Politics
As Kalabari Nation Rolls Out Drums For Wike…
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All is now set for the planned grand civic reception organised by the Kalabairi ethnic nationality in honour of Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, The event which takes place tomorrow, Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Abalama, the traditional meeting point for the Kalabari nation whenever crucial decisions concerning the corporate existence of the nation state are at stake, promises to showcase the best of the legendary Kalabari hospitality.
It is expected that governoment officials, members of the traditional institution and people of the indigenous Kalabari local government areas of Asari-Toru, Akuku- Toru and Degema will congregate at Abalama in their colours to receive the serial award winning Rivers State Governor and Africa’s Power of Sports (PoS) with a heart of gratitude and appreciation.
Also expected not to be missing in the august gathering at the ancient city is the crème de la crème of Kalabari extraction in politics, industry, academia, professional callings, etc, to whom the development of the kingdom is a top most concern.
Describing Governor Wike as a, ‘’ Friend closer than a brother,’’ the Kalabari people insist that the event is organised to honour, appreciate and celebrate his Excellency for his love, magnanimity and benevolence to the Kalabari Nation evidenced by his prodigious, visible and indelible footprints of developmental efforts within the kingdom.
Among the developmental initiatives and interventions embarked upon by the Wike administration in the Kingdom are: the completed Abonnema/Obonoma bridge; the completed rehabilitation of Nyemoni Grammar School (NGS), Abonnema; the completed construction of Abonnema Ring Road; the ongoing Abonnema/Obonoma Sandfilling/Land Reclamation; the completed Rehabilitation of Abonnema General Hospital, the completed Abalama Sandfilling/Land Reclamation; the ongoing Rehabilitation of Kalabari National College (KNC); the completed Rehabilitation of Degema Zonal Hospital; the completed Reconstruction of Obama High School, Bakana; the completed Reconstruction of Community Secondary School, Tombia; the ongoing Reconstruction of Community Secondary School, Obuama; the ongoing Rehabilitation of Kalabari Girls High School, Buguma; the completed Rehabilitation of Maryhood Bridge, Buguma; the completed Rehabilitation of Buguma General Hospital; the ongoing construction of Trans-Kalabari Road and the ongoing Kula Sandfilling/Land Reclamation.
The other leg of the reason for the convocation of the rich Kalabari culture in the expected pomp and colourful ceremony is the notable key governmental positions occupied by illustrious sons and daughters of the kingdom. Top in this category is the second in command to Gov Wike for the entire life of his administration, Her Excellency, Dr (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, Deputy Governor of Rivers State; Dr Tammy Wenike Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government (SSG); Hon. Damiete Herbert-Miller, Commissioner for Power; Hon. Osima Gina, Commissioner for Transport; Hon. (Mrs) Tonye Briggs-Oniyide; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; Dr George-Kelly D. Alabo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects; Mr Igonibo Thompson, Director-General, Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement, amongst others. Also of particular note is the naming of the Port Harcourt Campus of the Nigerian Law School after the late foremost jurist, Dr Nabo Bekinbo Graham-Douglas (SAN).
Faulting contrary sentiments credited to one Dr Sokonte Davies, a factional chieftain of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, Dickson Senibo said it was regrettable that some people were bent on giving political colouration to the well intended programme borne out of a sincere demonstration of gratitude to a governor who has impacted positively on the Kalabari people.
Senibo pointed out that contrary to what Dr Davies wanted the world to believe, the decision to hold a reception for Gov. Wike was not a political affair but a resolution of the Kalabari Ethnic Nationality Council of Traditional Rulers.
“ Three revered kings, representing the three Kalabari Local Government Areas sent the letter of invitation to the Executive Governor of the state and an organissing committee was set up to plan the event. As such, it is quite surprising and disturbing that Sokonte Davies will fabricate stories in a brazen attempt to deceive the public, Senibo said and urged Dr Davies and his co.Abuja-based political sojourners to return home with an open heart to see and appreciate the good things Governor Wike is doing to change the ugly developmental narrative in Rivers State.
Also describing Dr Davies’ statements as ‘’a huge lie’’ and ‘’gruesomely disappointing’’, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, clarified that ‘‘The Kalabari civic reception was carefully thought out by the traditional institution of the Kalabari Kingdom in appreciation of the Governor’s love for the Kalabari people and his development efforts in the Kalabari Kingdom, especially the Trans-Kalabari Road project.’’
