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Oct 5 LG Polls Sacrosanct, Fubara Declares
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the October 5 Local Government election in the State is sacrosanct, saying no amount of propaganda will stop the election.
He said his conviction stems from the Supreme Court judgment that all states in the federation should have democratically elected local government executives, Mr. President’s 90 days window to states to comply with the Supreme Court ruling, and the substantive judgment by the Rivers State High Court that mandates the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to conduct the election.
Governor Fubara made the declaration when members of the Rivers State Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) led by its Chairman, Solsuema Osaro paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
The Governor, who expressed concern why people who earlier ascribed to the fact that parties are only a vehicle that convey people to positions of leadership and boosted to win all elective positions in the 23 local government areas if elections are conducted, are now scared to participate in the slated polls.
He assured that any attempt by anybody or group of people to disrupt the democratic process that is genuinely pursued in the State will be fought by the gods of the land.
“I am really happy that the Chairman, IPAC has said a few things. But, the records need to be properly presented to the public. There is no going back on the election come the 5th of October. There is no amount of propaganda, be it from the Judiciary end, be it from the law enforcement end …, that election would hold.
“What is the reason: first the Supreme Court has ruled that every state must migrate to elected local government executives. Among the states affected, 10 of these states have already held their elections, and if I am not mistaken, I stand to be corrected. They used the 2023 voters register. Outside that, Mr. President, after the Supreme Court ruling, gave a window of 90 days when we went as governors to meet him, ensure that all the processes are completed.
“The issue of the court cases here and there, I can tell you, it is not an issue to stop the election. There is a substantive judgment giving the RSIEC all powers to ensure that election holds. And we are standing by that judgment to support RSIEC for the election.
“Also, I don’t know why people are scared. I used to hear them say before that party is just a vehicle. If party is just a vehicle, and today, not even my party, other parties are contesting election, and I try to be a referee, why are they restless. If you feel you are strong, through your heart into the ring. Why do you need to stop the process? Does it show any sign of sportsmanship? Does it show any sign that you love this State? A situation where this State will be the State that will be suspended, the activities of the civil servants will be suspended, local government workers will not earn their salaries again because you want to prove that you have some dirty power?”
“So, don’t be scared when you hear one party factional chairman will just sit somewhere and announce that he will not be part of the election for whatever reason. Even that factional chairman, some months ago was bragging, saying: what is the reason holding the Governor from conducting the election? That if he comes and conducts this election, he is going to win all the 23 local government areas.
“This world is so beautiful today. What we say here, the record will be there for the world to see. Bring that video and send it to him when he said the 23 local governments he is going to win. So, what has changed? We are conducting election now, you are the same person going to cry, you don’t want to participate in the election?
“So, any attempt by anybody or group of people to see that this process is disrupted, I can assure you, the gods of this land, what we stand for as a people who are fighting for genuine democracy will fight for us.”
Governor Fubara hinted of intelligence that mercenaries have been engaged within and outside the State to obstruct the elections, warning that such mercenaries will be adequately resisted.
The Governor assured that with God on the side of the State, and necessary information provided to relevant authorities involved in the election, the election will hold, results declared and elected officers sworn-in to discharge their responsibilities to the people at the grassroots.
He said, “I will also mention here: we are also aware that some mercenaries are being engaged within and outside the State. I feel sorry for whoever is going to be a victim of such thing. Because I know anybody who comes to obstruct this election will meet adequate and right resistance. It’s important that we defend this democracy, and we must start defending this democracy from the one that we have control over.
“But whichever way, I can assure you, God on our side, with the information we have given to the security agencies, the information we have given to all the authorities that are concerned, and are also needed in cause of this process, this election will hold, results will be declared, and the elected officers will be inaugurated, and a new government will commence as soon as possible.”
He assured to make the election process free and fair, and protect lives and property in the course of the election.
He added, “I can assure you, we took an oath before everyone of you. I swore before everyone that I will defend and protect the interest of Rivers State. And this particular responsibility, ensuring that this election holds is one of those responsibilities.
“You have all prepared for the election. We are going to make sure the process will be free and fair. As the umpire, we will also ensure that lives and property will be protected in the course of the election. What we request from you is go and perform your civic responsibility. Vote, support the candidates of your choice. Ensure that we take control of the democracy of our State. Ensure that you vote for the protection of lives and property of the people of this State. The State starts from the ward to the LGA, and from the LGA to the State. So, I want this State to be protected right from the point of the ward.
