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Trans-Kalabari Road On Course, Banigo Affirms …Says DELGA, ASALGA LG Bosses, Replica Of Wike
The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has assured that Phase 1 of the Trans-Kalabari Road project was definitely on course, and would be completed on schedule.
Banigo made this assertion during the commissioning of the Chief Amabibi Don Pedro Compound Memorial Hall in Bakana, last Saturday, as part of the celebration of the first 100 days in office of the Degema Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Michael John Williams.
According to Banigo, “The Trans-Kalabari Road is a project that is very much desired by the Kalabari people, it is a complete breakthrough for them and it is something that will elevate their standard of living”.
The deputy governor poured encomiums on the Degema Local Government Chairman, Hon. Michael John Williams; and his Asari Toru counterpart, Hon. Onengiyeofori George; for emulating the State Chief Executive, Chief Nyesom Wike in the area of project execution, adding that the projects have impacted positively on the lives of the people.
“The chairman of Degema has completed this as part of his 100 days programme, it is one of many projects across Degema, the chairman of Asari Toru, who is here, has also done a lot, and I am very proud of them because the projects are quality projects, they are following the style of Governor Nyesom Wike, Mr Quality Projects. The projects have touched the lives of the people; projects that the people desire, that is why they are rejoicing.”
She described them as true replica of Governor Nyesom Wike, and urged the people to continue to keep the peace to attract more development into the area, stressing that the PDP remains the only hope to rescue Nigeria.
Banigo, said that only council chairmen under the control of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), were performing, despite the harsh economy of the country.
“Today, only council chairmen sponsored by our party, PDP, are the ones performing, particularly the Degema Local Government chairman, even though we hear there is no money in the country.
“He is working and following the footsteps of our workaholic Governor, the Mr. Quality Projects; Chief Nyesom Wike, that is why we call him ‘Wike’s Son Number One.’
“Today, we are still celebrating his first 100 Days in office with so many projects littered across the LGA, imagine what he would do as he continues.
“We are grateful to God for giving us a chairman, who loves his people and is doing everything to unite the party and the various communities,” she added.
Banigo thanked party and community leaders in Bakana for maintaining peace in the area, stressing that only a peaceful community would attract development.
She emphasised that politics should bring about, unity, peace and development, warning that any political party that fails to promote the above ideals should not be entrusted with the people’s mandate.
Commenting on the newly built edifice, the deputy governor noted that it was first of its kind, as it was very unique and iconic.
She stated that the Wike-led administration meant well for the Kalabari people, that was why it commenced the historic Trans-Kalabari Road Project, which would be completed within next year, as well as embarking on several other projects in Kalabari land, including the soon-to-be commissioned ultra-modern secondary school in Bakana.
The first female deputy governor in Rivers State, while drumming support for the administration of the council chairman, urged the people to remain resolute in their support for the PDP, as that was the only party that would deliver without excuses.
Earlier, a Second Republic politician and Chief in Pedro’s Compound, Chief Hon. Levy Braide, disclosed that he and others recently ditched their former party; the APC for the PDP, owing to the superlative performances of the Council Chairman at the LGA and Governor Wike at the State levels, adding; “now we have what to campaign with.”
Braide, who represented Degema Constituency in the State Assembly and later became Commissioner for Works in the Chief Melford Okilo administration, expressed joy that what he had planned to do for the compound over 40 years ago, but failed to achieve, had been accomplished by Hon. Michael John Williams–a proud son of the compound, in just about three months of his administration.
He added; “the projects we are seeing everywhere across Degema today is a clear statement that Michael John Williams is the David that God ordained to give Bakana and the entire Degema LGA a facelift.”
While thanking the governor for commencing the first phase of the Trans-Kalabari Road, Braide, appealed to the governor to kindly consider Bakana and Ogurama communities in the second phase, as according to him, the people were experiencing great difficulty accessing their communities, especially as they have to spend several hours struggling with tankers along the Abonnema Wharf road at a great risk to their lives.
