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Mobilise Nigerians To Enthrone Good Leadership In 2023, Wike Tells Anglicans ….As 20 Archbishops, 150 Bishops, Other Clergies Honour Four Govs

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Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has urged the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) to use their numerical strength to determine the enthronement of good political leadership in Nigeria.
This is as at least 600 clergies, amongst them 20 Archbishops, 150 Bishops, and hundreds of reverends converged in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) honoured four serving governors for their exceptional services to their respective states.
The governor said while the church cannot jettison the place of prayers, it should be combined with actual encouragement of the members to be involved in all political processes that include voting and being voted for.
Wike gave the charge at the formal opening of the February Meetings of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Standing Committee of the Mothers’ Union Executive at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Rumuobiokani of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, last Wednesday.
Over 850 delegates attended the meeting.
The governor said it is scriptural that the people truly rejoices when a nation is ruled by good people.
Accordingly, he stated, that the church bears divine obligation for such good leadership over Nigeria to be realised, which is through active and effective engagement in the nation’s political process.
“There are churches that claim tens of millions of registered members with branches everywhere, yet these numbers are not available in votes during crucial national elections.
“If the church doesn’t like what is happening to Nigeria; the ravaging insecurity, the lack of meaningful development; the mass poverty; the unending economic pains on ordinary Nigerians; the recurring violent conflicts and recriminations; the violence on women and children; the discrimination and widespread social, economic and political injustices and the general lack of hope and direction;
“Then, it must start to mobilize its members and Nigerians in general to join and actively participate in the political process to bring about the genuine and sustainable change that the our country so urgently needs.”
Wike insisted that what will change Nigeria for the better is good governance which comes with good leadership actuated from and by the will of the people through credible elections.
The governor said good leaders beget good governance, which begets peace, progress and prosperity for society.
Wike pointed out that good leaders are problem-solvers not problem-compounders. He said only good leaders can resolve the country’s perennial economic, social, and security challenges.
“Good leaders respect the rule of law, places the common interest above self, are fair to all sections of the society and promotes social cohesion by giving everyone or section a true sense of belonging.
“Good leaders prioritize the security and wellbeing of the people through sound economic policies and refrain from juggling politics and development to the detriment of the nation.
“Good leaders would work with the legislature to strengthen the state institutions, promote human rights and ensure an independent judicial system.
“A good leader will readily sign the amended Electoral Bill into law to guarantee a fraud-proof and credible electoral system for the country so that citizens can freely and fairly elect their leaders and hold them accountable.”
Wike restated the commitment of his administration to serving Rivers people and all residents in the state with the best of ability in delivering the best that can be provided.
He said the purpose of his administration is to serve God through service to the people as an expression of gratitude of the love and protection enjoyed from God, including the sustained prayers from the church.
“Thankfully, we have consistently discharged our responsibilities with the fear of God and with a resolute conviction to be as fair as possible, to do what is right before God and man and to ensure that the benefit of progress is spread to all parts of the state.
“Although we may not have achieved all that we set out to do; neither have we been able to meet all the wishes and expectations of every citizen, which as you know, is rather impossible.
“But no one can deny the fact that we have blazed the trail with our transformation agenda and achieved expansive progress for our state, our people and our country.”
The governor said his transformational agenda, from the rule of law, judicial independence to human security and the provision of socio-economic infrastructure, including quality roads, bridges, flyovers, education, healthcare delivery and rural development has been expansive in content and extensive in delivery and impact.
Which is why, he stated, his administration is profoundly thankful to God Almighty not only for entrusting his team with the rare opportunity to work for the progress of Rivers State but also for the wonderful achievements secured.
The governor donated the sum of N300million to support the Anglican church of Nigeria.
Delivering his primate’s address, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of all Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba noted the need for courageous, empathic and caring leaders to rise over Nigeria to steer its affairs.
Such demand, he said has become imperative because of the excruciating economic hardship caused by unfriendly economic policies, and endemic corruption that has destroyed all public institutions.
