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Eschew Politics of Bitterness To Save Economy, Fubara Cautions Politicians
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has advised politicians to be circumspect with their politicking activities in order not to, either deliberately or otherwise, use them to undermine peace, economic growth prospects of the State and the nation at large.
Governor Fubara gave the advice when he received a delegation of the House of Representatives Committee on Ports and Harbours, led by its Chairman, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, on a courtesy visit to Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The delegation was in Rivers State to perform familiarisation with and conduct oversight functions at the Port Harcourt, Onne Sea Ports, and Bonny channels, which are under their preview.
Governor Fubara said the Sea Ports are essential facilities that will contribute in harvesting the rich gains of the blue economy, adding that those who are delighted seeing them remain inactive and moribund do not mean well for the State and the country.
The Governor stated: “about nine years ago, if you understand the calculation; somebody here was the senior Minister of Transport, nothing happened at our ports. Every progress that was supported to come to the Sea Ports here, because of bitter politics was stopped. That is why our ports are moribund today.
“Today, after another eight years, which this other person suffered, we have entered into another similar era. If you love this State, it is normal to support everything that will bring progress and development to this State.”
Governor Fubara emphasised: “It is not about who is sitting here today. It is about the State. If the State continues to go down, what is the interest? The only reason why we are struggling is because of the allocation.
“The only reason why we are struggling is to make sure that you have control of the treasury. But the treasury will also get fat if the sea ports are working. Revenue will increase. Your plan for expansion will also become large with internal revenue.
“So, I want everybody to understand that politics of bitterness will not take us anywhere. It is only a thing that will lead you to early grave because once joy is taken away from a man’s life, it is anger, and anger leads to destruction of souls.
“So, please, for those of you who took this bold decision to come to see us and to make this possible, we want to thank you and assure you that no matter what it takes, we will not take the path of bitter politics.”
Governor Fubara insisted that politics should be rightly situated as a game with a winner to emerge at any particular time, and those who may not be lucky with winning should not indulge in acts that will destroy the system.
The Governor told members of the committee of the determination of his administration to give the requisite support that will lead to a total revamp and full capacity operations of all the Sea Ports and blue sea commercial channels in the State.
The Governor said when the reports of the committee are made public, his administration will note the recommendations and ensure that they are implemented.
He also berated those labelling the State as crisis-ridden as concerted from the figment of their imagination of what is not true.
He insisted that Rivers State is peaceful, safe and on the move to actualise more development, adding that nothing can happen, which will be worse than the October 30, 2023 event in the State.
In his speech, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Ports and Harbours, Rt Hon Nnolim Nnaji said the visit to the Governor was part of the familiarization visit and to conduct oversight functions of the Port Harcourt Ports, Onne Ports and the Bonny Channel.
He stated that considering the importance of Rivers State to the economy of Nigeria, they decided to visit Rivers State first.
He said: “We also use the opportunity to encourage the State to support the programme of ports because we believe that new programme on Blue Economy will attract trillions of dollars when fully invested in.
“So, we are happy that we are here and we believe that Rivers State plays a major role in the Port programme. We want to also let you know that we as a committee, we are doing everything possible to support the upgrading of Port Harcourt and Onne Ports. In our budget, we are also doing a lot to see how we can support the Bonny Channels,” he added.
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
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.
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.