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FG’s Anti-Corruption War Ridicules Nigeria, Wike Laments …Vows To End Killings In Plateau, Other States, If Elected President
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant and Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said that the corruption fight of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government was shrouded in despicable politics that puts Nigeria up for ridicule in the international community.
This is even as the presidential candidate has vowed to end the cold-blooded massacre of citizens of Plateau and other states across the country, if elected president in 2023.
Wike made the observation, last Saturday, when he visited Niger State as part of his ongoing consultation with delegates and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor said it was difficult to explain the rationale of the APC-led Federal Government in handpicking supposed corrupt persons, make them to go through court processes up to Supreme Court, and then, turn around to release them in the guise of pardon.
He recalled that President MuhammaduBuhari’s promise to Nigerians was to fight corruption forthrightly, but added that the pattern was now obvious that it was tilted against those who were opposed to his policy and programmes.
“To tell you the truth, this APC government has deceived us a lot. This is a government that said they are fighting corruption. They handpick people and jail them after they have gone through all court processes up to Supreme Court.
“Then, they turn around to release from prison those people that they said are corrupt. What a country is this? What a government is this?
“Doing it for political reasons because the elections are coming and they want (Joshua) Dariye to help their party in Plateau State. They want (Jolly) Nyame to help them in Taraba State. Why don’t they give pardon to James Ibori, for example?
“Look at how they have made the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prosecute and spend so much money. Then, at the end of the day, you played politics with it. How will the international community look at us? It’s so shameful!”
Wike told the delegates and leaders that he has resolved to end the era of lies by the APC to Nigerians, which was why he was soliciting for the ticket to fly the party’s flag in the 2023 presidential election.
He assured of tackling the festering insecurity in parts of the country so that farmers can return to their farms and grow the economy.
“The day you give me the ticket is the day we will start to form the government, because by giving me the ticket, I know I have won the election already.
“It is only when you have given me the ticket that I’ll make sure that I present, put together the best of professionals that will help me to run the affairs of this country.
“Leadership is the ability to organise and galvanise experts to do the work under adequate supervision and coordination.”
Speaking further, Wike said what he had done in Rivers State was towering evidence of what he was prepared to do as president of Nigeria, if given the opportunity to serve.
He explained that he was a performer, a courageous person; and Nigerians need his fearless personality to salvage the country.
In his remarks, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana urged the delegates and leaders to support Wike’s ambition because he has the capacity to end insecurity and the country’s infrastructure deficit.
“Nigerians, if you want a decisive answer to this insecurity in Nigeria, then, tell the PDP to wisely give you Wike as candidate so he will become president of Nigeria, because I know Wike will preside very well.”
Also speaking, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoTs), Senator Zainab Kure, said Wikewas gender friendly and passionate about the party.
Earlier in his address, Niger State PDP Chairman, TankoBeji, observed that the issues raised by Wike while addressing delegates and leaders were germane.
Beji, who described the forthcoming PDP convention as do or mar, said PDP must not make the mistake of giving its ticket to someone who would end up being a sectional president.
“This party belongs to all of us. We need to put our resources and energies together to work for this party. We want a Nigerian president, not a southern president. We want a Nigerian president, not a northern president. This is the focus. Gone are the days that we will be deceived. We can no longer be deceived. We have come a long way. We have suffered enough.We don’t want to suffer again.”
He commended Wike for his commitment to the PDP, and urged him to ensure that the party’s reward system was overhauled.
“If you become president, and by the will of God, you will, there is a need for you to give the party and the country a redirection. There is a need for you to change the reward system in the party. Gone are the days when somebody will put in his effort, put in his cash, put in his energy, and when we form government, you put him behind, that is not party politics. It is not fair and just,” he said.
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate and Rivers StateGovernor, Chief NyesomWike has vowed to end the cold-blooded massacre of citizens of Plateau and other states across the country, if elected president in 2023.
