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2019: Wike Tasks Organised Labour On Credible Polls …Flags Off NLC Secretariat, Kira-Nonwa-Eteo Road Construction

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The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has called on the organised labour to lend its voice to the demand for credible elections in 2019.
Wike also urged the organised labour to join other prominent leaders to seek the re-organisation of the nation’s security infrastructure for the safety of all Nigerians.
He spoke, last Friday, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, when he granted audience to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba.
The governor said: “This country belongs to all of us. Labour can no longer keep quiet on critical national issues. Labour should lend her voice on the issue of the overhaul of the security architecture.
“Labour should come out strongly to ensure that the 2019 General Elections are transparent and credible. Credible polls will lead to greater service to the people by elected officials”, Wike said.
The governor said that security agencies should not be seen to be stealing ballot boxes during elections, noting that such actions negatively affect the country’s image internationally.
He wondered why some leaders of the ruling party insist that performance should not be the yardstick for re-election.
“If projects cannot make people return to office, what should make people return to office? I know that 2019 will not be as easy as they think, because people are warming up to resist any form of political manipulation and rigging. Workers should show seriousness, so that votes must count”, he said.
Wike assured the workers of Rivers State that his administration would continue to improve on their welfare.
Earlier, the National President of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba commended the Rivers State governor for investing in the development of the state.
Wabba said: “We have seen landmark achievements, especially in the area of projects. We also appreciate the commitment and support of the Rivers State Government”.
The NLC president commended the Rivers State governor for the regular payment of salaries and pensions, stressing that the regular payment of salaries lubricates the state’s economy.
“I thank the governor for the continuous payment of salaries when others give excuses. Workers salaries have multiplier effect on the system”, he said.
The NLC president urged the Rivers State governor to use the state chapter of the NLC to always interface with Rivers workers.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has flagged off the construction of the state Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Speaking during the ground-breaking event in Port Harcourt, last Friday, performed by the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Wike stated that the state government would also finance the construction of the Rivers State Secretariat of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Wike said that the state government was embarking on the projects in appreciation of the cordial working relationship with Rivers workers.
He said: “We have worked harmoniously with labour. They have not troubled this administration with unnecessary strikes. In order to build stability, we have set up a structure that will enhance the performance of labour.
“This project must be completed by December. I don’t want to hear excuses. The contractor has been mobilised. We will also build a secretariat for the Trade Union Congress”.
He said that the Bureau for Special Projects was handling the construction of the NLC Secretariat because the administration was committed to the delivery of projects in line with the approved specifications and schedule.
Wike announced that the one-month salary of health workers withheld due to their illegal strike would be paid because of the intervention of the NLC president.
He added that the results of accumulated promotion interview of teachers would be released to them, while that of other workers would be addressed in due course.
Performing the flag off, NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba lauded the Rivers State governor for taking steps to improve the working condition of workers.
Wabba said: “This will go down in history as a landmark as you are one of the governors who has worked with labour for a better society”.
He said that the partnership between labour and the Rivers State Government would lead to faster development in Rivers State.
Wabba said: “Once workers are happy, they will put in their best, and the state will benefit in terms of development”.
The NLC president added that the congress was overwhelmed by the gesture of the Rivers State Government, which would advance the productive relationship between labour and the government.
“Workers and employers are supposed to be partners in progress. It is when we partner together that we will be able to deliver on our various mandates. This is commendable, and I urge that it should continue”, the NLC president said.
In her remarks, Rivers State NLC Chairman, Comrade Beatrice Itubo said that by constructing the Rivers State Secretariat of the congress, Wike has shown goodwill, which would be reciprocated by the workers.
Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Special Projects, Alabo George Kerley said Wike has enhanced governance through his projects’ revolution.
He said the new secretariat would be a modern three-storey building with a fortified foundation to carry five storeys.
It would be recalled that the Rivers NLC Secretariat was gutted by fire in 2015.
Since then, the congress has been operating in a makeshift apartment.
The event was witnessed by labour leaders and women groups, while different traditional dance groups entertained guests.
Similiarly, in continuation of its state-wide projects delivery, Rivers State Government, last Saturday, flagged off the construction of the Kira-Nonwa-Barayira-Sime-Eteo Road in Tai Local Government Area.
The 10.2-kilometre road cuts across Tai, Eleme, Oyigbo and Obio/Akpor local government areas of the state.
The Tide learnt that the road had been abandoned for 50 years by previous administrations.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike stated that all the 23 local government areas of the state have benefited from key projects in the last three years.
Wike said: “This is just three years, and we have reached the 23 local government areas. Let anyone come from any local government area, come forward to say that we have not executed project in his council.”
The governor commended the people of Tai Local Government Area for their patience over the years, noting that more projects would be executed in the area.
“You have been patient. By next week, you will get your commissionership appointment. There will be more projects for the people of the area”, he assured.
The governor advised the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government to focus on addressing the security challenges claiming thousands of lives in the country, instead of investing resources on rigging elections in Rivers State.
The governor said: “No amount of distraction will stop me from working. I have a contract with the people, and I will fulfil the contract”.
Wike berated the All Progressives Congress (APC) for having a factional chairman who is facing multiple murder charges because they want to cause bloodletting in the state.
Performing the flag off of the construction of the road, Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio said God has endorsed Rivers State governor for rapidly developing the state.
Akpabio said: “Even God himself is happy with Governor Wike because of his good works. Propaganda cannot win a war. What wins a war are men and material on ground. For Governor Wike, his numerous projects will win the election for him”.
The former Akwa Ibom State governor stated that Nigerians need performing leaders like Wike as testified by the APC-led federal lawmaker.
Akpabio urged Wike never to be distracted by the criticisms of his political enemies, noting that the political foes of the Rivers State governor would only witness his political victory.
Also speaking, member of the House of Representatives representing Tai/Eleme/Oyigbo Federal Constituency, Barry Mpigi said though he was a member of the APC, Wike deserves a second term on the basis of his performance.
Mpigi said Wike was the only person with the capacity to drive the growth of the state, adding that the issue of Rivers development transcends party affiliation.
In his remarks, Rivers State Works Commissioner, Hon Dumnamene Dekor said that the road would create 210 direct jobs for the people of Tai and Eleme local government areas, and also boost the economy of the areas.
The Gbenemene Tua-Tua Tai, King Samuel Nne said the people of the area were happy with Wike for his commitment to the development of the state.

