Featured
Rivers Women Endorse Wike For 2nd Term …As 15,000 Non-Indigenes Join Endorsement Train
Thousands of Rivers women, yesterday, joined the emerging tradition in the state as they stormed the Government House, Port Harcourt, to endorse Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for a second term.
Also, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike declared that supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) to form the Federal Government in 2019 was akin to digging the nation’s grave, as the country was already dead since they gained control in 2015.
Rivers women declared that they will follow their endorsement with massive rural and urban mobilisation of all groups to vote overwhelmingly for Wike in 2019.
The women in their thousands marched from Mile One to Government House, Port Harcourt, celebrating the governor and creating awareness on his achievements.
As they marched to Government House, they displayed banners and placards urging Wike to seek re-election.
The women were drawn from the 23 local government areas of the state, with each highlighting the projects executed by Wike in their respective councils.
In a solidarity message, former Rivers State Chairman of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Mrs Florence Amiesimaka said the governor has made Rivers people proud through development projects, hence, the endorsement.
She assured the governor that Rivers women will stand with him all through the electioneering period up to his re-election.
Spokesperson for Rivers South-East Women, Mrs Charity Demua declared that the women have experienced good governance under the leadership of Wike, saying that they will reciprocate by re-electing him.
Mrs Macetelli of Rivers West and Mrs Carol John of Rivers East stated that the infrastructural development of the state by the present administration has had positive impact on the lives of women and their businesses.
Rivers State Women Affairs Commissioner, Mrs Ukel Oyaghiri lauded the governor for his commitment to the welfare of Rivers women.
In his response, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike said that all Nigerians, irrespective of gender, have a solemn responsibility of ending the failed APC-led Federal Government in 2019.
He said that the nationwide breakdown of security, especially in APC states, exemplifies the failure of the incumbent administration to productively manage national resources.
Wike said: “Nigeria is in crisis. Never in the history of this country have we had crisis of this magnitude. Rather than resolve developmental challenges, they continue to give excuses for their failure.
“We must come together in 2019 to protect our votes. Supporting APC is like digging our graves. The country is already dead under their control. Every day, the country is moving from one problem to another,” Wike said.
The governor stated that APC leaders from the state take pride in de-marketing and destroying the economy of the state for political reasons.
He charged Rivers women to jealously protect their permanent voters’ cards as that was the only weapon to uproot the APC in 2019.
Wike announced a business development scheme worth N500million for Rivers women in 2018, adding that the fund will be domiciled at the Rivers State Microfinance Bank and managed by the Ministry of Women Affairs.
He said the empowerment scheme will assist the women develop small-scale businesses, stressing that the state Women Development Centre will be completed in 2018.
Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of gifts by the women to the Rivers State governor.
Meanwhile, over 15,000 thousand non-indigenes living and doing business in Rivers State, last Wednesday, endorsed the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for a second term.
This is as the Rivers State governor, urged Nigerians, irrespective of their linguistic and religious affiliations, to use their voter’s card to sack the non-performing All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government
The non-indigenes, under the platform of Non-Indigenes Without Borders trooped to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday, where they declared their unalloyed support for Wike come 2019.
The non-indigenes announced their endorsement of the governor during a solidarity visit to the Government House, Port Harcourt.
The visit was like a carnival as different ethnic groups displayed their cultural dances and attires.
The non-indigenes stated that their support for Wike stems from his outstanding development strides which have improved their standard of living.
Spokesman of the Igbo community in Rivers State, Chief Emeka Vitalis said that the Igbos will vote en-masse for Wike because his development projects have helped their businesses to grow.
In their separate remarks, spokespersons for the Yoruba and Edo/Delta communities in Rivers State, Alhaji Omotayo and Henry Iyoha, respectively, said their endorsements of the Rivers State governor stem from his commitment to the welfare of all residents of the state.
The Bayelsa community, represented by Agbai Tom, Akwa Ibom/Cross River State community led by Obong Godwin Inyang and the Muslim community in the state led by Hajia Mariam also announced their respective endorsements for the re-election of Wike.
Spokesman of the Hausa community, Alhaji Maisundu said his people will mobilise votes for Wike in 2019 because he was a de-tribalised leader.
Commissioner for Special Duties, Emeka Onowu, who is a non-indigene, noted that the Rivers State governor has been a father to the non-indigenes, carrying them along as he develops the state.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike assured the non-indigenes that he will continue to deliver quality projects and programmes that will improve the lives of residents of the state.
He declared that all residents of Rivers State should remain resolute in their commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying that they should not fear the evil machinations of the APC.
Wike said because the people have discovered that the APC was full of lies and deceit, the party may resort to rigging in 2019, adding that the APC will fail in Rivers State in the next elections.
He said: “Nobody should be afraid of anyone. Anyhow they want it, we are ready. There is nothing like do or die in this election, only God gives power. We believe in God, that is why we always defeat them.
“Whether they go to the United States of America or North Korea to bring anything, we shall withstand them. The only weapon you have is your voter’s card. Mobilise and use your voter’s card, that is the weapon that will remove them from office”.
He regretted that after two and half years, the APC-led Federal Government has no single project in Rivers State and assured that the state will be ‘a no-go area’ for them in 2019.
Wike said that contrary to the allegations of the APC ahead of the 2015 General elections, he has proved that Rivers State was a home for all by carrying the non-indigenes along through appointments and projects.
“I will always fulfill my promises. I will never give excuses. I am not like the APC that thrives in excuses. My commitment remains to deliver on projects”, Wike said.
The governor assured that he will respond to the request to seek re-election at the appropriate time.
Featured
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.
Featured
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.