“The removal of subsidies at this time would portend untold hardship for millions of Nigerians, especially those in the middle and low-income brackets. It will surely drive up the cost of fuel, which will lead to an increase in transportation fares, increased inflation rates, reduced purchasing power and a surge in poverty.
“Subsidy removal in our view will throw more Nigerians below the poverty line and further reinforce our unenviable status of being the poverty capital or the world.”
Ndukuba also advised against further borrowing.
He urged the Federal Government to heed to the advise by the Monetary Policy Committee to seek alternative, more viable and efficient infrastructure-financing sources that will help ease the expenditure burden on the county.
The primate said Nigeria needs a new civilian and democratic constitution made by sovereign representation of the ethnic nationalities in order to address the fundamental issues that have hampered national growth, unity and prosperity.
“While we commend the National Assembly for their efforts toreview the present constitution, we are convinced that what we need is a totally civilian constitution made by a sovereign representation of the ethnic nationalities of thiscountry.
“This will address the fundament united and prosperous nation. We need new citizens made national constitution and not the amendment of a military-formulated constitution.”
In his welcome address, the Archbishop of Niger Delta Province, Most. Rev. Blessings Enyindah harped on the need for Christians to strike a balance between their earthly and heavenly obligations so that none suffers.
Enyindah noted that most Christians have focused so much on heaven and have lost their relevance to the earthly government, families, friends.
He said Christians must realise that they are also citizens of countries of the world and should assume their roles in the formulation and implementation of policies that shaped society.
The church used the occasion to confer awards on Governors of Delta State, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa; Samuel Ortom (Benue); Darius Dickson Ishaku (Taraba) and Prof. Babagana Zulum (Borno).
Also honoured is Senate minority leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Earlier, at least 600 clergies, amongst them 20 Archbishops, 144 Bishops, and hundreds of reverends converged in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) honoured four serving governors for their exceptional services to their respective states.
They include Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum; Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom; Delta State Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa; and Taraba State Governor, Darius Dickson.
Also honoured is Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria Anglican Church, Dr. Henry Ndukuba, presented the award to Borno State’s Head of Service, Barrister Simon Malgwi, who represented Zulum at St Andrews’ Anglican Church at Rumuobiokani in Port Harcourt.
Malgwi is the first Christian in Borno’s history to be appointed Head of Service (by Zulum in November, 2019).
Zulum’s award (and those of three other recipients) was one of the main events at the Anglican Communion’s bi-annual meeting of its “Standing Committee” usually attended by Bishops, and delegates from the 165 dioceses in the Church of Nigeria, representing the clergy, laity and the women ministry of the church”.
The meeting began on February 20, 2022, but the official opening held, last Wednesday, while the meeting ended, yesterday.
Ndukuba said Zulum has distinguished himself in less than three years of becoming Borno’s governor.
“This award supersedes religion. We are tired of leaders that are not responsible and that is why we the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion deemed it fit to honour those who have excellently proven themselves worthy in serving their people: Our intentions are to bring to the fore the selfless service of leaders in such a trying time and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State stands out”, Ndukuba declared amidst ovation in the church.
“Professor Babagana Zulum is a true leader, worthy of emulation and we are proud to have him among leaders in the country. He has been attacked severally while discharging his duties but he continued to show zeal and passion to bring hope to the state that’s suffered 12 year insurgency. We pray God to continue to guide, protect, bless and uplift Professor Babagana Zulum now and always”, the primate added.
Zulum, speaking through Head of Service, Malgwi, thanked the Anglican Communion for the award, which he said, came to him as a pleasant surprise.
”I have received several awards but this one is very special because it came from clergy and it came from a church to one that is not a Christian and your decision speaks volume of the objectivity and sincerity of purpose of the award. I very much cherish and value this award” Zulum said, as conveyed by the Head of Service.
Also speaking, another recipient of the award, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State said he was elated to be recognised by clergies whose were dispassionate and apolitical in their assessment of public office holders.
Ortom said that the award would spur him to do more for the people of Benue State.
The Head of Service led Borno’s delegation which included the state’s Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Mr Nuhu Clark; Special Adviser on Community Relations, Mr Kester Ogualili; and Senior Special Assistant on Youths and Jobs Creation, Mr Christopher Akaba.

