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Fintiri Emerges PDP Convention Committee Chairman
The PDP NEC, yesterday, appointed the Governor of Adamawa State, Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, as the chairman of the party national convention scheduled for October 30, Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, his deputy while Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, is to serve as secretary.
The party’s NEC has also appointed the Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as the chairman of Zoning Committee, Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, is deputy while Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Barrister Mahdi Aliyu Mohammed, is to serve as secretary of the committee.
The appointment of Fintiri as the chairman of the Convention Committee, it was gathered, generated some controversy among party members, who were of the opinion that he’s a close ally to the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
Some party members, who observed that all the appointments have been taken over by the governors, added that the governors were not only taking appointments but have taken over the entire party.
The governors, it was also gathered, are likely to do some shakeup in some organs of the party after the convention, especially the Board of Trustees (BoT).
Recall that the party had been embroiled in leadership crisis.
This development had prompted the emergence of Yemi Akinwonmi, the deputy national chairman South to lead the party, because of the sack of Prince Uche Secondus.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the 93rd NEC meeting presided over by Akinwonmi, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan said, “NEC approved the composition of the National Convention Planning Committee as well as the Zoning Committee to zone National Working Committee offices.”
On the National Convention Planning Committee, Ologbondiyan said, “NEC approved Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the Governor of Adamawa State as chairman, 2021 National Convention Organizing Committee.
“Senator Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa State is Deputy Chairman of the committee, while Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State is to serve as Secretary.”
On the Zoning Committee, the party said, “NEC approved Rt Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Governor of Enugu State as Chairman of Zoning Committee.
“Dr. Samuel Ortom, the Governor of Benue State is Deputy Chairman and Barrister Mahdi Aliyu Mohammed is secretary of the committee.
“NEC charged the committees to work hard to ensure the successful conduct of the National Convention.”
On the David Mark Committee set up by the NEC to address the leadership crisis in the party, Ologbondiyan disclosed that “NEC received the report of the Senator David Mark committee, which is intervening in certain issues relating to the leadership challenges in our party. The David Mark committee assured that efforts are on to resolve all court matters.”
The National Publicity Secretary, however, said that date has not been fixed for the submission of report by the zoning committee, but the convention date remain intact.
During the inauguration of Anambra State governorship campaign council headed by Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu earlier, Akinwonmi disclosed that the selection and choice of the national campaign were carefully made after an extensive and intensive consultation across all strata of PDP.
“The leadership of PDP has the highest optimism that the membership is capable and competent to deliver Anambra back to PDP come November 6, 2021. Anambra will fall for PDP.
“I call on all members of the Council and Ndi Anambra to close ranks and deliver the state to PDP families. The cooperation of all and sundry is expected for the actualization of PDPs dream. I would like to seize this opportunity to appreciate on behalf of the PDP, all the aspirants, who dramatically contested with the candidate, your spirit of sportsmanship is wonderful.
“I call on you to kindly hold hand together to deliver Anambra to PDP. We call on all of us to set aside differences, and look at the PDP and Nigeria above any personal consideration. Anambra is winnable for PDP,” he said.
The Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa said that PDP is set to win the elections in Anambra State.
“We have had very useful discussions with our candidates and also the chairman of the local campaign Council in Anambra State. Anambra had always been populated by the PDP. Unfortunately, because of one issue or the other we have always run into problems.
“We want to reassure the party that we are going to put in all, to ensure that we reconcile everyone, and that we go into that election as one body. And that definitely we’re going to win that election by the special grace of God.
“We know our people in Anambra, we know that they are party people, we know also that there have been issues in the past, that those issues that divide us. We are going to work day and night to ensure that we all step out from our comfort zones and step into the field to talk to the people, and to win back all who have left the party, as much as possible,” he said.
The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar called for understanding and total reconciliation of party faithful across the country.
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.