Front Pix
RSG Reveals Secret Of 86 Oil Wells Recovery …He’s A Dogged Fighter – Anyanwu …Judgement ‘ll Accelerate Dev – Abe …Rivers Women Express Optimism
Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has declared that divine intervention through fasting and prayer by the State Executive Council was the reason for the recovery of the 86 oil wells wrongly ceded to Akwa Ibom State since 2009.
Speaking last Saturday in Gokana in continuation of his re-election campaign, Governor Amaechi told the mammoth crowd that he was pained by the decision of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission to cede the 86 oil wells which clearly belonged to Rivers State.
“As soon as that decision was taken, I told my colleagues (Governors) that this thing cannot stand. I will challenge this and ensure that it is settled once and for all.
“At the State Executive Council meeting, we agreed to enter into seven days fasting and prayer for the recovery of these oil wells.
“At the end of the seven days, I continued the fasting on my own and I promised God that if He answers our prayer that I will declare it and sing publicly to His Glory”, Governor Amaechi said.
The governor who literally turned the well-attended campaign into a mini crusade, laced his speeches with melodious Christian tunes which was appreciated by the crowd that went wild with dancing and jubilation.
Governor Amaechi who also gave kudos to the justices of the Supreme Court for standing firm to ensure justice, declared today as a day of fasting and prayer in Rivers State to thank God for the recovery of the 86 oil wells.
He stated that with the recovery of the oil wells, the state will have more funds to complete on-going projects and embark on new ones in the efforts to move the state to a new level.
It would be recalled that in a unanimous judgemnent last Friday, seven justices of the Apex Court with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justices Katsina-Alu presiding, held that Akwa Ibom State was bound by an agreement which it signed with the government of Rivers State on October 31st 2006 during the tenure of former Governor Peter Odili of Rivers State and Obong Victor Attah of Akwa Ibom conceding the oil wells of Rivers State.
Reactions have continued to trail the Supreme Court judgement, with a PDP stalwart and elder statesman in Rivers State, Prince Emma Anyanwu pouring encomiums on Governor Chibuike Amaechi.
In a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt, Friday, shortly after the judgement, Prince Anyanwu declared that Governor Amaechi has proved beyond doubts to be a leader that places the people first and a dogged fighter who doesn’t give up easily.
Prince Anyanwu stressed that the landmark judgement would remain indelible in the minds of Rivers people, pointing out that if previous administrations had been alive to their responsibilities, the state owned Pan African Bank wouldn’t have gone under.
Meanwhile, the Etche-born politician has described the governorship ambitions of Dr. Abiye Sekibo and Sir Celestine Omehia as laughable, declaring that both do not have the clout to stop the incumbent Governor Amaechi from winning a second term in office.
“In the past, it was glorified government, people who won cups for no governance. Amaechi has not won any cup, he has not been crowned but the people of Rivers State are going to crown him with re-election. He has not looked for outsiders to crown him to be golden this, golden that,” he stressed.
He argued that Celestine Omehia has nothing to show for the five months he was in office, while saying that Abiye Sekibo, who was Secretary to State Government (SSG) and later Minister of Transport, cannot point to anything he did for his people.
According to him, “SSG is a big position in government and for you to be in one of the largest ministries in Nigeria, Ministry of Transport and you have nothing to fall back to your people to say this is what I have done is shameful.”
On politics in his native Etche Local Government Area, he dismissed the challenge of opposition parties, saying that they are only ranting and do not have anything to show that they can dislodge PDP in the area.
Meanwhile, Rivers people have welcomed last Friday’s Supreme Court judgement that returned 86 oil wells from Akwa Ibom State to Rivers State and said it would ensure accelerated development in the State if Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is re-elected in the April general elections, Hon. Magnus Abe has assured.
The former secretary to the State Government who gave the assurance on Friday when he paid a courtesy call on the Gbenemene of Nyor Khana, King Williams Z.P Nzidee commended the doggedness of the governor to have pursued the matter to a logical conclusion, noted that the judgement has made the state unquestionably the richest state in the country.
He tasked the people to go to the ballot box and demonstrate the love and appreciation of what Governor Amaechi have done in the state by casting their votes for the governor, himself and other PDP candidates in the general elections.
He noted that Amaechi’s government started the monorail, the modern schools, the construction of roads, hospitals, among others and he needs a second chance to complete them..
Also the leadership of the Princewill Political Association (PPA) has described Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi as an agent of change and instrument in the hands of God to turn around the fortunes of Rivers State and its people.
In a related development, women in Rivers State have expressed optimism that the 86 oil wells returned to the state by the Supreme Court will help to fast-track development in the state. Leader of women and wife of the Rivers State Governor Dame Judith Amaechi stated this in a statement signed by her Media Assistant Dike Bekwele.
She said the Supreme Court ruling re-awarding the 86 oil wells to Rivers State will accelerate rapid economic and infrastructural development.
Mrs. Amaechi said Rivers women received the news with so much joy especially at this time in the political life of the state.
The governor’s wife stated that the Supreme Court ruling was another testimony of God’s love for Rivers people and thanked Governor Amaechi and the judiciary for making the state proud.
Delivering the lead judgement in the suit Friday, Justice Katsina-Alu, the Chief Justice of Nigeria held that Akwa Ibom was bound by the agreement because its former governor was a signatory to the agreement of 31st October, 2006, concerning the 86 oil wells which belongs to Rivers State.
Justice Katsina-Alu’s lead judgement held that: “It is not in dispute that this agreement was reduced into writing and dated 31st October 2006, and tendered and admitted as exhibit. It is indeed embodied in the letter written by the then President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo.
Continuing, the Chief Justice of Nigeria declared, “it can be seen clearly from this letter that the parties have voluntarily jettisoned Technical and Historical Solutions. This is so because these Solutions were considered at the meeting before opting for the Political Solution.
“The parties faithfully implemented the terms of the agreement till the tail end of 2007 when Akwa Ibom unilaterally sought to rescind the agreement and commenced its agitation for the application of the Historical Solution.”
Justice Katsina-Alu further maintained that “The plaintiff avers that it accepted the Political Solution Method Agreement. So did the defendants. The parties are bound by the agreement.
The parties are stopped by their conduct from disclaiming their acts. In the present case, the defendant must accept the legal relations as modified by them in the agreement they voluntarily entered into with the plaintiff. Surely it will be inequitable to permit the defendants to walk out of the agreement which on the evidence before me was not obtained by fraud, misrepresentation or deception.
According to him, “It does not matter that in the instant case the defendants have suddenly realised that the terms of the agreement they had entered into with the plaintiff are not favourable to them.
He further held that “The plaintiff (Rivers) is the owner of the 86 oil wells by virtue of the political solution agreement between the plaintiff and the 1st defendant (Akwa Ibom), the terms of which are contained in exhibit AMBI, and therefore entitled to be paid revenue derivable there from under the provisions of section 162 of the 1999 Constitution from April, 2009 till date and subsequently.
The Chief Justice declared, “the defendants are hereby directed by themselves and their appropriate agencies to forthwith compute and calculate all such sums of money accruing from 86 oil wells belonging to the plaintiff by virtue of the subsisting and biding political solution agreement which sums had since been unlawfully paid to the 1st defendant (Akwa Ibom) with effect from April, 2009 till date of this judgement and payment of all such sums to the plaintiff by the 1st defendant forthwith.
“There shall be interest at the prevailing commercial rate per annum on the total sums calculated, as due to the plaintiff from April 2009 till date of this judgement, and thereafter” at 8 percent interest per annum on the judgement debt until full liquidation of the judgement sum and interest.”
No official reaction from the State Government, as at the time of this report, as Governor Amaechi was out of the State on official engagement.
Celestine Ogolo
A mammoth crowd in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, during Governor Chibuike Amaechi’s re-election campaign rally, on Saturday
Front Pix
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.