“You have my total support. I will ensure as the Governor and the Head of this Government, that we do all that is required, all that is needed to make sure that this process is driven to the end.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Rivers State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Solsuema Osaro, reiterated their position to participate in the election as well as support the government to drive the process to logical conclusion.
Osaro noted the plans by some persons to stall the electoral process and the court judgments warranting RSIEC to conduct the elections, promising to stand by RSIEC to conduct free, fair and transparent election that will stand the test of time in the nation.
He added, “Your Excellency, it is at a moment like this in the history of our State that patriotism is well defined. The members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Rivers State Council, have come in here today to visit you and to assure you that because of all the empirical activities and people- oriented programmes you have established, you’ve embarked upon, you are doing in Rivers State, and especially because of the most important election that affects the generality of the people in the State, the grassroots people, the election that has to do with the conduct and exercise that will bring in elected local government chairmen and councillors across the 23 LGAs and the 319 wards in Rivers State, that informed why we have come to see you, Your Excellency.
“It is true that some persons have attempted and are tempting to disrupt the entire exercise, but we have come to show you that we are standing tall with you in your quest to give us elected local government chairmen and councillors in Rivers State.
“We are well informed of the fact that some persons went to court to stop INEC from giving RSIEC the necessary voters register to conduct this election that is slated for 5th of October, 2024. We also are very much aware too that a competent court of jurisdiction sitting here in Rivers State has also given RSIEC the authority, the mandate to conduct this election, and has also mandated RSIEC to use the 2023 voters register to conduct this election in Rivers State.
“As the pillars of democracy, as the vehicles through which elected officers are driven into various positions, the political parties have arisen to say that we stand in solidarity with the desire of the state government and that of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to conduct free, fair, transparent election in Rivers State that will stand Rivers State out in the comity of nations as a model state.
“We are quite aware that on the 11th of July, 2024, the highest court of the land, being the Supreme Court of Nigeria, gave a judgment that is to the fact that every state in Nigeria must have elected local government officials in the country. This Rivers State is not an exception. We are, therefore, standing on the judgment of the Supreme Court as well as the judgment delivered by Justice I. P. C. Igwe of the Rivers State High Court to say that the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), our members are prepared, are ready, willing to participate in this election.
“As patriotic citizens of Rivers State, we know all you have done and all you are doing to ensure that we have good governance in Rivers State, and if at this point in time, some detractors don’t want us to succeed, we have made it very clear that all of us that believe in the ideals of good Rivers State, purposeful leadership-driven Rivers State under your administration, we stand tall with you to ensure that we succeed.”
According to him, “The success of this election is to the benefit of Rivers people. The success of this election will allow Rivers people have the government at the grassroots that will empower the people, and whoever intends through covert or covert means, to stop this democratic process that is very important to Rivers people, we have arisen in one voice, one strength, one energy, to say we will stand for an ideal Rivers State were local government election will be conducted and elected officers will emerge through free, fair and transparent election that once again stand Rivers State out as a model state in Nigeria,” he added.
Eighteen out of the 19 registered political parties were represented at the meeting, including AA, AAC, ACCORD, ADC, ADP, APGA, APC, BOOT, LP, NCP, NNPP, APM, NRM, PRP, SDP, YP, YPP, and ZLP.
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Fubara Urges Rivers People To Remain Peaceful, Law-abiding …As Eze Worlu-Wodo Inaugurates Palace For Akpor Kingdom
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that despite the ensuing political circumstances against his administration, Rivers people will emerge stronger, eventually, urging the people to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the overall interest of the State.
The Governor, therefore, urged his teeming supporters, and indeed, well-meaning Rivers people, not to be disheartened by recent turn of events but rather cheer up, knowing that God does not start a thing by enthroning his administration, and allow it to be truncated half-way in the journey.
Governor Fubara spoke at the inauguaration of the Palace of Nyeweali Akpor Kingdom and a magnificent residential quarters for the King, Eze Levi Amos Oriebe, built and furnished by the administration of Governor Fubara at Ozuoba in Obi/Akpor Local Government Area last Monday.
The Governor pointed to the ungodly motive of those who are pushing to disrupt governance by worsening the feisty political relationship, and insisted that his path will remain ensuring peace, and warned against any act of lawlessness.
He said: “I want to say to our teeming supporters, I know some of you; your spirits are high, some of you, your spirits are low. But, I want to assure you one important fact of life: God does not start a thing and end halfway.
