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Rivers Rerun Polls For Dec 10 …At Last, INEC Takes Date …RVHA Wants INEC Probed
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has fixed December 10 for the conduct of the outstanding National and State Assembly elections in Rivers State.
A statement by the Secretary to the commission, Mrs Auguta Ogakwu, yesterday in Abuja said that the commission had also approved December 3 to conduct election for the vacant Ifako/Ijaiye seat of Lagos State in the House of Representatives.
The seat became vacant following the death of the member who represented the constituency in the House, Mr Adewale Oluwatayo in July.
On the same day, according to the statement, the commission will also conclude rescheduled councillorship polls in some area councils in the Federal Capital Territory.
“After months of intensive planning and wide consultations, the Independent National Electoral Commission, yesterday approved the conduct of Lagos’ House of Representative election on Saturday, December 3, 2016.
“Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Councillorship election will also hold on Saturday, December 3, 2016.
“Rivers, National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) and State House of Assembly elections on Saturday, December 10, 2016,” the statement said.
It would be recalled that the National Assembly on Wednesday, gave INEC December 10 deadline to conduct pending elections in Rivers and other parts of the country.
The Senate also threatened to suspend plenary if the commission failed to meet the deadline.
Earlier, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it had always been ready to conclude the suspended re-run parliamentary elections in Rivers State, but subject to conducive environment for the exercise.
The Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity in the commission, Mr Nick Dazang, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Dazang spoke in reaction to the December 10 deadline given to the commission by the National Assembly on Wednesday to conduct the outstanding polls in Rivers State.
The Senate had threatened to suspend plenary, if INEC failed to meet the deadline.
Dazang said that it was unfortunate that in spite of the commission’s readiness for the elections, some stakeholders in the state were uncooperative, not helping to create peaceful environment needed for conduct of the exercise.
He said that as a sign of good faith, INEC had engaged stakeholders in several meetings in Abuja and in the state on the issue.
“In fact, at a point, we articulated a road map of activities that would climax with the National and State Assembly elections in the state.
“Sadly, on the eve of the proposed schedule for the conduct of the elections in that state, our office in one of the local government areas of the state was razed down.
“In spite of this, we have remained resolute in our determination and have continued to engage with stakeholders.
“Our determination is further underscored by the fact that recently, the commission directed all relevant departments to submit their inputs for the Rivers National and State Assembly elections,” he said.
The deputy director said that the commission’s initial plan was to conclude all suspended elections before the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States in September and November, respectively.
“This was, however, truncated by the spate of violence, particularly in Rivers State and the inflammatory rhetoric of some stakeholders,” he said.
He, however, assured that with the ultimatum by the lawmakers, INEC would meet with the stakeholders to review the situation and agree on a date.
It would be recalled that the re-run elections in the state ordered by the judiciary and scheduled for March 19, 2016, was suspended in parts of the state due to high level of violence that characterised the exercise.
The commission fixed July 31 to conclude the elections, but was again forced to postpone the exercise following reports of violence ahead of the polls.
It, therefore, resolved that it would return to the state to conclude the elections only when the state government and all stakeholders in the state gave undertaking of adequate security during the period the exercise would be conducted.
Dazang told newsmen that neither the Rivers State Government nor the stakeholders had given the undertaking.
In a related development, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has commended the Senate for rising to the occasion in defence of democracy as it concerns rerun elections in the state.
The governor declared that it was important that Rivers State gets her full representation at the Senate, the House of Representatives and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt, when he granted audience to a delegation of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, yesterday, Wike said: “I thank God that the Senate has risen to the occasion.
“It is important that the Senate has taken the right action that will ensure that Rivers State gets her representatives to speak for the state when issues of national importance are discussed in the Senate and the House of Representatives”.
He reiterated that there was no reason why the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been unable to conduct the rerun elections because the state still generates the highest oil revenue and no pipeline has been vandalized as a result of insecurity.
Commenting on the presentation by the delegation of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Wike faulted the claim that the non-oil sector was now generating 50 per cent of the nation’s revenue since recession.
