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Dickson, Sylva Bicker Over Rerun Polls
L-R: Deputy Director, Equipment Procurement, Ahq Brig.-Gen Abdul Masanawa, Representative, Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen Barry Ndiomu, Defence Attache, US Embassy, Col. Patrick Doyle, Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate Lagos, Dehab Ghebreab, during the US donation of 24 Armored Personnel Carriers to Nigeria in Lagos, yesterday
The word of wars between the governorship candidate of PDP,who is also the incumbent Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon Seriake Dickson and his challenger, the APC candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva continues with each, accusing the other of perfecting rigging strategies through violence.
Dickson who was the first to fire the salvo claimed that the violence was to rig the election for which the people of Southern Ijaw LGA have remained resolute to vote massively for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite abnormalities that culminated in the cancellation of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking at a crowded world press conference, aired live on major Radio and TV stations in the State and across the country, Governor Dickson restated his call on all federal institutions that have a role to play in the election to be non-partisan “in order not to undermine the integrity of the electoral process and the nation’s fledging democracy.”
He said, “the people of Southern Ijaw are waiting eagerly and more determined to cast their ballot. The only thing we are asking is that, those institutions that have the duty to make it possible for the people of the area to cast their votes should please, in the interest of our nation and the security and stability of our state and this region and in the interest of our nation’s fledging democracy, do their utmost best so that the people can join the rest of their brothers and sisters in this state by casting their votes in a free, fair and credible manner.”
Dickson condemned the manipulation of critical national institutions by political leaders to serve their personal ambition, stressing that, such acts could be seen as “a deliberate subversion of the country’s security.”
“For the interest of peace in Niger Delta, the nation and the Bayelsa State in particular, I am warning the security agencies, the APC and the INEC not to rig the elections if peace must prevail in this part of the country”
Dickson said his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will roundly defeat the APC like it did in six of the seven local government areas where the election was conducted on December 5,2015 before it was declared inconclusive.
The re-run governorship election will be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area and 101 other units.
“I want to remind the leaders of our nation; those heading strategic national institutions not to use them to promote either a partisan agenda of a political party or to advance the political aspirations of anybody, not even me because I don’t need anybody to kill or maim for me to achieve my political ambition. I am a man of peace and everybody knows our track records on peace and security”, he stated.
But, Chief Timipre Sylva on Wednesday mocked Governor Seriake Dickson over the alleged plot to disrupt the conduct of Saturday’s supplementary election in Southern Ijaw local Government Council and other 101 units of the state, describing Governor Dickson as a “war hungry governor”.
Sylva further disclosed that though the PDP and its candidate, Governor Dickson had secured a simple lead of 33,000 votes in the December 5 and 6, Dickson in his desperate move to stop the coming defeat in the rerun election in Southern Ijaw Local Government has deployed armed men to disrupt the outcome by unleashing violence in the area.
Speaking in Yenagoa, during an interactive session with the media and stakeholders of the APC, Sylva said intelligence report gathered by the APC showed a dangerous and desperate alleged acts of stockpiling of arms and dangerous weapons to disrupt the Southern Ijaw election.
He said, “Dickson has been author of violence and he has planned to attack Southern Ijaw election. Because the PDP government know that he APC is set to upturn such unfair means and win our strong hold,they have started making false claims. Because the PDP government is on his way out,they have put together a plot to perpetuate violence in Southern Ijaw Area.
The antecedent of the PDP candidate, Governor Dickson have shown that his desperate accusation against the APC were actually plot in motions by the PDP. I am the author of peace.”
Sylva noted that the desperation being shown by the PDP candidate was due to the ways and manner he was elected the Governor of the State under the administration of Former President Goodluck Jonathan, “He knows how he became governor with impunity. And he is thinking the APC will deploy the same might under President Muhammadu Buhari. The APC government cannot do that.”
Meanwhile, The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it would be deploying three of its National Commissioners to supervise Saturday Bayelsa supplementary governorship election.
