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DaKuku Becomes APC Consensus Candidate; ‘I’ll Build On Amaechi’s Solid Foundation’ …Why We Chose Peterside – Amaechi …Police Disperse Protesters, Debunk Death Rumour
The member representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, at the National Assembly, Hon Dakuku Peterside yesterday picked nomination expression of interest and the form to contest the Governorship election under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Rivers State.
Peterside who spoke to journalists and supporters at the state secretariat of the APC promised to build on the solid foundation laid by Governor Chibuike Amaechi.
The lawmaker who emerged as the Governorship consensus candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Rivers State after a stakeholder meeting, assured that he will not disappoint the people if elected in the general election, commending the people for the outpouring of love in appreciation to his declaration of his ambition.
According to him, “We will take Rivers state to the next level. We will soon unveil our roadmap to prosperity. Rivers people’s support for me is overwhelming. I really appreciate the outpouring of love. I thank all Rivers people. I will not disappoint you.”
“I will continue to rely on God. I do not depend on my strength or ability. I will ensure unity in Rivers state. All Rivers people will have roles to play in my administrations. Our doors are wide open.
I heard that some 150 young men and women were in Government House, Port Harcourt this morning. Ogoni people love me and are very hospitable. I grew up in Ogoni, where I spent over ten years. I still have many childhood friends from Ogoni. The protesters are not Ogoni, but people from other political parties, who want to cause confusion. The opposition parties sponsored the 150 youths to protest. It is nothing to worry about”, he said.
He said that he was at the forefront of the Ogoni struggle in 1990, when Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR) was put in place, explaining that Ogoni people are peace loving and not violent.
He also said that, It was when he was Rivers State Commissioner for Works that most of the roads in Bori and Ogoniland were tarred, assuring that he will continue to protect Ogoni interest.
“Senator Magnus Abe is my brother and friend and we have had useful discussions. APC in Rivers state cannot be in reverse gear. We will place emphasis on equity, justice and fairness. We will ensure inclusive government. Everybody will be carried along. I am an Ijaw, but I will be the governor of Rivers state. We can together build a greater Rivers state”, he assured.
Meanwhile, the Senator Representing Rivers East Senatorial district, Senator Magnus Ngei Abbe has called on his supporters not to embark on protest or demonstration following the decision of the stakeholders of the party on the Governorship candidate of the party.
Senator Abe in a statement yesterday dissociated himself, his associates and political friends from any form of demonstration to protest the decision taken by the Governor of Rivers State.
According to him, “the issue of Governorship and his stand on the issue demand consultations.
However, the State All Progressive Congress Chairman, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya who stated this yesterday assured that the APC will conduct its primaries for all elective position in the state, including the governorship position.
According to him, although the party has adopted a candidate but the party will still go ahead to conduct its primaries. So, please do not jump the gun”, he said.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has explained why Hon. Dakuku Peterside was chosen as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) during a meeting of stakeholders in Government House on Wednesday.
The governor who explained the reasons why Peterside was chosen by the party’s stakeholders during a Voters Card sensitization rally in Omuma Local Government Area urged Party members to support any person so far endorsed.
He said , “There are two reasons why we chose Peterside – he is a young man and he can relate with the people”.
While enlisting the support of Omuma people for the APC, Amaechi emphasized the need to elect a successor who will sustain the current developmental strides in the state.
The governor reasoned that the people of Omuma owe the government support considering the huge developmental efforts in the transforming the area.
In his words, “Things have changed for the better. You are beginning to have good schools and all that. You have better schools and other good things and I think I’am part of the change”.
The Permanent Voter’s Card sensitization visit took the governor to Umunachi, Obiohia Ward 3, Ofeh Ward 6, Ward 5 in Umuoko, Umudu in Ward 2 and Ward 1 in Eberi all in Omuma Local Government Area.
Amaechi had promised the people of the area that government will complete and build primary schools and health centres, assuring them that a General Hospital is being built in Etche to reduce challenge in accessing quality health care.
“We are building 120 Bed Hospital at Etche because it’s too far to go to Port Harcourt. We will complete it, we will furnish and employ local and foreign doctors,” he promised.
If we can get four health centres in Omuma I will be satisfied, he added.
Amaechi however urged the people of the area to go and collect their permanent voters card, informing them that government has declared Friday 28th November as public holiday to enable them participate in the exercise fully.
According to the governor, the Permanent Voters Card will enable them to vote out bad government, as he enjoined them to vote for APC, “the difference between those in the PDP and APC is clear. They will steal your money so on the day of voting go and vote for APC”.
He said that, with the current poor performance of the ruling PDP government, the APC will win the next elections only if the people collect their voters card and exercise their franchise.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya has explained that despite the endorsement of Hon. Peterside as the gubernatorial candidate of the party in next year elections, the party will still conduct primaries.
The primaries, he explained will cover all elective positions, including the governorship position. “You know there must be primaries and so we have primary elections for all positions, so don’t jump the gun just allow us finish with our consultations,”, he promised.
In a related developed, the Rivers State Police Command has debunked rumours of death after it dispersed some protesting youths in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Youth from Ogoni had taken to the streets in protest against the adoption of the member representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Dakuku Peterside, by the All Progressive Congress (APC) as its consensus Governorship candidate for the 2015 elections.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmed Mohammed, who made the denial in a text message said that report at his disposal indicated that nobody died, neither was any person arrested by the Police in connection with the incident.
According to him, “The protesters were only dispersed to restore order when they turned violent, hurling all manner objects at the Government House and smashing motorists vehicles, however no arrest was made, he said.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Rivers South East in the National Assembly, Hon. Magnus Abe has warned his supporters against embarking on any form of protest.
A statement issued by the Senator said that embarking on any form of protest is not in the best interest of the state.
He however said that he was still consulting with stakeholders on his next step.
However, condemnations have trailed the protest by some Ogoni Youths over the adoption of Dakuku Peterside as a consensus candidate by the APC.
A cross section of people who spoke to The Tide on the issue, described the protest as uncalled for, stressing that the youths should have used legitimate means such as the court to address their grievances.
Meanwhile the State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) says it would still go on with its governorship primaries despite the adoption of Dakuku Peterside by Stakeholders as its governorship candidate, according to statement by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Chris Finebone.
John Bibor
Hon Dakuku Peterside (middle) receiving his Nomination/Intent Form from the Rivers State chairman of APC, Dr Davies Ikanya, at the party office in Port Harcourt, yesterday. With them is Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Nabbs Imegwu. Photo: Prince Dele Obinna
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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.