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2023 Presidential Ticket: It’s Payback Time In PDP, Wike Tells NWC …Urges Neutrality, Level-Playing Field …Blasts Advocates Of Consensus Candidate
Rivers State Governor and presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Nyesom Wike, has said the contest for the 2023 party’s ticket was payback time for those who have been faithful and consistent with the party.
Wike dismissed moves to produce a consensus presidential candidate for the party.
The governor, who stated this while addressing the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, yesterday, cautioned the leadership against giving the party’s presidential ticket to those who failed to win their states for the PDP in previous elections.
The governor said he does not believe in the move to reach an agreement for a consensus candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party, ahead of the general elections in 2023.
The governor particularly referred to the Dr Bukola Saraki-led committee, which has been meeting PDP stakeholders seeking to reach an agreement on a consensus candidate for the party.
Speaking further, Wike asked why there was no talk of a consensus candidate for the party during the 2019 general election.
While clarifying that he believes in consensus, the presidential hopeful, however, said he would not agree to any consensus arrangement that is already skewed.
He said, “When we did our convention in 2018, about 10 people contested. There was no consensus.
“In 2019, why didn’t you talk about consensus? The primary was wide open. You know I supported Aminu Tambuwal. I have no regrets. But when Tambuwal lost, I carried the campaign of Atiku on my head, and that is what it is supposed to be.
“I told them (the Saraki-led committee) that what you are coming to tell me is ‘shine-shine bobo’, the more you look the less you see. I said I’m not going to buy that one, and you know it will not work.
“I believe in consensus based on equity, justice and fairness, but not from people who have conspired to think that they can bring me in. They cannot bring me in”.
Wike enjoined members of the NWC to avoid the mistakes of conducting the forthcoming election to favour any particular person or groups.
He also charged them to expect litigations and never undermine them when they are secured, but should rather work hard either to vacate them or reconcile the aggrieved persons.
“As opposition party, we cannot afford to allow people to say this election (convention) is not credible and transparent.
“I plead, again, we must not make the mistakes of putting people in the convention committee who are obviously supporting A, B or C. If we do that, then, some of us will challenge it.
“It is good you do what everybody will be happy with. You should do a better convention now.”
He described himself as a true party person who should be encouraged to lead the PDP as its flag bearer in the 2023 presidential election.
Wike stated that Nigerians were watching to see who the PDP would present as their flag bearer with such capacity to deliver them and the country from the maladministration of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Today, terrorists and bandits have taken over the entire country. It is no longer Yobe and Bornostates alone. It is now in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“So, Nigerians are really tired. But again, they are waiting to see who we are going to present, what is the track record of that person.”
He said: “Not those that you will give the ticket to, then tomorrow, if they fail, you won’t see them again in the party. Or if you don’t give them the ticket, they will begin to work for the ruling party.
“I believe that I’m a true party person that should be encouraged to lead the party.”
Wike maintained that he understands the modus operandi of the APC and if given the PDP ticket, he can confidently withstand them as well as win the 2023 presidential election.
According to him, his confidence stems from the fact that he had showed leadership in addressing the security challenge in Rivers State by providing requisite equipment and welfare that served as motivation for security personnel.
“Everybody in this country knows me, and of my views of national issues. Nobody can say I don’t know whether Wike will do this or Wike will not do that.
“Everybody should know me very well that when I see issues, I said this is my view because am not going to run away from things going bad.
“So, as somebody at the helm of affairs, I called the security agencies in Rivers State. We discussed and they placed their demands with assurance given. I verified sources of the equipment that they want to buy to avoid buying technically faulty ones. We gave timeline and offered incentives for personnel.
“It is on record that when security officer dies in the course of fighting crime that we took care of their family so that they know they are not fighting in vain.”
Speaking further, Wike said he is that kind of a leader who has and would continue to consult with the party, and seek its view on what government intends to do as a way of achieving proper integration.
“That is the way to achieve synergy between the party and the government, including the National Assembly members, members of the board of trustees and the national working committee.
“It is not where the government will roll out programme without the party leadership being involved.That way the party will not be in position to defend what government is doing.”
He also reminded the NWC members that they removed former PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus-led NWC to install the incumbent Dr Iyorchia Ayu-led NWC.
Also speaking, Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who accompanied Wike, said the 2023 presidential election would not be the usual presidential contestation the country has had in the past.
“It has become existential, it has become about the future of our children, and therefore, everybody must throw in everything. The two most important requirements as we move forward is competence and acceptability.”
He further added: “I see this possibility in one of your own (Wike). You elected him in 2015 to serve as governor of Rivers State, and from the creeks of Rivers State he has emerged as a worthy example of what service should be, firm, straight forward, outspoken, sticker for rule of law, fearless, and yet carrying everybody along and performing and doing wonders in Rivers State.”
Ikpeazu said if PDP is really determined to rescue Nigeria from the brinks of collapse, then the party’s presidential ticket should be given to the Rivers State governor, who has been loyal to PDP since 1998.
“You come to loyalty and service to our party, Governor Wike has never left the PDP. He has stood by all previous presidential aspirants and candidates, following them with vigour and commitment, committing resources, intellect and leading from the front.”
The PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, who commended Wike for his commitment to the party, assured him that the NWC would provide a level-playing field for all the 17 aspirants, whom he maintained will do better than President Muhammadu Buhari.
“I want to assure you that there will be no foul play, no manipulation. We will certainly do better than what we did in October last year. We will hold an absolutely transparent convention. At that stage, we will try to be the INEC of the Peoples Democratic Party. We will not be partisan; we’ll try as much as possible to make sure that every member of the NWC works for the party.
“I want to also assure you that once you emerge as the candidate of the party, whoever emerges from that point on, we will be aggressively partisan because we want the party to win election. We’ll do everything in our power by way of canvassing for votes of the Nigerian people to ensure that PDP wins the next election.”
Wike later met with the Federal Capital Territory PDP delegates led by Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda in Abuja.
The governor unveiled his dream for a better, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
At the end of the meeting, Aduda, who spoke on behalf of the delegates, assured the governor of their maximum support.
He was accompanied by PDP chieftains, including Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu; former governor of Gombe State, Dr Ibrahim Dankwambo; erstwhile governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose; and ex-minister of justice, Bello Adoke, among others.
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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.