INEC Deputy Director of Publicity, Mr Nick Dazang, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen yesterday in Abuja.
Dazang added that the commission would also deploy a technical team to each ward where the election would be conducted.
“The technical team would be deployed to intervene in situations where there are technical challenges as regards the use of card readers,” Dazang said.
He said that no fewer than 834 ad hoc staff, comprising of four staff in each of the 431 polling units, would also be deployed to conduct the election.
Dazang said that election would be conducted in 425 polling units (PUs) and five voting points in Southern Ijaw local government area of the state.
Besides, he said that the supplementary election would also hold in 101 PUs in three other local government areas of the state where election were cancelled.
“In addition to these the commission is going to monitor the election via its situation room situated at the INEC headquarters in Abuja,” said the spokesman.
He confirmed that the commission had on Wednesday commenced the distribution of sensitive materials from the state capital to local government areas where election would be conducted.
On security, Dazang said that security agencies during a meeting held in December 2015 had assured the commission of needed security to conduct safe election.
Asked of the allegations trending among political parties that INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Bayelsa was offered money by one of the candidates to influence the election in his favour, Dazang said it was an allegation that has not been proved by anyone.
“On Dec. 17, 2015, we had meeting with all the political parties and candidates contesting the election, none of the parties or candidates raise the issue.
“If the allegation was true it could have been raised at the meeting.
“The state REC is still going to conduct the supplementary election because he has not been found wanting on the basis of allegation that could not be proven by anybody,” he said.
Dazang said that the commission was fully ready to conduct credible, free and fair supplementary election on Jan. 9 to conclude the state governorship election.
However, he called for the collaboration of all stakeholders to ensure that peaceful and credible supplementary election was conducted in line with INEC’s planning expectations.
In an other development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bayelsa yesterday said it had commenced distribution of sensitive election materials for Saturday’s supplementary poll in the state.
The Commission’s Public Affairs Officer in Bayelsa, Mr Timidi Wariowei, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Yenagoa.
Wariowei said the Commission received the sensitive materials on Wednesday and distribution had commenced in Ekeremor Local Government Area yesterday.
He added that “all the materials are now in our custody; the materials include ballot papers and result sheets.
“On the distribution process, we intend to dispatch that of Southern-Ijaw Local Government Area early morning of Saturday.
“You know that the real focus is the Southern-Ijaw and we do not want what happened on December 5, 2015 to repeat itself in that area.
“INEC is prepared to conduct free, fair and credible election for the betterment of the people.
“We have over 100 polling units in the state to conduct the election and Southern-Ijaw; so, we are ready to conduct credible and acceptable election.’’
On the use of ad hoc staff, Wariowei said the Commission resolved to use some of them that participated in the December 5 gubernatorial election in the state.
He, however, added that some of the ad hoc staff had been changed, especially for the Southern-Ijaw, stressing that efforts were made to ensure that the election was conducted freely.
He said “INEC is on top of the game. On security, we have been working with security agencies because without them, we cannot conduct the election.
“We have been collaborating with the Police and Army to ensure peaceful election in Bayelsa.’’
Also, the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), an NGO, said it would deploy 99 election observers to monitor the supplementary governorship election in 101 polling units in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
This is contained in a statement issued yesterday in Yenagoa by Mr Armsfree Ajanaku, Media Manager of the NGO, an election observer coalition.
The NGO urged contestants and political parties to shun violence which marred the Dec. 5, 2015 election.
“TMG calls on the political parties and the contestants to ensure that the sadincidents of Dec. 5, 2015 are not repeated come Jan.9.
“TMG calls on the security agencies to ensure the space is secured for the peaceful conduct of the poll on Jan.9.
“Above all, TMG urges eligible voters coming out to exercise their franchise in Southern Ijaw and other affected polling units to conduct themselves with utmost decorum,” Ajanaku said.
Our Correspondent recalls that the Dec. 5, governorship election was marred by violence which compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declared the election in the area inconclusive.
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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.