Wike has also described as regrettable the failure of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to end the incessant wanton destruction of life and property in Plateau State.
The governor stated this, last Saturday, when he visited Jos, the Plateau State capital as part of his ongoing consultation with PDP delegates and leaders across the country ahead of the party’s convention slated for May 28-29, 2022.
He observed that the under the watch of the APC-led Federal Government, banditry and other horrid criminal activities have been thriving in Plateau State, which was regrettably governed by the same party.
“APC is at the Federal Government level. APC is at the Villa. The only Federal Government project in Plateau is banditry. That is the only project that can be given to Plateau people.”
Wike told the delegates and leaders that if given the PDP presidential flag, he would win the 2023 general election for the party, and subsequently end the menace of heart-wrenching violence in Plateau and other parts of the country.
“Give me the ticket, I will win the election, and this thing will be a thing of the past.”
He explained that he was serious about his bid for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to him, if elected, he would replicate his remarkable achievements as governor of Rivers State in other parts of the country.
“What is important for me is that PDP must take over in 2023. What our party requires now is somebody who can win election for PDP. I am not running to answer the name, former presidential candidate, no. That is not why I am running. I am running election because I know, if you give me the ticket, I will win this election for the PDP and for Nigeria.”
The Rivers State governor commended former Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang; and Senator Jeremiah Useni; for settling their political disagreements in the interest of the party.
According to him, the reconciliation of the two leaders made it possible for the party to win a House of Representatives seat in the recent bye-election in the state.
In his remarks, Plateau State PDP Chairman, Chris Hassan, who acknowledged the role Wike played to reconcile the leaders of the party in state, assured him of the state delegates’ support.
“You came, you saw us in problem; you helped us in settling the issue in Plateau. And along, you brought us one of the most coveted seats that has eluded us for 19 years:House of Representatives. It will interest you that the member representing the House of Representatives is from my own constituency, so, you brought us good tidings.”
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Arson: Those Behind It’ll Account For Atrocities -Fubara …Swears In Bipi, Three Others As Commissioners
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the State.
The Governor, therefore, assured that, working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to unravel those behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme Local Government areas, with a view to making them account for their atrocities.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while swearing in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt yestersday.
Those sworn in are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
Governor Fubara recalled mentioning when he sworn-in newly elected Local Government Councils’ Chairmen on 6th October, 2024, that there was intelligence on planned mayhem by misguided persons, who had threatened to prevent the elected officers from resuming duties.
True to it, Governor Fubara said, the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans, and burnt valued buildings at some council secretariats.
He said, “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers State.
“We want to also let the people know that what has happened (arson) after the election, we are not going to allow it to go uninvestigated.
“A similar event had happened in this manner before, and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted in order to turn the story around.
“But this time around, I strongly believe, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), we will unravel those behind the assault and make sure that they account for their atrocities.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the show of patience and calmness by majority of Rivers people despite the fact that they are angry with the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
The Governor said he has continued to show leadership, provided the climate that has engendered productive endeavours, and will not mislead those he is leading.
“As your leader; the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas.
“But, I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers, if we meet them force-for-force. We need to go with peace.
“So, I will encourage everyone of you not to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands. So, we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
Governor Fubara reiterated what he said the previous day on what should matter most for Rivers State, which is a firm support to ensure that the progress of Nigeria is sustained.
He said, if oil theft is not checked, the country’s economy will be badly impacted, and there will not be funds to address critical issues.
“We are in a situation where the fund that is being generated from oil production is not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure that there is increase in production.
“Our focus here, not minding the distractions, will be how to provide support. You have to work with us to make sure that we curb this issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.
“This is the only way that the allowances (revenue) will increase and more will also come to our State, and more progress will also be achieved in this State.”
Governor Fubara explained that his administration is doing a lot for the good people of the State, that are not being seen because of the political drama that takes their attention away.
