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2023 Presidency: I’ve Capacity To Salvage Nigeria -Wike …Seeks IBB, Abdulsalami’s Support In Niger …As Bode George, Lagos PDP Back Rivers Gov
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that he has the capacity and energy required to serve and salvage Nigeria as its president come 2023.
Wike made the declaration at Gombe State, yesterday, when he visited leaders and faithful of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as part of ongoing consultation ahead of the party’s presidential primary election.
Also, the Rivers State governor, last Monday, held a closed door consultative meeting on his 2023 presidential bid with two former military heads of state, Gen Ibrahim Babangida; and Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar; in Minna, Niger State capital.
This is as support for the presidential aspiration of Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, continues to grow following his endorsement by former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, and the Lagos State Chapter of the party.
Addressing stakeholders at the PDP secretariat in Gombe, the state capital, the governor urged them not to waste their votes as delegates at the party’s presidential convention on candidates who cannot win the 2023 general election.
“If you want PDP to win election in 2023 I have made myself available. Give me the ticket, let me go and take the power for you. We are talking about who can take this power from All Progressives Congress (APC). That person is me.”
Wike pointed out that people were free to visit Rivers State to see what his administration has done out of love and passion for the upliftment of the socioeconomic status of the people.
The governor stated the need to rescue Nigeria from dying and it required men of courage who love this country to do the work.
“We need to salvage this country. Let us not pretend about it. Insecurity does not know religion. Insecurity does not know ethnicity. Poverty does not know ethnicity. Poverty does not know religion.
“The people who come to kill us, do they look at who is a Christian? Do they look at who is a Moslem? Do they know who is Hausa-Fulani? Do they know who is Igbo? We are dying.
“So, it is not for sentiment. It is not for people to come and tell you, look, it must come from here, no, no. It is for those who have the capacity. If given the opportunity, I will replicate what I’ve done in Rivers State as President of Nigeria.”
Speaking further, Wike berated the APC-led Federal Government for the many lies they kept telling Nigeria concerning improving the agricultural fortune of the country.
Wike said the incoming PDP government will not tell Nigerians lies, make excuses for failure but will work to genuinely improve the life of Nigerians across the country.
“They said they have given over N300billion for agriculture. I have no problem with that. Even if they have spent N1trillion, where is the food?
“I don’t want people going to buy rice and doing pyramid. I want to see to it that agriculture is working.”
Wike noted that APC leaders have accepted that their government has failed and it sets the coast for PDP to reclaim the power and country back to Nigerians.
The governor said the insistence of some public office holders to hire mercenaries to fight bandits and terrorists overrunning the country was worrisome.
“And you have a president staying there, the security chiefs are there, and somebody is saying you must bring in mercenaries. You have seen it that the government has collapsed.
“I’m not the one who said so. Malam Nasir el-Rufai said the government has collapsed. Not me, not you, but APC has admitted that their government has collapsed. The Minster of Transportation said the government did not give him money that was why the bombing of the train happened.”
In his remark, the former Gombe State Governor, Dr Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, commended Wike for visiting the state to formally acquaint PDP stakeholders of his presidential ambition.
Dankwambo, who acknowledged Wike’s excellent performance in office, assured him of Gombe State’s support if he clinches the presidential ticket.
“Power comes from God. God gives power to whom He wants. He takes power from whom He wants. We will contribute to PDP to takeover power. But at the appropriate time, whoever emerges the candidate will sit down with Gombe people and discuss. We will negotiate. We will not be taken for granted this time around. We will work for you, we will work for whoever emerges as candidate of the party under our mutually agreed pact”.
On his part, Gombe State Chairman of PDP, General Abnor Kwaskwabe (rtd) said Wike was a man of integrity, an impeccable leader, a bridge builder, a unifier of men, and whose interest in politics is for public good.
“This is a man that has touched the lives of Nigerians across the six geo-political zones. This is the man when one of the Northern States had fire in their market; nobody came to their rescue except, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.”
Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Monday, held a closed door consultative meeting on his 2023 presidential bid with two former military heads of state, Gen Ibrahim Babangida; and Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar; in Minna, Niger State capital.