He noted that the country still relies on oil revenue, but pointed out that it was necessary to diversify the country’s revenue generation mechanism.
He, however, stated that the Rivers State Government will support the auditing and generation of statistics of the non-oil revenue sector by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
Leader of the commission’s delegation and Federal Commissioner, Mr Sanya Omirin, said that the team was in the state to conduct a holistic auditing of the non-oil sector, verify mining companies with licences, verify mining leases and confirm royalties that accrue from mining.
He added that the commission was working to bring all mining operators within the tax operations of the government for revenue generation.
He said the steps have become necessary because of the need to diversify the nation’s economy.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly (RVHA) yesterday called on the Federal Government to call Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to order over its failure to conduct all pending rerun elections into legislative positions in both state and National Assemblies.
The House also called on INEC, to as a matter of urgency, conduct rerun elections in Rivers State as ordered by the National Assembly, or face legal action.
This followed the unanimous adoption of a motion sponsored by the Leader of the House, Hon. Martin Amaewhule at the plenary session of the House in Port Harcourt.
Moving the motion, Amaewhule said that failure of INEC to conduct the rerun elections in the state within the time frame given by the respective election PetitionTribunals was a total breach of the Electoral Act and Section 76 of the 1999 Constitution and therefore, urged the Federal Government to set-up a panel to probe the commission.
Contributing to the motion, a member representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 1, Hon. Major Jack, said the Assembly cannot sit and watch the state tolerate INEC’s maltreating and denying of the state its equal representation at both state and National Assemblies.
Also contributing, the lawmaker representing Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency 11, Hon. Uwaji Nathaniel condemned the non-conduct of rerun elections in Rivers State by INEC despite the orders of election petition tribunal in Abuja.
This followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Okpokiri Nwanaka at the plenary session.
In his presentation, Hon. Nwanaka observed that, no serious action was taken either by the Federal Government or security agencies over the killing of an innocent man by a soldier.
In his comment, Speaker of the House, Hon. Adams Dabotorudima commended the sponsor of the motion, saying that the House would ensure that appropriate action was taken to call INEC to order.
Enoch Epelle
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Arson: Those Behind It’ll Account For Atrocities -Fubara …Swears In Bipi, Three Others As Commissioners
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the State.
The Governor, therefore, assured that, working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to unravel those behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme Local Government areas, with a view to making them account for their atrocities.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while swearing in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt yestersday.
Those sworn in are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
Governor Fubara recalled mentioning when he sworn-in newly elected Local Government Councils’ Chairmen on 6th October, 2024, that there was intelligence on planned mayhem by misguided persons, who had threatened to prevent the elected officers from resuming duties.
True to it, Governor Fubara said, the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans, and burnt valued buildings at some council secretariats.
He said, “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers State.
“We want to also let the people know that what has happened (arson) after the election, we are not going to allow it to go uninvestigated.
“A similar event had happened in this manner before, and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted in order to turn the story around.
“But this time around, I strongly believe, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), we will unravel those behind the assault and make sure that they account for their atrocities.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the show of patience and calmness by majority of Rivers people despite the fact that they are angry with the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
The Governor said he has continued to show leadership, provided the climate that has engendered productive endeavours, and will not mislead those he is leading.
“As your leader; the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas.
“But, I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers, if we meet them force-for-force. We need to go with peace.
“So, I will encourage everyone of you not to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands. So, we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
Governor Fubara reiterated what he said the previous day on what should matter most for Rivers State, which is a firm support to ensure that the progress of Nigeria is sustained.
He said, if oil theft is not checked, the country’s economy will be badly impacted, and there will not be funds to address critical issues.
“We are in a situation where the fund that is being generated from oil production is not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure that there is increase in production.
“Our focus here, not minding the distractions, will be how to provide support. You have to work with us to make sure that we curb this issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.
“This is the only way that the allowances (revenue) will increase and more will also come to our State, and more progress will also be achieved in this State.”