He added that in the alternative, a pontoon system could be established by the state government with internal roads, to address the avoidable losses of lives due to boat mishaps.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Michael John Williams, who disclosed that he would continue to execute projects that would make the governor proud and impact positively on the lives of the citizenry, described Bakana as a peaceful community.
He expressed gratitude to the deputy governor for leading him to Christ whom he said was his foundation.
Williams stated that during the campaigns, he assured the people of the LGA that the PDP administration under Governor Nyesom Wike would not put them to shame.
He disclosed that when his administration commenced the project, naysayers expressed doubts about its completion, but to the glory of God it was completed within the first 100 days of the administration
Williams eulogised the deputy governor for her motherly role in his life and political career, assuring that his administration would not let her and the people of Degema down, but would continue to do more to better the LGA.
Earlier, the PDP Chairman, Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Abbey had said he was proud of the developmental strides of the council chairman, noting that the people of the area made no mistakes in electing Hon. Michael John Williams into office.
Abbey, who is also the chairman of the Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI) in DELGA, stated that Bakana and the entire LGA were not regretting in voting for Hon. Williams, adding that the PDP leadership, both in the LGA and state levels were proud of the sterling performance of the DELGA council boss.
He said the deputy governor honoured the invitation to come and commission the project because she knew that her son had delivered, assuring that; “what you are seeing here today is just a tip of the iceberg, more is on the way.”
Highpoint of the day was presentation of a portrait to the council chairman by youths of the Amabibi Don Pedro Compound, in appreciation of his kind gesture.
There were cultural displays from Iria dance group and others to entertain guests.
The occasion was attended by dignitaries across the state, including the Special Guest of Honour; the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo; the DELGA Council Chairman, Hon. Michael John Williams; and his Vice, Mrs. Maureen Harry; Chairman of Asari-Toru LGA, Hon. Onengiyeofori George; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Roland Obed-Whyte.
Others include; PDP Chairman in DELGA, Hon. Peter Abbey, his predecessors; Hon. Elias Davies; and Hon. Tonye Tyger; former caretaker committee chairman of DELGA, Mrs. Okorite Adiele; and former Commissioner for Special Duties in Rivers State, Dr. Emily Solomon.
The rest include Leader of the Degema Legislative Assembly, Hon. Johnson Eugene; councillors across the 17 wards of the LGA, chiefs, top functionaries and other appointees of the council, PDP chairmen across the 17 wards of the LGA, party chieftains, amongst others.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the modernised fire-fighting units with new buildings, necessary machinery, materials and equipment will strengthen the emergency response capability of personnel to fire incidences in the State.
The Governor pointed to how the provision will drastically reduce, if not eliminate, the vulnerability of Rivers population to fire disasters, as according to him, there will be timely assistance to victims to reduce damage and bolster conditions for sustainable development.
Governor Fubara, who gave the assurance while inaugurating the Rivers State Fire Service Headquarters Station, located by Isaac Boro Park Flyover, in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, yesterday, said the gesture serves as a consolidation of the promise made, in line with his vision of governance: to provide quality service to the good people of Rivers State.
He explained that some years ago, the State was at the mercy of the multi-nationals that had functional fire trucks to respond to most fire incidences, and pointed to setbacks that greeted some emergencies, adding that the records of losses to fire incidences were colossal.
Governor Fubara said: “We lost the Mile One Market because we couldn’t respond adequately. We lost, even what we call, the Fruit Garden Market because we could not respond. Are we talking about houses, lives that have been lost in this State because of inadequate fire service?”
The Governor insisted that the purpose of governance is to provide such quality social services, protect lives and property, and make living comfortable for the people, asserting that his administration has not failed in those regards, and has continued to intensify the provision of services that have made Rivers people happy.
He said, “And, what we are doing today is to tell the good people of Rivers State, and to showcase to the world, that there is governance in this State. Not governance for the sake of governance, but governance that is purpose-driven, governance that is interested in projects that will change the lives of our people.
“Some days ago, a tanker fell along the Woji-Elelenwo Road. If it were before, lives would have been lost. But immediately, the fire service, not the multi-nationals, it was the Rivers State Fire Service that responded and arrested the situation. What else are we talking about?”
Governor Fubara said Rivers people are very happy with the consistent delivery of infrastructure projects that address the critical problems experienced by the people in the larger society, emphasising that he believed strongly that even if some persons are indulged in clandestine activities, and determined to discredit his administration, Rivers people are happy, indisputably so.
He explained, “We are not interested whether those people who are commissioned to undermine us are unhappy, that is not our business. Our business is about Rivers State and Rivers people. So, like the Commissioner said, we did not just do this for the sake of glamour. You come here, you see a painted house, every facility that is required in a well-built fire fighting facility, is all in this place.”
Governor Fubara said further: “You can image a government that has a fire service and the firemen are not working. It is only at the end of the month you pay them their salaries. You can see that they were not happy and unproductive. But today, they are happy because they have a big responsibility now ahead of them: to ensure that lives and property of the good people of Rivers State are adequately protected. So, I want to thank you for this particular spirit at this moment.”
Governor Fubara commended the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Sam Anya, for driving the process to conclusion, and the contractor for delivering the project on schedule, and assured that his administration will continue to ensure the protection of lives and property while defending the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Governor Fubara also told Rivers people to expect the provision of more basic amenities, unbiasedly, and advised those in charge of the firefighting equipment to safeguard and protect them so that they can serve their purpose maximally.
Providing the project description, Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Samuel Anya, explained that since the first fire service station was built in the 1960s, this was the first time the facility is being remodeled and upgraded, emphasising that certain features were introduced and added to make the station comparable to fire service stations nationally.
He stated: “We have gym, sick-bay, offices and state-of-the-art equipment that we will use to combat fire. Your Excellency, we have also, new fire trucks that you have acquired. Before now, we did not have any truck, and when incidents happen, we have to call the Federal Fire Service or call Agip or Shell Fire Service. But thank God that His Excellency, in his wisdom, has given us state-of-the-art facility, and we don’t need to call any other person again.”
In his address, Head of Local Government Administration, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Mr. Clifford Paul, said Governor Fubara has turned the once dilapidated fire service station and its equipment into a modern masterpiece, which represents a significant milestone in the collective commitment towards tackling fire incidences.
Mr Paul stated that it will certainly enhance the capacity of personnel and reinforce their preparedness to respond to emergencies in the event of fire outbreaks.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone has expressed deep concern over the current tense political situation in Rivers State, following the recent Supreme Court judgment nullifying the election of local government council chairmen.
In a press statement signed by the Chairman, IYC, Eastern Zone, Comrade Prince Datolu Sukubo; Secretary, Tamunokuro Dango and the Information Officer, Ambassador Odia Igbikis made available to The Tide yesterday, the group also stated that the decision has created an environment ripe for manipulation by those who do not have the best interest of Rivers State or the Ijaw Nation at heart.
“We are aware of alarming plans by certain elements to destabilise Rivers State and undermine the mandate given to our elected officials. The purported 48-hour ultimatum issued to the Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, by the defected Martins Amawhule-led House of Assembly to present the 2025 budget is a clear indication of an orchestrated effort to create chaos and potentially impeach the governor. This is not only an attack on our leadership but also an affront to the will of the Rivers people who have entrusted their governance to one of our own. The IYC firmly warns that they will not stand by and allow detractors to steal this mandate. We are committed to defending your rights and ensuring that the voices of the Ijaw people are heard and respected,” the statement said.
They also used the medium to call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the National Security Adviser to intervene immediately and halt the ongoing madness that threatens to plunge Rivers State into an avoidable crisis. Such instability could have severe repercussions, not only for our state’s governance but also for crude oil production and energy security, which are vital to the national economy. It is crucial that we work together to maintain peace and stability in Rivers State. We urge all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and collaboration over conflict. Let us not allow the ambitions of a few to jeopardize the future of our state and its people which will further endanger the economy of this country, because any attempt to stop Rivers State Allocation which will cause hardships to innocent civil servants and also reduce the speedy developmental projects implementation by the Rivers State government will definitely have negative effect on the economy of this country, as Ijaw people we will not fold our hands and allow the continued political marginalisation of our own.”
Kiadum Edookor