“It doesn’t matter what the situation might be today, I assure you that we will come up again stronger and better. Continue to follow my footstep, and that footstep remains, the path of peace. We need it because if anything happens, we are the greatest losers.
“Our concern for this State is not because of our own profit, but the total well-being of Rivers State. So, I appeal to everyone of you: be law abiding. I will not encourage any act of disobedience or any act of violence. But that is not to say that we will support evil. We will never support evil.”
Governor Fubara said his administration is focused on good governance and will not renege on the promise of delivering impactful, people-oriented development projects, continually.
The Governor stated: “Our projects, our services will continue to be those ones that would touch the hearts, the souls, and the spirits of our people. And we will not, no matter the circumstances surrounding our situation, renege on that promise that we made to the good people of Rivers State.”
Commenting on the project, Governor Fubara considered it historic to have delivered a befitting palace for the Akpor Kingdom, being the first in over 200 years of its existence.
Governor Fubara explained that it was 10 months ago, during the flag-off of reconstruction work on the Okania-Ogbogoro Road project that he promised, in response to a request by the people, to build the palace, which has been achieved six months after it was awarded for construction.
The Governor said: “I was really touched to the point that I had a few drops of tears when the Royal Father was speaking, and he said, ‘for over 200 years that the Akpor Kingdom has existed, it functioned without a palace’.
“But, God doesn’t make mistakes. Maybe, He left it for our administration to fulfill so that we will be part of history forever and ever in Akpor Kingdom.”
Governor Fubara said further: “We did not just build the palace, but we also provided a personal residence for the Nyeweali, knowing fully well that the palace belongs to everyone, but at the end of his tenure or when call of nature comes, his family definitely, will not be here.
“So, after living in a fine beautiful place, what happens to the family? We have to provide a place for him. I want you to note that we did not end this project by building just the palace, but we went further to provide the Eze his own personal residence, so that when he leaves, he can enjoy the comfort that he is already enjoying here at this moment.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to Akpor people for the Chieftaincy title of “Eze Omenma 1 of Akpor Kingdom bestowed on him by the Nyeweali Akpor, assuring that he will defend it wholeheartedly while urging the entire Obio/Akpor people who have remained very supportive to know that they fill strategic place in his administration.
Performing the inauguaration, Eze Oha Apara (IV), Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, His Majesty, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, recalled that a few months ago, he benefitted from the administration of Governor Fubara, a magnificent palace built for the Apara Kingdom.
Eze Worlu-Wodo, who is also the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, explained why the government is spending so much money to build palaces for traditional rulers, saying it understands that traditional rulers are closest leaders to the people.
He said: “Traditional rulers play vital roles in maintaining peace and orderliness in the communities, and by so doing, they Simplify governance at the State level.
“My friend and colleague from Calabar once said that respect for traditional rulers and elders shows good upbringing. Our Governor has good upbringing.
“I am glad to be here, Your Excellency, to witness your display of goodwill, respect and good intention for the traditional institution. Your Excellency, you have done well, and I must say, we are all proud of you.”
Eze Worlu-Wodo acknowledged the numerous developmental projects executed by the administration of Governor Fubara across the State, and urged him not to be worried by recent political developments in the State.
The Royal Father said: “God is in charge of this State, so, the machinations of the evil ones will not succeed in this State.”
Providing the project description, Rivers State Commissioner for Special Projects, Dr Rowland Obed-Whyte, said the construction was awarded in August, 2024, and the work completed in six months.
He added, “The palace complex is on a land space of 9,000 square meters, with an electric perimeter fencing. The palace is a duplex building with two wings; right-wing having guest room for the king, a 120- person sitting capacity multipurpose hall, a 50-person sitting capacity conference hall, offices and public conveniences.
“The left-wing has the royal ranch, bar, dinning, kitchen, and laundry. Behind the palace is a royal garden, traditional meeting place (Obiri), royal car park, visitors’ lodge, water tank, and water fountain.”
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated commitment of his administration to advancing the well-being of Rivers people, which is why, the Rumuodomaya Fire Service Sub-Station has been revitalised into an efficient and modern facility.
The Governor assured that with the improved status, the Fire Service Station will offer prompt response to combating fire emergencies in order to safeguard lives and the property of residents of the Rumuodomaya community, Obio/Akpor and environs.
Governor Fubara spoke at the inauguaration of the Rivers State Fire Service Sub-Station at Rumuodomaya in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State, last Friday.
