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RSG Blasts Critics Of Public Holidays; Flays Politicisation Of Obio/Akpor Suit …LG Boss Wants Judge To Disqualify Self …Full Text Of Govt’s Reaction On Pages10&11
Secretary to Rivers State Government and Chairman Centenary Committee, Mr George Feyii (3rd left), Commissioner for Health, Dr Sampson Parker (4th left), Mayor of Port Harcourt, Mr Chimbiko Akarolo (4th right), leading the Centenary Health Walk, organised by Rivers State Government in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
Photo: Obinna Prince Dele
The Rivers State Government has refuted the allegation by the Felix Obuah-led People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the State that it declared a week-long public holidays for civil servants to halt the delivery of judgement in the Obio/Akpor suit.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Worgu Boms dismissed the allegation as untrue.
Boms reiterated that the state government declared the work-free period to enable civil servants to participate in a series of activities lined up for the celebration of Port Harcourt centenary.
He explained that the allegation by the Obuah faction was borne out of lack of knowledge of the workings of the law and the judicial system, adding that the records of proceedings had been compiled and transmitted to the Court of Appeal.
“This thinking that the Rivers State Government needed a work-free period in order to prevent further proceedings in the Obio/Akpor suit is one that is borne out of lack of knowledge of the workings of the law and the judicial system itself. The records of proceedings have been compiled and transmitted to the Court of Appeal. There is then, automatically, a total lack of jurisdiction in the court below (i.e. Hon. Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikara’s court) to take any other step in the matter, interlocutory or otherwise, when records have been compiled and transmitted as there can no longer be concurrent proceedings of the court at that stage,” he said.
The Attorney-General expressed reservations over the manner the matter was being handled following its assignment to Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra by the former Chief Judge, Iche N. Ndu a few days to his retirement.
“The politicisation started when the former Chief Judge, Iche Ndu, KSC, OFR, a few days to his Lordship’s retirement, mysteriously, assigned the suit to Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra as though it was a fresh suit when in fact, it was pending already before Justice Iragunima and ought to have been a re-assigned. “The instrument which the former Chief Judge used in effecting it, shows clearly that it was done as though it was never pending in any previous court.
This was the beginning of political suspicion in the matter,” he said.
According to him, the biggest source of politicisation of this simple suit was what the judge subsequently did as the counsel to Obio/Akpor Caretaker Committee moved his motion in which he prayed the count to extend time for his clients up to 14 days to file their reply to the originating summons.
He said that after granting the prayer, the court insisted that the matter must be heard that same day, thus, denying the defence counsel the purpose for which the order of extension of time was granted.
“I restate here for emphasis, that Hon. Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra on the very first day the matter came to her court on transfer from another court, ensured that the matter was heard to judgement stage and refused a party to file his defence ever after she had granted that extension of time to go and file the defence”, he said.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the battle to control the executive of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, took a fresh twist Wednesday as the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mr. Chikodi Dike, called on Justice Iyayi Laminkara, to withdraw from handling the case.
Dike who made the call at a news briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital last Wednesday said, “We further reaffirm our clamour that Hon. Justice Iyayi Laminkara should and ought to toe the path of honour, by disqualifying herself having sold out by fellow conspirators as anything less than this will thoroughly ridicule the judiciary in Rivers State”.
Dike who had called the news briefing to react to a statement by the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Felix Obuah, that the one week public holidays from Monday, November 15 to Friday, November 22, were ordered by Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, to allegedly arrest a judgment that would have been delivered on the Obio/Akpor case, on Friday, November 15.
He recalled that on November 18, Obuah in response to the two day public holiday on (Thursday, November 15 and Monday, November 18) said that the work free days earlier declared by Governor Amaechi on Monday, November 18 before the governor extended the work free days to Friday, November 22, “was intended to allow mass exodus of Rivers State people to Anambra State to rig the gubernatorial election in favour of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC’.
Continuing, Dike asked, “what is more revealing from Obuah’s text is the fact that he confirmed the rumour as true, that the so-called judgment in a case instituted by Timothy Nsirim and co, challenging the powers of the Rivers State House of Assembly, lying before Justice Iyayi Laminkara to suspend them on grounds of fraud has leaked to him having compromised the judge. Otherwise, how would he have known that the judgment has been entered in their favour?”
“It is obvious that the said judgment has leaked and is already a public knowledge and thus qualified only for the thrash-can as it violates every and any known principle, procedure and ethos of justice administration,” Dike said.
The Rivers State government had filed two motions: one, that the court has no jurisdiction to hear the matter. Two, that the judge should disqualify herself from hearing the case.
At the last hearing, Justice Laminkara ruled that the court indeed had jurisdiction to hear the case.
The State House of Assembly led by its Speaker, Otelemaba Dan-Amachree had on Tuesday, April 16, sacked the executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor, Timothy Nsirim, his Vice, Solomon Eke and all 17 councillors on a vote of 22 to 5, on the grounds of alleged financial impropriety and breach of security.
Reward Akwu
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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.