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We’re Working To Improve Quality Of Life Of Rivers People -Fubara …As Taraba Gov Inaugurates 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja Roads Project

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the Okania-Ogbogoro Road junction, venue of the inauguration of the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja (and Mgbuoba) Roads project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday.
The road cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction, and was inaugurated by the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
Governor Fubara said that during the campaigns, he saw the roads in terrible condition, made a promise to fix them, and noted that that promise has been kept.
He emphasised that his administration will never be reckoned with abandoning of projects that it started, which is why he is particularly excited that the road has been fixed to ease the inconveniences suffered by the people.
The Governor said, “What we are doing here today is very simple: Promise made, promise fulfilled. I told you that whatever we are going to start, we are not going to leave it halfway. So, we have come here this afternoon to fulfill that promise.
“I am so excited, and I am so happy. I am leaving here with so much joy that we have done something that has so much impact, and importance in the lives of our people. So, I feel very fulfilled. Government is about the people. Government is knowing, understanding and seeing what you can do to make life easy for your people.
“We understand the situation of this road. Fortunately, I have a few friends who also live around here. So, there is nothing you will say that I don’t know. As a government, we will continue to do those things we know will make life easy for you.”
The Governor thanked members of the communities in the area for their support to his administration, and also for cooperating with the contractor to ensure completion of the project.
He assured the people that their request for the rehabilitation of the Community Secondary School and Health Centre, will be looked at and addressed immediately, saying, “Our government is a government that takes the interest of our people very seriously.
“There is no government without the people. It is only the people that keep the government going. So, what we will continue to do is to make sure that the problems and interest of our people are top on our list,” he assured.
Performing the inauguration, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, said roads are not just physical infrastructure but represent a commitment to facilitate ease of transportation, boost local commercial activities and improve quality of lives for the people of Rivers State.
Dr Kefas noted that Governor Fubara has provided the people good roads, and like other good roads, it will serve as an artery of development, further connecting communities, enhancing access to essential services while unlocking economic potentials.
He said, “By completing this project, Your Excellency has, once again, demonstrated the transformative impact of visionary leadership. When I was coming in with the Governor on a ride, I saw the joy, the happiness of the voiceless people who were abandoned and neglected in this area, coming out to wave and welcome us.
“It wasn’t a hired crowd. Everybody, those who couldn’t make it to this place, in front of their homes, they were waving at us, and I was telling the Governor: this is all about good governance. He listened to the people, and solved their problems. So, it shows that he is doing the right thing, and I want to thank you, my brother, for what you are doing for the good people, especially the poor people even in difficult times.”
Governor Kefas further said: “As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration and shared vision among us as Governors. Together, we can inspire our people, improve their lives, and create lasting legacies in our respective states.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, recalled that when it was flagged-off in May, 2024, the project was for a 5km stretch but was extended in October, to include Mgbaraja axis, increasing the length to 6.55km, explaining that the 10.3 meter wide, and 5km of drains road, has now linked Apara Kingdom to Nkpor Kingdom.
In his address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, described the road as a very significant route that was abandoned for years until Governor Fubara intervened and fixed it, promising that Obio/Akpor people will not take the gestures of the State Government under Governor Fubara for granted.
Speaking on behalf of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the firm that handled the project, Eric Shen, said they are happy to be part of the infrastructure development strides of Governor Fubara, stating that though the rains posed significant challenge, they have delivered quality road network to serve the connectivity needs of the people.

