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I Don’t Fear To Take Dev-Oriented Decisions -Wike …As He Inaugurates Rumuesara Community Internal Roads, Akpabu-Odido Road

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Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says he is not a leader, who fears taking decisions, particularly if such decision will favour issues of development of the State and its people.
Part of such courage of leadership, he enthused, is predicated on the fact that his administration owes Rivers people the kind of development that should position the State in the comity of States as a clean, healthy place, and progressive.
Governor Wike was speaking yesterday at Rumuesara Road Junction in Eneka Town, while inaugurating the Rumuesera Community Internal Roads in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The contractor, L & D Nigeria limited was given six months to deliver the road project, but took nine months to deliver it, and governor Wike frowned at the lapse in the delivery time.
He urged the contracting firm to be more time conscious with works awarded to it and ensure that it is delivered on schedule, particularly as it handles other community road projects.
Governor Wike said his administration has fulfilled promises made to the community, because the traditional stool in the area has been recognised, the Rukpokwu-Eneka Road and Eneka-Igbo Etche Link Road have all been completed with other internal roads and the Government Secondary School, Eneka that are ongoing.
The Rivers State governor directed the contractor handling the work at the Government Secondary School, Eneka to return back to site and complete the project within the next one week.
Governor Wike said he could not have empowered a son of the community with the award of the project and the opportunity was being abused.
The governor therefore, stated that if the contractor failed to return to site to complete the project, the state government would be compelled to arrest and jail him. According to him, the delay on the work is deliberate knowing that the present administration has just few days of stay in office.
He reiterated that the demolition of the Bayelsa State government dilapidated property on Akasa Street in Old GRA in Port Harcourt was done to rid the area of hideout used by criminals.
The Rivers State governor explained that, in the course of implementing the urban renewal programme, access into the Old GRA from the Eastern-Bypass used by criminals has been barricaded and no more available to serve as easy escape route anymore.
Governor Wike, who particularly accused the Bayelsa State government of persistent hostility to Rivers State, said in addition, every friendly engagement with it over shared property of the old Rivers State has been greeted with harsh demeanour.
At the inauguration of the Akpabu-Odido Road that held at Itu Bridge Head, Odido town in Emohua Local Government Area, Governor Wike said he was motivated to execute the project in order to bring to limelight Odido community that truly seemed unknown by most people in the State.
He said with the completion of the Odido Road, the people that could not drive into their community are now linked by road to other parts of Emohua council easily and also drive to Ahoada West council where they have their kinsmen.
The governor added that the road will also enable farmers to transport their farm produce to the market with ease.
Governor Wike assured that he would speak with his successor to construct a public school for the Odido community to reduce the suffering of the people and solve the dearth of public institution in the area.
Speaking on the internal roads in Rumuesara Community, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, George-Kelly Dakorinama Alabo said the project flagged-off on the 29th August 2022 and delivered in nine months.
He explained that the roads are nine in number, and have a total length of 5.1kilometers, 7.3 meters wide and 5.3 kilometers of drain.
On the Akpabu-Odido road, the Commissioner said both the major road into the community, providing a circular drive and the extension to the waterfront have been delivered in five months.
In his address, Obio/Akpor Local Government Chairman, George Ariolu noted the Rumuesera community internal roads as another testament of the mantra of promise made and fulfilled by governor Wike, and they are grateful to him.
On his part, Emohua Local Government Chairman, Dr. Chidi Lloyd said future leaders must understudy the success of governor Wike in budgeting and project implementation.
He thanked governor for living by his conviction that Rivers people deserve the best, which is the basis of providing Odido people with a brand new road.
Also speaking, Ahoada West Local Government chairman, Hope Ikiriko said governor Wike has served Rivers people very well by setting a worthy pace, and giving road to Odido community to attract development to that area.

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Bring Your Wealth Of Experience To Governance, Ibas Tasks New SSG

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The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.

 

Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.

 

The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.

 

Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.

 

He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.

 

“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”

 

Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.

 

He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.

 

Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.

 

“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.

 

“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.

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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage

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The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.

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Abuja Truck Explosion Death Toll Rises To 10  …As Another Truck Crashes On Same Spot 

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The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.

The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.

The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.

““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.

However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.

He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.

Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.

“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”

He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.

“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.

Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.

He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.

Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.

The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.

The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.

She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.

“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.

“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.

 

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