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Wike, Ishaku Harp On State Police As Panacea To Insecurity …‘PDP Must Work For Victory In 2023’
Rivers State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Chief Nyesom Wike has said that the establishment of state police would be one enduring approach to addressing the festering insecurity in Nigeria.
This is even as the leading presidential aspirant has urged all members of the party to close ranks with a new resolve to clinch electoral victory in the 2023 presidential election for the party.
Wike while wooing delegates of PDP in Taraba State when he met with them in Jalingo, yesterday, dismissed the argument against the need for state police.
“The Federal Government, you cannot stop this insecurity if you don’t have state police. You must have state police; there is no two ways about it. Having a state police does not mean you will not have a federal police. All over the federal system, even councils have their own police so that you employ people who know the environment.
“You cannot take a stranger to go to Mabila, it will take him years to understand that place. You can’t take a stranger and go to Donga or Chanchangi. So, you need people who know the environment so they will be able to take care of the place.
“If federal offences are committed, the federal police should handle them. If there are state offences, the state police should handle. So, one key thing to stop this insecurity in Nigeria is to have state police.”
The Rivers State governor said those opposing state police often argue that if allowed, state governors would use it against their opponents.
“The question is will the governors be in office permanently? So, that argument is neither here or there. If this party called APC government loves Nigeria and are committed to Nigeria, one project that they would have given to Nigeria is the creation of state police.”
Wike explained that the beauty of establishing state police was to ensure that people who are indigenous to an area are engaged in policing their environment.
Speaking further, Wike told the delegates that he was presenting himself to them to be given the presidential ticket to fly the party’s flag in the 2023 election because he was prepared to end the many troubles facing Nigeria.
According to him, Nigeria needs a leader who is forthright, can speaks the truth always and competently be the Commander-in-Chief who goes to the field where Nigerians can relate with their daily experiences.
“The one problem that our (PDP) government (under me if elected) must solve is to bring down the level of insecurity in this country otherwise there is no way the economy can grow.
“When bandits hear my name they will run because I will take the war to them. I will be the Commander-in-Chief in action.
“I’ll be commanding in projects, in security, in agriculture and the economy together with the armed forces. I’ll be commanding every aspects of life that will make Nigerians happy. This is because I have the capacity to solve the problems of Nigeria.”
Wike lamented the incidences of bomb blast in parts of the country and at railway tracks.
He described such incidences, including the operations of Boko Haram and bandits that have killed most Nigerians as the legacy of the APC-ledFederal Government.
Similarly, the Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku also harped on the need for creation of state police.
He lamented the state of insecurity in Nigeria, and expressed optimism that if PDP returns to power in 2023, the party would restore the lost glory of the country.
“He (Wike) speaks the truth, he fears nobody, and he is a workaholic. You have seen how he has turned Rivers State to a working site. We welcome him. We know what he has said; if God permits he will do it.
“Nigeria is yearning for leadership. He has said it; hunger doesn’t know East, South or West. Kidnapping doesn’t know South, East or West. Security is security. If there is no security there is no economy. If there is no economy, the country does not exist.”
On his part, former Gombe State Governor, Dr Ibrahim Dankwambo, described Wike as a faithful party man with requisite experience to lead Nigeria.
“He is a true party man. Wike joined the party in 1998, and he is still in the party. He has never left even when the going was tough. When great people ran away, Wike stayed. He did not only stay, because he did not have anywhere to go, he contributed in building the party, in making the party stable and ensuring that the party continue as a growing concern.
“I have been to Rivers State while I was a governor, and have also been to Rivers State while I left as a governor. This is a man that has performed extremely very well. In education, health, social interaction of people, and most importantly, in security. In the area of security which is our major problem in Nigeria today, Wike has stabilised the Niger Delta today, particularly his own state of Rivers.
“You can remember how Rivers was eight years ago and you see how Rivers has become one of the most visited states in Nigeria today. Companies are coming back, revenues have double, you know this is important in all the states, when you lost revenue because people are leaving. People have come back, investments have come back, development is in force.”
Similarly, the Presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike has urged all members of the party to close ranks with a new resolve to clinch electoral victory in the 2023 presidential election for the party.
Wike gave the charge while wooing delegates of the party in Adamawa State, yesterday when he met with them in Yola.
The governor said that in working for electoral victory, PDP requires a leader that is very courageous, fearless and has the capacity to turn around the misfortune foisted on Nigeria by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“God has given us (PDP) the opportunity to present me. So, on that day of primaries, my dear delegates, it is in your hands to give me the ticket.
“We must make sure that we work together for the party to win election. Whoever emerges, we will all join hands together and work for victory to come to PDP.”
Wike explained that he was presenting himself for the exalted office of the president of Nigeria because of his records of success.
He restated the need for PDP to give its presidential ticket to the person who has capacity to win election for the party.
“This time around, there is no sentiment of where you come from. What PDP needs now is to win election.
“That person who you would present today and can face the All Progressives Congress (APC) and face this federal government to win the election in 2023, that person is me.”
The governor warned that If PDP makes the mistakes again and lose the 2023 election, it may likely spell doom for the party.
“This is our last chance to take back power from this bad party called APC. If you make the mistakes again, and we lose the 2023 election then you’ll know that PDP will be finished.”
The Rivers State governor told them that he was aware that their father and leader is also in the race, but his love for Nigeria and what he has accomplished are towering credentials for them to consider.
“You require a leader that is very courageous. You require a leader that is very fearless. You require a leader that has capacity. I know one of your sons, one of your fathers; our leader is running with me. But, I want to appeal to you; I have the capacity to win. Don’t make mistake, I am the one to win this election. So, join me now, the train is moving. Every state you go to now, you don’t hear any aspirant other than Wike.”
According to Wike, he and few others stood firm in protection of the party when there was a problem that would have killed it.
“I have worked for this party. When there was problem in this party, few of us stood firm and said PDP will not die. I am happy today that PDP is very strong. One good turn deserves another. I want to appeal to you; I have the capacity to win. Don’t make mistakes about it. I am the one to win this election.”
In his remark, the PDP Chairman in Adamawa State, Tahir Shehu, commended Wike for traversing various states of the federation, including Adamawa, canvassing for votes ahead of the PDP convention next month.
Shehu expressed delight that Wike has not only remained in the PDP since 1998, but has continued to sustain the party financially, morally particularly in non-PDP states.
“I call you the Field Marshal of PDP because I know how you sustain the party in the state, particularly the non-PDP states. We know what you did.”
He further added: “We are aware of your pedigree and your track record. All those that are aspiring in PDP who showcase themselves are capable and more than capable not only to ruling Nigeria, but rule the entire Africa. But please, my plead to all of you is for you to put the interest of the country first and then the interest of our party before our individual interest, because none of the part of Nigeria that has not have more than enough suffering.”
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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.