The Governor said he feels so excited to showcase to the world the third Fire Service Station that has been unveiled within the past few days, and initiated to make living safer for Rivers people.
Governor Fubara said: “I feel very happy again to stand before you to showcase, again, one of the things that we have done to show that the interest of our people is most important in our administration. There is nothing I want to say now that I have not said before. When we unveiled the remodelled Headquarters of the Rivers State Fire Service, I did inform you that we have two sub-stations that are attached to that. The Borokiri sub-station that we unveiled yesterday, and this particular one that we are unveiling today. The essence of this project, you already know. We have to safeguard lives of our people and the property of every citizen of Rivers State, which is the primary function of governance.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the people of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area for their unwavering support and assurances given to his administration, adding: “We can feel your support here. I want to also appreciate the support of the good people of Rivers State, who kept believing in us. We know that your trust is the right thing, and that you are standing on the side of truth. I want to assure you that we will continue to do what is right to make life better and advance the State.”
Inaugurating the project, an elder statesman, Chief Hanny Woko, said a state without a functional fire service station is partially a failed state, because its citizens will only rely on the mercy of God to combat fire incidences.
Chief Woko, who noted that the project will serve to secure lives and property within Rumuodomaya Community and environs, thanked Governor Fubara for demonstrating genuine love to Ikwerre people in particular and Rivers people in general.
He said, “We thank you for continuing governance without minding distractions all over. It’s even very important to know that in the heat of the crisis, you are still going about commissioning projects. There are projects lined up for two weeks. You have come to serve Rivers State, and be rest assured that Rivers people will protect this democracy and protect you. There is no pretense about it: the love is organic, and we will make sure we continue to support you.”
Chief Woko stated further that Ikwerres are grateful to Rivers people who supported them to serve as governors for 16 unbroken years, stressing that it is only proper that Ikwerre people support other tribes, particularly Governor Fubara, to serve his tenure without truncating it.
He said, “Equity and fairplay demand that we allow our Ijaw Ethnic Group to serve out their tenure. Be rest assured, Your Excellency, that you have the support of the Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality. I want to use this opportunity to call on every reasonable Rivers son and daughter to know, there should be an end to every conflict. Rivers State has been, always, in the news for the negative reasons, and we condemn that.”
Chief Woko stated: “We should borrow a leaf from our sister states, like Lagos. The Governors are ruling, and governing their people. There is no friction anywhere. Yes, in human relations, there may be room for friction, there may be room for quarrel, but the most important thing is to put the state first. No personal interest should override that of the collective interest of the state.”
Providing the project description, Rivers State Commissioner for Duties, Dr Samuel Anya, said the Rumuodomaya Fire Service Sub-Station was abandoned shortly after it was built by the administration of Chibuike Amaechi, explaining how Governor Fubara ensured the sub-station became functional with the structures rehabilitated, providing 54 offices, staff quarters, brand new fire trucks, and water tank of 45,000 litres.
In his address, Head of Local Government Administration of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Mr Ichechi Amadi, said the rehabilitated structures and newly purchased fire trucks will motivate personnel and improve their response capacity to fire incidences that had, hitherto, destroyed lives and property worth billions of naira for years.
The House of Representatives has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend its directive increasing ATM withdrawal charges.
This resolution was taken as a result of a motion on urgent national importance moved by Rep. Marcus Onobun (Esan Central/West/Igueben Federal Constituency, in Abuja last Tuesday.
Onobun said that additional ATM withdrawal charges would further limit the financial inclusion of Nigerians by discouraging low-income earners from accessing banking services.
He said that Nigerians were already grappling with multiple economic hardships, including high inflation, increased fuel prices, electricity tariff hikes, and numerous banking and service charges.
The lawmaker warned that an increase in ATM withdrawal charges would be a contradiction of the CBN’s financial inclusion agenda.
“Aware that CBN in its new circular, has reviewed the ATM transaction fees stipulated under Section 10.7 of the CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions.
“Prescribing an increase in ATM withdrawal charges and a discontinuation of the free ATM withdrawals for customers using other banks’ ATMs.
“Thereby imposing additional financial burdens on Nigerians.
“Also aware that the said Section 10.7 of this Guide was last reviewed in 2019.
“Reducing ATM transaction fees from N65 Naira to N35 per transaction,” he said.
The Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas and the entire House adopted the motion, thereby urging the CBN to suspend the increase in ATM withdrawal charges.
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