He, however, said that his administration is working out modalities, and will soon choose a day, which could probably be before the end of October, 2024, to showcase a few projects and services that have positively impacted lives in the State.
Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He explained that more persons whose loyalty are for Rivers people and the administration needed to be admitted into the Rivers State Executive Council to help drive the policy of government because they will not resign their appointment.
Governor Fubara said: “We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding into the Council, so that we will not wake up one morning and see resignation letter. So, we are taking our time.
“And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balancing. So, I can also say that the new Commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to also balance the political equation.”
Governor Fubara charged them to be dedicated, forthright, diligent and productive while rendering quality services to the State.
The Governor said he believed in their capacity to deliver because of their exposure to the workings of government, and expressed the hope that they will contribute positively to the success of the administration.
He said, “So, let me thank everyone of you. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support, and to assure them that we will continue to defend, protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank everyone of you for your support, more especially before, during and after the elections. I appreciate your doggedness, your belief in our course to salvage this State, to protect the integrity of this State,” he added.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has sought media support to fast-track the implementation of the ongoing reforms in the civil service sector.
Walson-Jack made the request during a cocktail organised by her office for media executives from different organisations in Abuja.
The event, according to her, aimed at interacting with the media men one-on-one, appreciate them and implore them to continue to strengthen the bond with the office.
“I want to start by thanking each and everyone of you for honouring this invitation. I want to say that we purposely designed this grail cocktail so that we can have one-on-one interactions.
“Let me also go ahead to thank you for all the supports you have given to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) in the years past I know that the Fourth Estate of the realm has always supported this office.
“I will also go ahead to thank you for your support, especially at my announcement as the HoCSF and that support has continued, up till date.
“We, therefore, thought it fit that we should organise this event just to interact with you to strengthen the bond that this office has with the media, “ she said.
The HoCSF recalled that her office had continued with programmes she met on ground upon assumption of office, especially the ongoing reforms on Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025).
She, therefore, appealed to the media for continuous reportage on the initiative, so as to give it the necessary publicity for proper dissemination to the citizens.
“You will recall that the office has the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025) and that is the plan that we are still driving.
“We want to request that you collaborate more with us, we are asking that the friendship, the partnership go beyond what it is now to ensure that the reforms which this office is driving get the full publicity it requires,” she said.
Walson-Jack used the medium to announce the preparation to re-introduce the civil service national anthem officially for the entire civil servants to recite at every national programme.
“The anthem has been re-introduced to drive the reforms and it’s expected that the anthem will be sung by all federal civil/public servants and indeed Nigerians.
“And it will be an anthem that will encourage every public servants to be efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, “ she added.
Participants at the event congratulated Mrs Walson-Jack for her uplifting to the position of the HoCSF and pledged to continue in the relationship.
In a response, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged the agency’s readiness to give the HoCSF the needed support.
According to him, supporting government policies has always been NAN’ priority as government’s owned media organisation.
“You can take it for granted that we are going to give the Office total support. It is part of our own mandates to support Federal Government policies, so we are going to do that fully for the head of service.
“As she said, she has her policies which are in tandem with the federal government policies, she is asking for the support in implementation of the Federal Government policies.
“She has very lofty ideas, she has lofty things that she believes that we should do. Our job is to make sure that whatever government wants to do, we have to support such policies, “ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Halima Musa, Director News, NTA, assured her office’s partnership with the Head of service towards ensuring communicating the needed values on excellence, incorruptibility and new culture of efficiency to the public.
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LG Polls: Rogue Policemen Break RSIEC Gate, Strong Room To Steal Electoral Materials …Fubara Foils Attempt To Cart Away Materials
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has foiled an attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at 1am on Friday, 4th October, 2024.
The rogue policemen were said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the Commission to cart away sensitive Electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.
The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.
However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.
The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility.
Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara condemned the conduct of the policemen on illegal duty, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.
He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.
He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.
At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogur policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday.