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Your Antics’ll Fail, Wike Assures Enemies Of RSG …Don’t Take God’s Grace For Granted, Cleric Tells CJ
Governor Nyesom Wike has asserted that all those who engaged in one clandestine activity or the other to pull the Rivers State Government down, have experienced utter disappointment.
The governor maintained that part of the recent crises that were stirred within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was spearheaded by people who, in secret meetings, plotted to bring him down.
He said no one of such persons have survived achieving their plots.
Wike made the revelation at the Special Thanksgiving Service organised to celebrate the appointment of Hon. Justice Simeon Amadi as the chief judge of Rivers State, at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Elibrada Parish, in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, yesterday.
He stated that nobody can tamper with who God has ordained, because but for God, he would not have become the governor of the state.
“Recently, you heard there was some crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Everybody who was involved, that plotted everything for my downfall, all are out. Everyone, that slept, that went to a meeting, planning how they’re going to bring me down, not one survived.”
The governor also alluded that similar plot was contrived when the former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra was to be appointed, but they also failed no matter how hard they tried.
He wondered why somebody would render services for the interest of Rivers State, and when it was time for appointment, people would start conspiring and even plotting against his government.
“When your predecessor, (Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra) was appointed, you have said here that people came to you to say she’s not from Rivers State. Such people are enemies of the state. That is why this country cannot move forward.
“Somebody who has put his or her life serving the state all through her career, making sure that the state moves forward, and at the time of benefits, you now say the person is not from your state. But all the services rendered were for the interest of your state.
“When your predecessor was appointed, people started to conspire, people started to plot against my government. Your colleagues, some of them started conspiring. I said, well, what will be, will be. I do know that it is God that made me to become governor. Nobody will survive to plot the downfall of my government. Nobody will survive it.”
The governor explained that when Justice Iche Ndu retired as the chief judge of the state, the Judiciary was plunged into crisis, resulting in the shutting down of the courts for some years. According to him, even when the state did not have a substantive chief judge, billions of Naira were signed off steadily in the state Judiciary.
According to him, “reports of the committee that was set up by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) indicted some principal judicial staff, some of who were eventually promised to be shielded by somebody who had hoped to become a chief judge.
“And so, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has to set up a committee to investigate it because there was no chief judge, but look at the record, billions are being spent. Who is responsible of this expenditure?
“You can’t believe it; some registrars were using that opportunity to make money. You can’t believe the kind of houses people at that level could build within that period, and they were found guilty.
“Someone who believes that he or she will be the next chief judge had to interfere with that investigation and security picked it up. And simply because some of them are from the same community, and she said, when I become chief judge, I will set aside that indictment by the Judicial Service Commission, security picked it up. That was how you (Justice Amadi) became the chief judge.”
Speaking further, Wike acknowledged the role played by the former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, who appointed Justice Amadi to be a judge of the state High Court, and also ensured that Ikwerre produced governor of Rivers State.
The governor said it was not out of place for the Ikwerres to stand always with the Odilis because of his love for them and consider what affects them to affect the Ikwerres since one good turn deserves another.
Wike enjoined the chief judge to be diligent in his duties, assertive in achieving results, utilise money meant for the Judiciary judiciously, and desist from being vindictive.
Earlier in his address, the state Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi acknowledged that only God deserves all the thanks for his benevolence over his life, and his appointment as chief judge.
He noted that God uses men to accomplish His will, adding that Wike was God’s instrument to make that appointment possible.
“Today is a remarkable day in my life and that of my family. We give gratitude to God over His favour upon me and my family”.
Justice Amadi said he decided to do the thanksgiving in his home town so that people can know where he came from, saying that “irrespective of where you are coming from, God’s grace cannot be limited because of localities”.
He thanked God for using the former chief judge of the state, Justice Iche Ndu, in whose chambers he began his career in legal practice, and Dr Peter Odili, in whose administration he was sworn in as a judge, to prepare him for his present role as chief judge of the state.
He recalled that Justice Iche Ndu’s chambers has produced two chief judges in the state, and thanked God for making it possible at His own time.
In his sermon at the service, Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Niger Delta and Bishop of Diocese of Ikwerre, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah tasked the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi not to take the grace of God for granted.
He charged him to deliver his responsibilities and mandate without fear or favour so that God and mankind would be happy for his appointment, saying that he was called for ‘legal service’ for the betterment of mankind and the society at large.
Enyindah gave the advice while delivering his sermon, titled: “Thanking God for His Mercies” at a Special Church Thanksgiving Service by the state Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, to thank God for his elevation as number one Judiciary officer in the state.
The service was held at the St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Elibarada in Emohua Local Government Area of the state, over the weekend.
The clergy, who took his Bible reading from the book of 1 Chronicles 29:10 – 18, said God requires daily appreciation and thanks for all living creatures, adding that His grace and mercy endures forever.
According to him, “Everything about God is good and beneficial to mankind”, saying that “mercy and grace is an act of God’s special enablement for man to get what we do not deserve and merit.
“God blesses us more when we reciprocate and thank Him and acknowledge Him,” he stated.
The bishop, while congratulating the chief judge over his appointment, thanked the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for being the instrument which God used to actualise the appointment.
Enyindah said it is only God who can raise any person from obscurity to prominence.
He stressed that God expects those who have so enjoyed His grace and mercies in areas of good health, business successes and promotion to gladly acknowledge it by returning to thank him.
Enyindah enjoined the Justice Amadi who God has raised among other judges to become the chief judge of Rivers State, to not only thank God in the church as he has returned to do but be determined to continually discharge his duties conscientiously and give justice to the people.
The Tide reports that the occasion was attended by a litany of distinguished stakeholders across all sectors in the state.
By: Beemene Taneh & Akujobi Amadi
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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.
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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.