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I’ll Complete Four Years As Governor -Wike …‘Tribunal Judgement Won’t Deter Me’
L-R: Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, his wife, Justice, Eberechi Suzette Wike, Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, National Acting Chairman, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus and Sole Administrator, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Bro Felix Obuah, in a worship mood, during the solidarity state thanksgiving service at Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has reassured Rivers people that in spite of the tribunal judgment which nullified his election, he will complete his four year tenure as the governor of the state.
Wike stated this, yesterday at a thanksgiving service held at Obi Wali International Convention Centre, Port Harcourt, where the leadership and supporters of Peoples Democratic (PDP) gathered to honour God over the tribunal’s judgment that was delivered at the weekend.
The thanksgiving service titled: “God Has The Final Say”, brought compassion as majority of those who attended the service shed tears.
Those who spoke to The Tide said they were not crying because the tribunal nullified the election that brought Governor Wike to power but some persons in the state are seriously bent on ensuring that the present administration did not succeed.
In his opening remarks during the thanksgiving, the PDP Chairman in the state, Bro. Felix Obuah said PDP supporters in the state should be strong and bold because what has happened is the beginning of their glory.
Obuah advised PDP supporters to disregard the pre-determined judgment and focus on the Almighty God who has the final say.
According to him, ’’Wike is the man of honour whom Rivers people trust and believe, especially in his ability to transform the state.
“Wike is the man, Rivers State is PDP state, we are still in-charge. Wike is still the governor of Rivers State, and he will continue to be the governor till four years. Don’t be afraid, just be strong, believe in God, we will at the end get judgment that will favour us.”
However, Wike reassured the people that PDP will win again if election is conducted, adding that “I will complete my four years tenure as the governor of Rivers State”.
He noted that the thanksgiving service was “significant because if what enemies planned had worked, I wouldn’t have been governor today.
“The nullification of my election by the tribunal sitting in Abuja shows that justice is ours. I am surprised that some people are celebrating over the judgment when they described the judgment against their candidates at the National Assembly as judicial 419.
“It is now that they have confidence with judiciary. In spite of the judgment, we will still have hope in judiciary. I want to beg you, don’t be provoked, I know what happened at the weekend is provoking but I know what their plans are, that is why I am begging you to be calm.
“I was minister in this country, and I was given the highest responsibility, and today, some people are struggling to be minster, and they are celebrating to be minister as if nobody has been a minister in this state.”
Meanwhile, following the judgment of the Rivers State Election Tribunal annulling the April 11th governorship polls in the state at the weekend, Governor Nyesom Wike, said he will not be distracted to deliver good governance to the people of the state.
Wike made the promise shortly after arriving the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Saturday, and was received by a huge crowd of supporters.
Wike while emphasizing his stance not to criticize the judgment as a lawyer, said he would appeal and is ready to exhaust all legal means to get justice.
“Our lawyers are going on appeal and after the Court of Appeal there is also the Supreme Court. We believe that we have a good case. I have never seen where a lower court will overrule what the superior have said.”
The governor cited the case of the Lagos State Elections Tribunal between Governor Akinwumi Ambode and Agbaje of the PDP where the Court of Appeal held that the issue of card reader was not sufficient enough to cancel elections, since it’s not part of the Electoral Act.
He, therefore, expressed hope that the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) will get favourable judgment on appeal, assuring that, “the tribunal has given their own verdict, but by the special Grace of God that is not the verdict of God.”
Calling on supporters and party faithful to remain calm, Wike warned against any act that will breach public peace and tranquillity, enjoining them not to panic as the party has a competent legal team to handle the matter.
As far as Wike was concerned, the All Progressive Congress (APC) does not have a candidate for the elections since the party did not comply with the 21-day notice as provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
While reacting to the judgment of the tribunal, Chairman of the PDP in the state, Felix Obuah dismissed fears that the party was not ready to go to the polls, adding that, “we are ever ready any day anytime. This is Rivers State, and it’s PDP-owned state come rain, come shine; we are not disturbed.”
Obuah urged party members and the citizenry to go about their normal business, saying, “we believe that by God’s grace Gods judgment will upturn whatever has been done.”
Meanwhile, Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity, Opunabo Inko-Tariah has dispelled fears that Wike has been removed from office following the tribunal judgment on Saturday.
Inko- Tariah said the governor will go on appeal, and therefore, still remains the governor of Rivers State.
While assuring that the state will not suffer any setback, the governor’s aide said Wike will continue on his developmental strides,” the pace with which he started will be maintained.”
On their part, immediate past Caretaker Chairmen of Eleme and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas, Phillip Okparaji and Odimabo Torukwein, charged party supporters in their various LGAs to remain calm.
Okwaraji said, “We are not discouraged because we know we still have substantial evidence to win at the superior courts. For us, we are determined to make sure or people enjoy dividends of democracy”.
In the view of Torukwein, justice will prevail on the matter as he urged all supporters of Wike in Akuku-Toru to be calm and go about their lawful activities.
In his words, “I urge all of our people to remain steadfast, justice will always prevail, Wike will appeal the ruling, don’t lose focus, our dynamic governor is on course.”
Consequently, Governor Nyesom Wike in a state-wide broadcast, yesterday, has promised the people of the state that he will remain focused and steadfast to the mandate given to him on April 11.
He added that, “our fundamental promises on improving security, massive development of infrastructure and socio-economic empowerment in Rivers State”.
As firm believer in the judicial system, the governor expressed hope that he will upturn the decision of the tribunal at the Appeal Court, and therefore, urged all supporters to remain calm and go about their legitimate business without cause for alarm.
At a thanksgiving service organized by the party for the governor, yesterday at Dr Obi Wali Conference Centre, Wike said, “what happened yesterday is a clear indication that victory will be ours.”
He called on the people to continue to pray and have hope in God, noting that rather than discouraging the people the judgment has attracted more supporters.
For now, he declared that the interest of the state remains paramount to him while pledging to pursue those things will help transform the state positively.
The governor also remarked, “The final victory is the better victory”.
On her part, Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry- Banigo, expressed confidence that the party and the governor will come out victorious at the end.
She said, “I know that this mandate God has given to Wike and I, we will guard it jealously”.
The deputy governor thanked God for the grace and strength he gave the governor during this trying times, recalling earlier hurdles the governor and party have scaled before inauguration on May 29th.
Representative of the state Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Frank Ikpe, declared that victory will come at the end.
He enjoined the governor and the party to hold on to God and His word, which according to him, can nullify man’s word and judgment.
On why the thanksgiving was held, state Chairman of the PDP, Felix Obuah, said Rivers State is God’s own project.
Obuah while emphasising the importance of thanksgiving, observed that the party and the governor are not dejected by the verdict, saying, “God says that in everything, we should give Him thanks”.
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.