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Court Cases: We’re Not Afraid Of Elections, Fubara Tells PDP’s Critics …PDP’ll Win Rivers, Woke Replies Abe
The Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) sensitisation rally put together by the Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI) to enlighten the pubic on the importance of the PVCs, last Wednesday, held at County State School Field, Emiligbam, Abua Central, headquarters of Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, with the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sir Siminialayi Fubara, justifying the party’s strategies for the 2023 elections.
The rally, which attracted people from various walks of life, including the core of Abua political elite and stakeholders, featured gyration by GDI members across the 13 wards in the area.
The sensitisation programme also witnessed solidarity speeches by political leaders from Abua/Odual LGA and GDI President-General, Hon. Bright Amaewhule.
Fubara, urged GDI members, especially the people of Abua/Odual to continue to sensitise and educate their people on the need to register and collect their PVCs to enable them participate in the forthcoming general election.
While commending GDI for the massive mobilisation, Fubara urged them not to allow anybody to deceive them but advised them to guide their PVC jealously to avoid being stolen or misplaced.
Fubara noted that the mammoth crowd that graced the programme showed the importance Abua/Odual people attach to the exercise.
He said that though there exists a so-called “king Kong” in the area, the large turnout of people had conquered him.
Fubara urged those that are yet to get their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) to utilise the remaining days to ensure that they register and key into the SIM project to simplify governance in the local government area.
“The only thing you need to do is to secure your PVC. You should also ensure that those that have not registered should utilize the remaining days to do so.
“You should not be afraid, what happened in the previous election will not repeat itself. Just get your SIM, maintain SIM to simplify governance, to simplify Abua/Odual local government once you key into the SIM card.
“Make sure you secure your PVC. We know you get your PVC. Make sure you secure it. The only thing you need to do, which we are preaching is that you must make sure you secure your PVC. Make sure you secure your PVC.Also, make sure that people who have not registeredget registered”, he said.
Reacting to a report that PDP was afraid to contesting election with other political parties in the state which is why it has taken them to court, the PDP standard bearer said when election time comes, people would know which of the parties has large followership and support in the state, describing the statement as false.
Speaking at the rally, Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Amb Desmond Akawor, who is also the state PDP chairman, hailed the people of Abua/Odual for turning out enmasse for the rally.
Akawor, who was represented by the Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr Benibo George, expressed optimism that the massive turn-out was a clear statement that the people have been adequately mobilised and sensitised.
In his solidarity speech, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Engr Emeka Woke, told the people of Abua/Odual to make use of the time left to register and collect their PVCs.
Woke assured that the state government would not allow the ugly incident of 2019 general election to repeat itself in 2023.
“Let me assure you as a government that the ugly incident of 2019 general election where you mobilised yourself, prepare for the candidate of your choice and you were deprived because of the activities of some leaders who colluded with military officers to deprive you of participation in the electoral process. Let me assure you that that incident will never happen again in this local government again. We will do everything possible to ensure that nobody, not even the military will come and intimidate you in this area. So, be firm and be ready to face the task ahead”.
Woke declared that while Governor Nyesom Wike would not impose his successor on the Rivers people, evidence indicates that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would win the 2023 governorship poll.
He maintained that the massive infrastructure transformation and good governance Rivers has enjoyed under the Wike administration would make it difficult for any party to defeat the PDP candidates.
The chief of staff made the declaration while reacting to Senator Magnus Abe’s assertion that Rivers people and not Wike, will determine who would succeed him.
Speaking at the GDI sensitisation and mobilisation rally for the continuous Permanent Voters Card (PVC) registration exercise in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, he stressed that the PDP governorship candidate and his deputy would defeat other candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Woke applauded the people of Abua/Odual for their high level of enlightenment and readiness for the task ahead.
He, however, assured that the ugly incident which deprived them of exercising their franchise in 2019, will not repeat itself as the government will do everything humanly possible to ensure that nobody intimidates them.
Woke said: “Let me assure you as a government, that the ugly incidence of 2019 general election where you mobilised yourselves, prepared to vote for the candidate of your choice, but you were deprived because of the activities of some miscreants who collided with military officers to deprive you of participating in the electoral process, will never happen again in this local government area.
“We will do everything humanly possible to ensure that nobody will come and intimidate you in Abua/Odual local government, not even any military officer will come and intimidate you again. So, be firm and be ready to face the task ahead.”
“Distinguished Senator Magnus Abe was quoted to have said that Rivers people will elect our governor and not Wike. I agree in toto with distinguished Senator Magnus Abe because Wike will not impose any governor on Rivers people. It is the duty of the Rivers people to elect their governor,” Woke stated.
“But, it is also important to state that in making that choice, there are some basic empirical factors that will be considered in making that choice. Just a few days ago, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the names of candidates of parties and their deputies.
“In Rivers State, 17 names. It means that out of the 18 registered political parties, it’s only one party, PRP, according to the publication made by the Independent National Electoral Commission, that had no candidate.
“What it means is that Rivers people have 17 persons to choose from who is going to govern them. And from the published names there, I have not seen anyone in that list that will match the calibre and capacity of the candidate and the deputy governorship candidate of the PDP.
“The standard bearer of the PDP, very intelligent, apt, very calculative, a well-known technocrat and a seamless man.”
Woke said ‘Team Wike’ has since 2015 till date fulfilled its social contract with the Rivers people, unlike others who made promises, but reneged on them.
The chief of staff opined that while there are several political groups in the state, “Team Wike” has consistently lived up to expectations in terms of delivery on electioneering promises.
He cited the Kpobie-Bodo road project awarded by the previous administration and abandoned by the contractor and the Saakpenwa-Bori Road, which the second phase, from the Bori-Kono waterside, is ongoing.
“In Rivers State, there are two teams. New Rivers Team, which is Team Wike and the others. Even with the political development of a few days ago, it appears that one other team is trying to metamorphose into another team. But, the important thing is that Team Wike has come to tell Rivers people between 2015 and 2019 that this is what I will do and Team Wike has delivered on the promises.
“In campaigning in 2015, 2019 Team Wike went to Ogoni land, precisely in Gokana and saw an abandoned project, Kpobie/Bodo road awarded by the previous administration to a contractor who abandoned it. Governor Wike promised that he was going to complete the road. He did not only dualise the road, he beautified the road with street lights. That is Team A Rivers.
“Again, Governor Wike saw the need to dualise the Saakpenwa-Bori road because of the economic importance of the Ogoni axis of the state, the need to improve the security of that area, and the need to attract companies to that area in order to create employment. He did not only promise, he dualised the Saakpenwa-Bori Road and today, he is taking that road from Bori to Kono waterside.”
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Contact and Mobilisation of BFO Support Group, Comrade John Davidson, said the group was committed to the campaign being initiated by the GDI.
He thanked state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike as well as the leadership of the party in the state for mobilising grassroots support for the PDP candidates, especially the PDP governorship candidate, Sir Sim Fubara, who he described as a humane and humble politician that will build on the good works of the governor.
“As core loyalists of our principal, Bro. Felix Amaechi Obuah, who has shown us the way, we are stressing out commitment to the party and all its aspirants. There is no room for failure hence our desire to ensuring the success of this campaign initiated by the Grassroot Democratic Initiative (GDI)”.
Other dignitaries, who stormed the successful event are, Chairman of Ogba/Ebgema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Vincent Job, Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Area, Daniel O. Daniel, former Executive Director, Finance and Administration of NDDC, Dr Ogiri; as well as the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, who the group hailed for mobilising materials and resources for the success of the sensitisation campaign.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
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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
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
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
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.