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We’re Working To Improve Quality Of Life Of Rivers People -Fubara …As Taraba Gov Inaugurates 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja Roads Project

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the Okania-Ogbogoro Road junction, venue of the inauguration of the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja (and Mgbuoba) Roads project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday.
The road cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction, and was inaugurated by the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
Governor Fubara said that during the campaigns, he saw the roads in terrible condition, made a promise to fix them, and noted that that promise has been kept.
He emphasised that his administration will never be reckoned with abandoning of projects that it started, which is why he is particularly excited that the road has been fixed to ease the inconveniences suffered by the people.
The Governor said, “What we are doing here today is very simple: Promise made, promise fulfilled. I told you that whatever we are going to start, we are not going to leave it halfway. So, we have come here this afternoon to fulfill that promise.
“I am so excited, and I am so happy. I am leaving here with so much joy that we have done something that has so much impact, and importance in the lives of our people. So, I feel very fulfilled. Government is about the people. Government is knowing, understanding and seeing what you can do to make life easy for your people.
“We understand the situation of this road. Fortunately, I have a few friends who also live around here. So, there is nothing you will say that I don’t know. As a government, we will continue to do those things we know will make life easy for you.”
The Governor thanked members of the communities in the area for their support to his administration, and also for cooperating with the contractor to ensure completion of the project.
He assured the people that their request for the rehabilitation of the Community Secondary School and Health Centre, will be looked at and addressed immediately, saying, “Our government is a government that takes the interest of our people very seriously.
“There is no government without the people. It is only the people that keep the government going. So, what we will continue to do is to make sure that the problems and interest of our people are top on our list,” he assured.
Performing the inauguration, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, said roads are not just physical infrastructure but represent a commitment to facilitate ease of transportation, boost local commercial activities and improve quality of lives for the people of Rivers State.
Dr Kefas noted that Governor Fubara has provided the people good roads, and like other good roads, it will serve as an artery of development, further connecting communities, enhancing access to essential services while unlocking economic potentials.
He said, “By completing this project, Your Excellency has, once again, demonstrated the transformative impact of visionary leadership. When I was coming in with the Governor on a ride, I saw the joy, the happiness of the voiceless people who were abandoned and neglected in this area, coming out to wave and welcome us.
“It wasn’t a hired crowd. Everybody, those who couldn’t make it to this place, in front of their homes, they were waving at us, and I was telling the Governor: this is all about good governance. He listened to the people, and solved their problems. So, it shows that he is doing the right thing, and I want to thank you, my brother, for what you are doing for the good people, especially the poor people even in difficult times.”
Governor Kefas further said: “As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration and shared vision among us as Governors. Together, we can inspire our people, improve their lives, and create lasting legacies in our respective states.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, recalled that when it was flagged-off in May, 2024, the project was for a 5km stretch but was extended in October, to include Mgbaraja axis, increasing the length to 6.55km, explaining that the 10.3 meter wide, and 5km of drains road, has now linked Apara Kingdom to Nkpor Kingdom.
In his address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, described the road as a very significant route that was abandoned for years until Governor Fubara intervened and fixed it, promising that Obio/Akpor people will not take the gestures of the State Government under Governor Fubara for granted.
Speaking on behalf of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the firm that handled the project, Eric Shen, said they are happy to be part of the infrastructure development strides of Governor Fubara, stating that though the rains posed significant challenge, they have delivered quality road network to serve the connectivity needs of the people.