According to Hon. George, who is also the Chairman, Publicity Sub-Committee for the event,’’ Other administrations promised the Trans-Kalabari Road but could not deliver. Nyesom Wike came and delivered on his promise.
“For this and much more, the traditional institution felt we should thank and appreciate the Governor. The traditional rulers approached leaders and stakeholders of the Kalabari Kingdom. We were randomly chosen as a committee to plan this event.’’
Hon. George, who is also a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Aari/Toru Constituency 1 said,‘‘The traditional rulers left strict instructions that this was a pan Kalabari affair and not a political affair. This is what in fact influenced the choice of Abalama Community as the venue’’, adding that invitation to the occasion was extended without consideration for political party affiliation.
“ I personally dispatched Sokonte’s information/invitation letter, which he received and sent apologies saying he would not make it due to his boss’ turbanring event in Daura. Same was communicated to the committee. Other APC stalwarts were invited. Some promised to attend, while some gave reasonable excuses, especially the event in Daura,’’ Hon George said, adding that Dr Davies should render an unreserved apology to the Kalabari traditional rulers and the entire Kingdom for his shocking, embarrassing, disappointing and shameful public statements from someone who should know better.
However, happening at a time when political activities towards 2023 general elections are in full swing, political pundits have refused to be swayed that the civic receptions that are held in honour of the governor (Ogonis recently held theirs) are completely devoid of political motives. In fact, they predict that more of such event are very likely to be organised by more ethnic nationalities who are angling to be favoured by the state’s chief executive for a shot at the highest political office in the land come next year.
There is no gainsaying the fact that the Kalabari ethnic nationality strongly desires to produce the successor to Governor Nyesom Wike just like the Ogonis and others, even though individuals from the Kalabari stock, particularly those in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have understandably shied away from publicly owning up to their interests and ambitions.
As this all-important event holds tomorrow, therefore, political observers will be watching to see if the Kalabari ethnic nation will muster the courage to openly request Governor Wike’s support for their quest to clinch the coveted office of governor of Rivers State in 2023. It will, indeed, be interesting to see what the governor’s response will be, if that petition is made after all.
Whatever happens though, the immutable fact is that Governor Nyesom Wike is eminently deserving of all the encomiums and laurels he will be decorated with by the Kalabari people for his administration’s benevolence toward them.
By: Opaka Dokubo
Politics
Lagos Assembly Commotion: Lawmakers Reject Obasa’s Return, Pass Confidence Vote On Meranda
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Monday, passed a vote of confidence in Mojisola Meranda as the Speaker of the Assembly.
The lawmakers expressed their confidence in her leadership at the plenary, which Rt Hon. Meranda presided over amidst tight security.
The Tide’s source reports that there was a growing tension at the assembly as legislative workers protested against the alleged plans to remove Rt Hon. Meranda as the Speaker of the Assembly.
The legislative workers also clashed with the operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) who, in the early hours of Monday, stormed the assembly and sealed Rt Hon. Meranda’s office alongside that of her Deputy and the Clerk.
Our source had reported how armed security personnel took over the complex at Alausa, Ikeja, leading to palpable tension among the lawmakers and workers of the assembly.
There are indications that the ongoing imbroglio at the assembly following the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker on January 13 has not abated.
The Monday’s drama came a few days after Mr Obasa, who was removed for alleged abuse of office and corruption, dragged the state lawmakers to court, challenging his removal as the Speaker of the Assembly.
There are alleged plans to return Mr Obasa as the Speaker, a development which has further heightened tension at the assembly.
The Tide’s source reports that when Meranda arrived the assembly complex amidst tight security around 11:15 am on Monday, many legislative workers showed solidarity with the first female Speaker over alleged plans to remove her.
“Meranda we want”, “Meranda We want”, the workers were chanting in a short video clip.
Rt Hon. Meranda visibly overwhelmed by emotion was surrounded by her security details amid the chaotic atmosphere.
Inside the chamber, officials of the DSS clashed with the legislative workers, leading to commotion.
The DSS officials, dressed in black jackets and helmets and armed with weapons, struggled with the workers at the door.
The Tide’s source gathered that, with support from the legislative workers, lawmakers had earlier forced their way into the chamber around 12:30 pm.