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We’ll Implement Judicial Commission’s Report On Arson, Killings -Fubara …Says Such Violence Must Stop In Rivers

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of implementing the recommendations of the report submitted to him by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Arson, Killings, and Wanton Destruction of Property at some local government council headquarters on or around Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance when the seven-member commission, led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, submitted four volumes of reports of their investigation and recommendations to him at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor declared that his administration will neither tolerate nor allow such level of violence in the State anymore because it is not profitable or productive.
He said, “We are not going to be part of any system that would encourage any destruction in this State. And for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote and immediate causes of this problem.
“And I believe that the recommendations of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.”
Governor Fubara said: “We are going to take it to the next stage. The report will be presented to the Executive Council, and there, we will surely come out with the White Paper and with the White Paper. I can assure you, we are going to follow it to the end.
“Nobody is above the law, including me. So, provided what we are doing is within the confines of the law, we will do it with the help of every one.”
Governor Fubara recalled how, before 2014, a group of persons had ran wide recklessly in the State, burning down court buildings.
He noted that it is such persons, who had recently surfaced with their destructive tendencies, and have extended the violence to local government councils, killing people and destroying government property.
Governor Fubara wondered why somebody will spend so much money to build a structure intended to last as legacy of the administration but would eventually be part of its destruction in the name of politics.
Governor Fubara clarified that he has never been part of such destructive politics that continue to set the State backwards and frustrate progressive development strides.
Governor Fubara said: “I make bold to say it, I have never been and will never be a party to anything that will bring shame, disgrace, destruction to our dear State.
“It is our State. If it is well with us, it will be well with everybody. As a matter of fact, why should I encourage destruction, when I know that when you finish spoiling things, you still need money to rebuild them.
“I am an accountant, I know the importance of how we can manage money. Rather than spoil, you should use that money to do a new thing for the State.”
Governor Fubara vowed: “So, I am going to ensure that we put a stop to that level of violence or such unreasonable violence. I call it unreasonable violence because it doesn’t mean anything in politics.
“Politics is a business of interest. There is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. Some persons who were not even in our support, today, they are here following us because their interest is the most important thing.
“Likewise tomorrow, if the interest changes, they will also go their different ways. So, why burn down the house?”
Governor Fubara thanked members of the commission for being bold, focused, and accomplishing their task with determination in the face of physical and legal threats.
In her presentation, Chairman of the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, said they had put their findings into four volumes, including the recommendations.
Justice Minakiri explained: “We have here four volumes of the report. We have the memoranda, which is the memoranda we got after we made our publications.
“We also have the exhibits that came with the memoranda. We have the proceedings and the records. At the end of the day, we came up with the main report.”
Justice Minakiri advised that the recommendations of the report should be studied and implemented so that people can be deterred from such callous acts and the sought-after peace secured for the State.

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We Are Eager To Showcase The Best Of Rivers State -Fubara …Declares Federation Of Public Service Games Open

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The Rivers State Government says it is committed to providing a memorable experience for all delegates participating in the Federation of Public Service Games(FEPSGA) hosted by the State Government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the opening Ceremony of the 43rd Edition, Public Service Games, titled ”Simplified Rivers 2024″, at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara said “Our hospitality is renowned and we are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment, we have everything in place to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.”
Governor Fubara said to ensure the success of the games his Administration has put in place comprehensive plans and preparations with four venues approved for the events which include the Sharks Stadium, Alfred Diette -Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt Club and the University of Port Harcourt.
The State Chief Executive urged participants to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals, stressing that it is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity.
According to him, we envision a public service that is more productive, more efficient and more effective, a future where public servants are empowered to deliver exceptional results driven by a culture of excellence, innovation and teamwork.
The Governor reiterated that while a healthy mind and body are essential for high productivity, regular physical activity boosts our mood, increases energy levels and enhances our cognitive function. We are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment.
In her address Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who spoke through Dr.(Mrs) Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Interior Commended Governor Fubara for hosting this year’s event, and for his dedication to promoting sports and fostering unity in the country.
She noted that the event which serves as a platform for furthering unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship amongst public servants, was a celebration of their shared commitment to excellence, resilience and service to the nation.
Also speaking the National President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Comrade Amaebi Aloku, said Rivers State got the nod to host the annual event because the Federation was pleased with the vision of Governor Fubara in identifying with the needs of the Civil Servants in the State, in terms of their welfare and being one of the first State to implement the new minimum wage and even taking it above what was approved by the national.
Earlier the Head of Service Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke had welcomed all participants to the State and expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving and making available the resources to host the games, noting that it was an opportunity to interact with all Civil Servants across the nation.

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