Featured
PDP Risks Extinction If It Loses 2023 Presidential Poll –Wike …Urges Party Not To Give Ticket To Potential Defectors
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) might become extinct if it fails to present electable candidate to win the 2023 presidential election.
This is even as the presidential aspirant has advised the PDP not to allow any aspirant who would later defect with the party’s mandate to emerge as its presidential flag-bearer.
Wike, who is a PDP presidential aspirant, said winning the 2023 general election was crucial to the survival of the party, adding that he remains the most electable aspirant that can defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Rivers State governor made this assertion while wooing Anambra State PDP leaders and delegates to support his presidential ambition in Awka, the Anambra State capital, last Saturday.
He told the delegates that as a mark of honour, he had to personally visit Awka to formally notify them of his ambition to become the next President of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I didn’t send anybody to you, because I have respect for you. We have been opposition since 2015, and if we don’t win this election in 2023, we can as well forget PDP. So, everything must be done to win this election. No sentiment should be brought in, and of all the aspirants, whether the person is from Anambra, Sokoto, Imo, look at all of us, who can withstand APC in this election? It is me!”
The governor reiterated that prior to the 2015 general election, some of the present presidential aspirants defected to the APC and PDP lost the presidency.
He said it was ironical that after the PDP has been rebuilt and made formidable; those who abandoned it are back and jostling for the party’s ticket.
“I have challenged APC before. I have defeated them severally with the government in power. You know what happened in Rivers State. All I am asking the delegates, if you really want PDP to win this election in 2023, just give me that ticket. Go home and sleep with your eyes closed. I will win the election.”
Wike berated the APC-led Federal Government for its inability to stem the tide of insurgency and banditry in the country.
He maintained that any government that cannot protect lives and property has failed in its primary responsibility and should be voted out.
He reaffirmed that if elected President of Nigeria, he would end the current spate of insecurity, and return the country to the path of inclusive prosperity.
“Look, the day I win the general election in February next year, anybody who says he is a bandit; let him wait for me; I will take the war to them.”
He urged the delegates to support him, irrespective of their former governor, Peter Obi being an aspirant.
According to him, he remains the only electable presidential aspirant that can defeat the APC in 2023 general election.
In his remarks, former Gombe State Governor, Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo, said the history of the PDP cannot be complete without Wike, who joined the party in 1998, and has remained a faithful, supportive member.
He described Wike as a courageous and fearless leader, who has in the last seven years, transformed the infrastructure landscape of Rivers State.
Also speaking, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Maxwell Okudoh, noted that if not for the effort of Wike, the party would have gone into extinction.
Okudoh declared that at this critical juncture in Nigeria’s history, a courageous and determined leader was all that the country requires to pull her out of the brinks.
Similarly, another member of the Board of Trustees, Mrs Chinelo Mofus, declared that the people of Anambra State were solidly behind Wike’s quest to become the next president.
“Our prayer is that God almighty will give you the victory. The people of Anambra are solidly behind you.”
Earlier, Wike had visited the Obi of Onitsha, Eze Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, to notify him of his presidential ambition.
During the visit, Wike promised that if elected president, he would ensure that traditional rulers are given constitutional role in the governance of the country.
Achebe, who described Wike as a courageous and focused leader, said the country was in dire strait and desperately needs a leader to restore her lost glory.
“You have been described by your brother governor as courageous, focused and as an achiever, and I can vouch for that because I have watched your performance and leadership. We pray to God that we get the right leadership to direct our country, and you have put yourself forward.”
Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to allow any aspirant who would later defect with the party’s mandate to emerge as its presidential flag-bearer.
Wike, who is a PDP presidential aspirant, urged PDP delegates to vote for him during the party’s convention because he lacks the propensity to defect with the party’s mandate to another party, if he wins the presidential election.
The Rivers State governor stated this while wooing PDP leaders and delegates in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State, last Friday.
The governor said the advise had become imperative because of the defection of some governors, including that of Ebonyi State, Engr David Umahi and lawmakers from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
“I have never left this party one day. When PDP was in problem, I stood firm, and I said PDP will not die. Don’t give (presidential) ticket to the person who will run from the party tomorrow. I am the only person Nigerians know will not run from the party.”
Wike expressed optimism that a day of reckoning awaits all those who defected from the PDP to the APC.
According to him, the PDP would continue to fight against injustice meted on it by the defectors in order to strengthen the country’s democracy.
“My colleague, David Umahi, wherever you are, wherever you may be, hear me very well: PDP had sleepless nights, PDP won election, and you took the mandate of our people and went to another party. If you know you are a man and you are very strong, and any day they fix election you will win, I challenge you to resign as governor and contest election, whether you will win again.”
The governor urged Ebonyi delegates to support his presidential ambition because he was the only aspirant who has the capacity to defeat the APC in the 2023 presidential election.
Wike reiterated that PDP cannot afford another defeat in the 2023 general election.
To this end, he advised delegates to shun ethno-religious sentiments and vote for him to pull Nigeria out from the brinks.
“What PDP wants now is who can win election. It is not about where you come from. What the party wants today is who can win election for PDP. Give me this ticket, let me go and win APC for you.”
The PDP presidential aspirant, who lamented the spate of killings across the country, declared that if he emerges as the next Nigerian president, he would decisively tackle insurgency, banditry, and grow the national economy.
Wike disclosed that as President of Nigeria, he would encourage women and youths’ active participation in politics.
“If I am the President of this country, I will not have less than seven women as ministers. I will not have less than seven youths as ministers.”
In his remarks, Enugu State Governor, Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, commended PDP faithful for remaining steadfast despite the recent defection of some members of the party to the APC.
Also speaking, former Gombe State Governor, Dr Ibrahim Dankwambo, told the delegates that Wike has the requisite experience to provide the good governance which majority of Nigerians were yearning for.
“Governor Nyesom Wike is the person that is prepared for the job in terms of his training, in terms of his character, courage, commitment to the party, and above all, his determination to work with all of you after he becomes the President of this country. He is strong, he has super energy.
“I have worked with a lot of people, including presidents, but I want to assure you today, Governor Wike is one of the real very active and strong people I have worked with in recent times. He is very strong, he is very committed, and he is very determined.”
Featured
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.
Featured
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.
Featured
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.
-
News1 day ago
WE NEED TO WORK TOGETHER IN S’SOUTH TO ACHIEVE REGIONAL DEV, FUBARA INSISTS
-
News1 day ago
Tinubu Rejoices As Warri Refinery Begins Operations
-
News1 day ago
Tinubu Mourns Ex-US President, Jimmy Carter
-
News1 day ago
Nigeria Has No Reason To Be Poor – Ooni
-
News1 day ago
IN RIVERS, GOD REMAINS OUR ULTIMATE LIBERATOR – FUBARA
-
News1 day ago
CHRISTMAS: FUBARA, WIFE HOST RIVERS CHILDREN, TASK THEM ON EXEMPLARY CONDUCT
-
Nation4 days ago
Bodo-Bonny Road: Julius Berger Workforce Maintains Steady Work to ensure timely delivery
-
News1 day ago
FUBARA MOURNS FORMER RIVERS GOV