Politics
Nigeria Can, Will Work With Collective Action – Cleric
A pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Sola Fabunmi, has called on Nigerians to demonstrate commitment and dedication towards the growth and development of the nation.
Pastor Fabunms who is the Senior Pastor of the City of Faith Church, RCCG, Gaithersburg, MD, USA, explained that the recent protests by citizens, especially the youths, has sent strong message to those in authority on the need to listen to the yearnings of the people.
In a statement on Saturday tagged ‘Nigeria Is Not A Monster: Play Your Part And Make It Work ‘ the cleric maintained that for the country to be great and overcome its challenges, the citizens must be ready to play their parts and stop usual blame games.
The statement read: “Now that the dust of the nationwide protest has settled, the voice of the people has clearly been heard across the land and has resonated in the corridors of power—even before the protest. This is evident in the many interventions of the government before, during, and after the protest. The message is clear: the citizens are weary, and they demand change.
“But it is also time to recognize that the responsibility for the future of Nigeria does not rest solely on the shoulders of a few in power, especially the President; it is a collective burden we all must carry if we truly love this country. Nigeria is not a monster. It is our home, our hope, and our future, and we all must play our part to make it work.
As citizens, we must undoubtedly understand that the true power of change lies within us. We, all 200 million-plus, are the people called Nigeria—not just the few in power among us.
“Mr. President, it is understood that the weight of leadership is a heavy burden, and I want to sincerely acknowledge the efforts you are making to steer this ship of state through turbulent waters. Change is never easy, and the road to recovery is long and fraught with challenges. This also is evident in all of your efforts so far, and it is my prayer that the Lord will continue to divinely equip you with wisdom and strength.
“But remember that leadership is not a solo journey. You have a nation blessed with people willing to support you if you earn their trust and engage them in meaningful ways. Reach out to Nigerians in the diaspora. They are a vast resource, rich in experience and expertise, and many of them still hold a deep love for their homeland, Nigeria. Encourage them to invest in their communities of origin, to share their resources, knowledge, and skills, and to contribute to the nation’s growth. Their contributions, though small in the grand scheme, can collectively ease the burden on the government. No government, no matter how well-intentioned, can do it alone. Collaboration is key.
“Nigeria is not a monster to be feared or loathed. It is a nation brimming with potential, talent, and promise, but it needs genuine help. And it will only rise if each of us does our part. We citizens should speak life into our country and act with integrity. Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, lead with vision and seek the help of all Nigerians. To those who steal, if you cannot resist, at least reinvest in the land you take from. And to the church leaders, be the pillars of empowerment that your followers need.
“Nigeria can and will work, but only if we work for it. Let us cast aside the blame game, the cynicism, and the apathy. Let us rise, together, to build a nation that we can all be proud of. The future of Nigeria is in our hands. Play your part, and let us make it work.”
The newly elected Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon. Vincent Reuben Obu, has resumed office with the resolve and assurance to govern the LGA with a deep sense of responsibility and consultation with stakeholders to bring sustainable development in the area.
Hon Obu disclosed this while speaking with news- men at Ayama, Abua Central shortly after swearing into office, the vice Chairman of the Council, Hon Eruka Enanaapu and new councilors representing the 13 Wards of the LGA and constituting the 9th Legislative Assembly, with Rt Hon Memonye Wariboko representing Ward1 elected as the Leader.
The chairman dissolved all standing committees and political appointees from the previous administration, and announced the appointment of Dr. Otuoye Asher as the new secretary of the council.
He affirmed his campaign promises to commission projects within 100 days in office, stating that the Abua/Odual rural electrification project would be one of the key initiatives to be commissioned within his first 100 days in office.
Hon Obu condemned the recent unleashing of mayhem and destruction of some local government secretariats by hoodlums, and urged residents to remain law-abiding and key into the peaceful leadership of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara which is bringing total transformation and development in Rivers State.
In their remarks, the Chairman Local Government Service Commission, Pastor Goodlife Ben Iduoko, and Bar Daniel Atemie, congratulated the new Abolga Council Boss and expressed confidence in his capabilities to dispense good governance and democratic dividends in the area.
The Nigeria Civil Service Union(NCSU) has expressed delight over the outcome of last Saturday’s local government elections in Rivers State, and commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his uncommon courage, forthrightness and resilience which made it possible for his candidates to win the elections.
The Rivers State Chairman of NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, who made the commendation in an interview in Port Harcourt, said the Governor demonstrated uncommon courage, forthrightness and resilience during the build-up and countdown to the elections which paved the way for the successful conduct of the elections and emergence of his candidates as winners of the elections, describing the elections as generally peaceful.
He noted that many people in the State did not give Governor Fubara a chance of successfully weathering the political storm during the build-up to the elections, as they had thought that the entire process was going to be a disaster.
Osumah thanked Governor Fubara for overcoming all odds and ensuring that the entire process was hitch-free, peaceful and credible, describing the successful outcome of the elections as a victory for democracy.
The labour leader also condemned in strong terms the invasion of local government councils in the State by political thugs, shortly after the successful swearing-in of elected council chairmen by the Governor, and expressed joy that Governor Fubara has constituted a panel of inquiry over the development, contending that all those responsible for the mayhem inflicted on the affected councils would pay dearly for their actions.
Osumah equally applauded Governor Fubara for proving that he is truly the Chief Security Officer of the State, before, during and after the elections, adding that it was a great feat that the elections were successful, peaceful and hitch-free without the prying eyes of the police.
He noted that the Governor’s detractors had taken his peaceful disposition for granted, and affirmed that Governor Fubara has truly proved to the world that he is capable of ruling Rivers State.
He, however, appealed to the elected council chairmen and councillors to continue to support Governor Fubara and work for the collective good of Rivers people, insisting that the enemies have not yet gone to sleep but are still awake, to cause more havoc to the State.
He said the Governor as a former civil servant who rose from the ranks to the top echelon of the Civil Service, would continue to enjoy the support of civil servants in the State, and expressed optimism that his administration is going to implement the new minimum wage, as the Governor had promised, particularly now that the local government elections are over.
Osumah carpeted the Inspector General of Police over his roles in the political crisis rocking the State, saying instead of protecting democracy by virtue of his professional calling, he is rather destroying democracy.
According to him, the IGP has a question to answer over his roles in the Rivers political crisis, and has a lot of explanations to make to President Bola Tinubu.
He expressed delight that police operatives several council secretariats in the State, describing it as a welcomed development.
The Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo has endorsed the October 5, 2024 local government elections in Rivers State.
Rt Hon. Oko-Jumbo said this on the floor of the House during its legislative sitting on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.
He said the House aligned itself with a recent Supreme Court’s judgement which directed all states in the country to ensure democratically elected councils in their respective states.
According to the Speaker, the forthcoming election is also in line with the recent Supreme Court’s judgment which outlawed unelected councils’ leaderships in the country.
Rt Hon Oko-Jumbo also said the election is also in compliance with the order of a Port Harcourt High Court that mandated the state electoral umpire to use the 2023 Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voter register for the election.
The Speaker said the House was also satisfied with the preparations so far made by both the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and the state government for the conduct of the elections.
The number one lawmaker in the State urged security agencies to ensure adequate security of lives and property during the elections, while calling on eligible voters to turn out en mass and vote for candidates of their choice.