Governor Fubara explained that his administration is doing a lot for the good people of the State, that are not being seen because of the political drama that takes their attention away.
He, however, said that his administration is working out modalities, and will soon choose a day, which could probably be before the end of October, 2024, to showcase a few projects and services that have positively impacted lives in the State.
Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He explained that more persons whose loyalty are for Rivers people and the administration needed to be admitted into the Rivers State Executive Council to help drive the policy of government because they will not resign their appointment.
Governor Fubara said: “We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding into the Council, so that we will not wake up one morning and see resignation letter. So, we are taking our time.
“And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balancing. So, I can also say that the new Commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to also balance the political equation.”
Governor Fubara charged them to be dedicated, forthright, diligent and productive while rendering quality services to the State.
The Governor said he believed in their capacity to deliver because of their exposure to the workings of government, and expressed the hope that they will contribute positively to the success of the administration.
He said, “So, let me thank everyone of you. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support, and to assure them that we will continue to defend, protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank everyone of you for your support, more especially before, during and after the elections. I appreciate your doggedness, your belief in our course to salvage this State, to protect the integrity of this State,” he added.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has sought media support to fast-track the implementation of the ongoing reforms in the civil service sector.
Walson-Jack made the request during a cocktail organised by her office for media executives from different organisations in Abuja.
The event, according to her, aimed at interacting with the media men one-on-one, appreciate them and implore them to continue to strengthen the bond with the office.
“I want to start by thanking each and everyone of you for honouring this invitation. I want to say that we purposely designed this grail cocktail so that we can have one-on-one interactions.
“Let me also go ahead to thank you for all the supports you have given to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) in the years past I know that the Fourth Estate of the realm has always supported this office.
“I will also go ahead to thank you for your support, especially at my announcement as the HoCSF and that support has continued, up till date.
“We, therefore, thought it fit that we should organise this event just to interact with you to strengthen the bond that this office has with the media, “ she said.
The HoCSF recalled that her office had continued with programmes she met on ground upon assumption of office, especially the ongoing reforms on Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025).
She, therefore, appealed to the media for continuous reportage on the initiative, so as to give it the necessary publicity for proper dissemination to the citizens.
“You will recall that the office has the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025) and that is the plan that we are still driving.
“We want to request that you collaborate more with us, we are asking that the friendship, the partnership go beyond what it is now to ensure that the reforms which this office is driving get the full publicity it requires,” she said.
Walson-Jack used the medium to announce the preparation to re-introduce the civil service national anthem officially for the entire civil servants to recite at every national programme.
“The anthem has been re-introduced to drive the reforms and it’s expected that the anthem will be sung by all federal civil/public servants and indeed Nigerians.
“And it will be an anthem that will encourage every public servants to be efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, “ she added.
Participants at the event congratulated Mrs Walson-Jack for her uplifting to the position of the HoCSF and pledged to continue in the relationship.
In a response, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged the agency’s readiness to give the HoCSF the needed support.
According to him, supporting government policies has always been NAN’ priority as government’s owned media organisation.
“You can take it for granted that we are going to give the Office total support. It is part of our own mandates to support Federal Government policies, so we are going to do that fully for the head of service.
“As she said, she has her policies which are in tandem with the federal government policies, she is asking for the support in implementation of the Federal Government policies.
“She has very lofty ideas, she has lofty things that she believes that we should do. Our job is to make sure that whatever government wants to do, we have to support such policies, “ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Halima Musa, Director News, NTA, assured her office’s partnership with the Head of service towards ensuring communicating the needed values on excellence, incorruptibility and new culture of efficiency to the public.
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LG Polls: Rogue Policemen Break RSIEC Gate, Strong Room To Steal Electoral Materials …Fubara Foils Attempt To Cart Away Materials
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has foiled an attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at 1am on Friday, 4th October, 2024.
The rogue policemen were said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the Commission to cart away sensitive Electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.
The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.
However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.
The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility.
Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara condemned the conduct of the policemen on illegal duty, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.
He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.
He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.
At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogur policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday.