Wike was accompanied on the strategic visit by some of his colleague governors including those of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde; Enugu State, Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu; former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam; Senator Suleiman Nazif; and Senator Olaka Nwogu.
Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, and Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu spoke to journalists after the meeting.
In his remarks, Ikpeazu said the delegation was in Minna to consult with the former heads of state in the build up to the 2023 general election.
“I have come with my colleagues, the governors of Rivers, Enugu, and Oyo; some members of the National Assembly and other stakeholders.
“First, to consult with the former heads of state, and discuss national issues: economic development, security, and unity of our country.
“And also, to commend them for their support for the unity of this country. And the discussions went very well; and we will advance it from there.”
On what response they got from Babangida, Ikpeazu said the former military president expressed strong concerns about the need for younger Nigerians to be courageous in taking up the challenge of providing leadership to the country.
“He expressed concerns and said that he expects the younger generation to take up the gauntlet and rescue Nigeria.”
Wike and his entourage also paid a courtesy call on the Niger State Governor, Hon Abubakar Bello at the Government House, Minna.
However, as support for the presidential aspiration of Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, continues to grow following his endorsement by former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, and the Lagos State Chapter of the party.
Wike received the nod of the influential party stakeholders following a closed-door meeting he had with the Lagos leaders of the party and other South-West bigwigs at the Ikoyi office of Chief Bode George, last Sunday.
Present at the meeting were the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde; former governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam; leaders of the party from the South-West, including the Deputy National Vice-Chairman, South-West, Soji Adagunodo, among others.
Expressing support for Wike’s emergence as PDP presidential flagbearer for the 2023 election, Chief Bode George, said the current Rivers governor possessed integrity and youthful energy to lead the country out of its present mess.
George, who was the host, thanked the members of the party in the state for coming to receive the delegation, stressing that Wike had told them in clear terms that he had the capacity to turn the country around for the better.
The former deputy national chairman of the PDP said the governor had the strength, capacity and integrity to rule the country.
He noted that Nigerians needed a bright person who “will take us out of the doldrums and lead us to where we should be.”
George said: “When it comes to integrity, when it comes to politics, when it comes to being absolutely resourceful, Wike is there.
“I must thank you for honouring our brother. We have heard him; he has told us a clear intention. When it comes to integrity, when it comes to politics, when it comes to being absolutely resourceful, he is there.
“He also has on his side that youthful depth that he can run from here to that gate in two seconds, I can’t do that anymore. It’s like army generals we don’t retire, we only fade away. But we need a bright young person who will take us from where we are all in now and bring a fresh breath to this country,” he said.
The Atona Odua of Yorubaland, who eventually secured a yes voice vote, pledged the backing of the Lagos State chapter of PDP.
“We welcome you; we are ready to support you in Lagos. Am I saying the right thing? Those in favour, say aye! Those against say nah!,” he said.
While stating his mission, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, said Nigeria should not be allowed to continue to slide as something must be done to rescue her, assuring that he is focussed and possesses the capacity and integrity to rule the country.
This was just as he vowed to take power back from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the main opposition party in 2023.
Wike restated his plans to reclaim presidential powers for the PDP and arrest the rapid decline of the country.
He said: “We cannot continue to let the country continue its disturbing slide into poverty and negative social-economic outcomes. Something has to be done.
“The challenges facing Nigeria today require a leader that is focused, competent, and courageous. And I can tell you that I have both the capacity and courage to confront and manage these challenges to make things better for this country.”
Wike said he should be given the opportunity to fly the party’s flag for the presidency, come 2023.
“I have spoken to the elders and leaders, and I hope they will get across to you what I said to them.
“Most importantly, we cannot continue to let the country go the way it is sliding, something has to be done.
“Today’s requirement of a leader must focus on capacity, courageous. I can tell you that I have the courage. I am not afraid of nobody. I have the capacity to make things better for this country.
“All I have said to you as elders is: give me the opportunity to represent PDP in the fight for 2023,” he said.
“What I am going to do is we are going to take back the power; we are not begging. They will be ready, and we are ready. The power belongs to us, and we must go and take it back,” he added.
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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
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
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
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.