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We’ll Implement Judicial Commission’s Report On Arson, Killings -Fubara …Says Such Violence Must Stop In Rivers

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of implementing the recommendations of the report submitted to him by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Arson, Killings, and Wanton Destruction of Property at some local government council headquarters on or around Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance when the seven-member commission, led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, submitted four volumes of reports of their investigation and recommendations to him at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor declared that his administration will neither tolerate nor allow such level of violence in the State anymore because it is not profitable or productive.
He said, “We are not going to be part of any system that would encourage any destruction in this State. And for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote and immediate causes of this problem.
“And I believe that the recommendations of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.”
Governor Fubara said: “We are going to take it to the next stage. The report will be presented to the Executive Council, and there, we will surely come out with the White Paper and with the White Paper. I can assure you, we are going to follow it to the end.
“Nobody is above the law, including me. So, provided what we are doing is within the confines of the law, we will do it with the help of every one.”
Governor Fubara recalled how, before 2014, a group of persons had ran wide recklessly in the State, burning down court buildings.
He noted that it is such persons, who had recently surfaced with their destructive tendencies, and have extended the violence to local government councils, killing people and destroying government property.
Governor Fubara wondered why somebody will spend so much money to build a structure intended to last as legacy of the administration but would eventually be part of its destruction in the name of politics.
Governor Fubara clarified that he has never been part of such destructive politics that continue to set the State backwards and frustrate progressive development strides.
Governor Fubara said: “I make bold to say it, I have never been and will never be a party to anything that will bring shame, disgrace, destruction to our dear State.
“It is our State. If it is well with us, it will be well with everybody. As a matter of fact, why should I encourage destruction, when I know that when you finish spoiling things, you still need money to rebuild them.
“I am an accountant, I know the importance of how we can manage money. Rather than spoil, you should use that money to do a new thing for the State.”
Governor Fubara vowed: “So, I am going to ensure that we put a stop to that level of violence or such unreasonable violence. I call it unreasonable violence because it doesn’t mean anything in politics.
“Politics is a business of interest. There is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. Some persons who were not even in our support, today, they are here following us because their interest is the most important thing.
“Likewise tomorrow, if the interest changes, they will also go their different ways. So, why burn down the house?”
Governor Fubara thanked members of the commission for being bold, focused, and accomplishing their task with determination in the face of physical and legal threats.
In her presentation, Chairman of the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, said they had put their findings into four volumes, including the recommendations.
Justice Minakiri explained: “We have here four volumes of the report. We have the memoranda, which is the memoranda we got after we made our publications.
“We also have the exhibits that came with the memoranda. We have the proceedings and the records. At the end of the day, we came up with the main report.”
Justice Minakiri advised that the recommendations of the report should be studied and implemented so that people can be deterred from such callous acts and the sought-after peace secured for the State.

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We Are Eager To Showcase The Best Of Rivers State -Fubara …Declares Federation Of Public Service Games Open

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The Rivers State Government says it is committed to providing a memorable experience for all delegates participating in the Federation of Public Service Games(FEPSGA) hosted by the State Government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the opening Ceremony of the 43rd Edition, Public Service Games, titled ”Simplified Rivers 2024″, at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara said “Our hospitality is renowned and we are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment, we have everything in place to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.”
Governor Fubara said to ensure the success of the games his Administration has put in place comprehensive plans and preparations with four venues approved for the events which include the Sharks Stadium, Alfred Diette -Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt Club and the University of Port Harcourt.
The State Chief Executive urged participants to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals, stressing that it is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity.
According to him, we envision a public service that is more productive, more efficient and more effective, a future where public servants are empowered to deliver exceptional results driven by a culture of excellence, innovation and teamwork.
The Governor reiterated that while a healthy mind and body are essential for high productivity, regular physical activity boosts our mood, increases energy levels and enhances our cognitive function. We are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment.
In her address Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who spoke through Dr.(Mrs) Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Interior Commended Governor Fubara for hosting this year’s event, and for his dedication to promoting sports and fostering unity in the country.
She noted that the event which serves as a platform for furthering unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship amongst public servants, was a celebration of their shared commitment to excellence, resilience and service to the nation.
Also speaking the National President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Comrade Amaebi Aloku, said Rivers State got the nod to host the annual event because the Federation was pleased with the vision of Governor Fubara in identifying with the needs of the Civil Servants in the State, in terms of their welfare and being one of the first State to implement the new minimum wage and even taking it above what was approved by the national.
Earlier the Head of Service Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke had welcomed all participants to the State and expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving and making available the resources to host the games, noting that it was an opportunity to interact with all Civil Servants across the nation.

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