It was further gathered that Rt Hon Meranda and about 32 members were present at the plenary.
A short video clip of the plenary showed that all the lawmakers in attendance had passed a vote of confidence on Rt Hon Meranda.
“Madam Speaker, all members standing before you, I move a motion to say that we do pass the vote of confidence on Rt Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda”, a lawmaker said.
The motion was supported by all members in attendance.
Politics
PDP, APC Trade Blame Over Killings In Osun Local Councils’ Crisis
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, on Monday, traded words over the alleged killing of three persons.
Members of both parties were locked in battle for the control of some local government secretariats. While two persons were killed in Iragbiji in Boripe Local Government Area, another was killed in Irewole Local Government Area.
There had been tension across the state over the Court of Appeal judgment in respect of the sacked APC council chairmen and councillors.
While the PDP claimed that the Feb. 10 judgment of the Court of Appeal, Akure, did not reinstate the sacked APC chairmen and councillors elected in 2022, APC insisted on their return.
Speaking with journalists in Iragbiji, Korede Ajeigbe, the commissioner for government affairs and protocol, claimed that two PDP members were killed while trying to prevent APC members from taking over a secretariat.
Mr Ajeigbe also said that six PDP members were seriously injured and were currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
APC, however, alleged that PDP members attacked its members while trying to enforce the Court of Appeal judgment.
Addressing a news conference in Osogbo, Bayo Adeleke, a chieftain of the APC, claimed that one of the party’s prominent members was killed during the crisis.
He also alleged that another member of the party, Remi Omowaye, escaped an assassination attempt in Ilesa.
Mr Adeleke, a former commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, urged the state government to allow peace to reign by allowing the APC chairmen and councillors to return to office.
Another chieftain of the party, Jamiu Olawumi, claimed that APC chairmen had resumed in 15 local governments of the state.
This claim, however, could not be immediately verified.
When contacted, the police spokesperson in the state, CSP Yemisi Opalola, said she was yet to be briefed on the alleged killings.
Ms Opalola, however, said police officers had been deployed to all the local government secretariats in the state to prevent breakdown of law and order.
Meanwhile, Gov. Ademola Adeleke has directed workers as well as politicians to stay away from local government secretariats to avoid further bloodshed.
Mr Adeleke, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said only security agents would be allowed to keep watch at the secretariats.
He condoled with families of victims of the crisis.
Politics
100 Days In Office: Lawmaker Passes Confidence Vote On Council Boss
Leader of the 8th Opobo/Nkoro Legislative Assembly, Barrister Samuel Nengia, has passed a vote of confidence on the Chairman of the LGA, Dr. Enyiada Cookey-Gam, as he marked his first one hundred days in his second term in office.
Speaking with newsmen recently in Port-Harcourt on Dr Cookey-Gam and the celebration of his first one hundred days in office, among other people-oriented development projects and programmes, Nengia argued that the Chairman and his team have recorded unprecedented developmental strides, which includes infrastructure transformation, empowerment, security, human capital development, payment of the approved N85,000. 00 minimum wage to Opobo/Nkoro workers’, among others.
He pointed out that his commendation was apt as the activities of the Chairman had been monitored and discovered to reflect the expectations and yearnings of the people, especially, the promotion of council staff, the refurbishment of the Assembly Complex to standard, the construction of Corpers’ Lodge, the provision of effective transportation system for the well-being of the people in the area.
Hon. Nengia, representing Opobo/Nkoro Ward 6, averred that the people of the LGA could now sleep with their eyes closed owing to Dr Cookey-Gam’s achievements in in the security sector.
He added that the vote of confidence the Council’s number one citizen would strengthen him to deliver more democratic dividends to Opobo/Nkoro people.
He admonished Opobo/Nkoro people to rally support for the Chairman to perform creditably well for the well-being of the electorate in the area.
Meanwhile, Barr. Samuel Nengia, has thanked Governor Siminalayi Fubara for appointing three illustrious sons of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area into positions of trust vis former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo Jaja, as Chairman, Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission; former Secretary of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Engr. Edward Namiesimagha, as Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) and Surveyor Peter Ogolo, as Surveyor-, General of the state.
Hon. Nengia, who described the appointments as well deserved, however, enjoined the appointees to bring their leadership wealth of experience to bear in the herculean tasks of reviving their various areas of jurisdiction.
Bethel Toby