success so far recorded because those who benefit from the illegalities may not be resting. Continue to pursue the initiative without compromise”, he added.
Taneh Beemene, Dennis Naku, Chris Oluoh
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.