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Fubara Commiserates With Bauchi Gov …Assures Partnership To Sustain Peace, Unity In PDP
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated his resolve to work harmoniously with the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, to reposition the party in the right direction.
This is as he restated the cordial working relationship between Rivers and Bauchi states under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed.
Fubara made the assertion when he paid a condolence visit to the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammad, in Bauchi to condole with him and his family on the demise of his step-mother, Hajia Hauwa Mohammed, last Saturday.
The governor, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, noted the enormous task ahead in repositioning the party, but asserted that time has come when people need to come out strong and take a position that will rightly get things done properly.
He said, “As a State, we have always worked together with the Bauchi Government. Not just the Bauchi Government, but this particular government, which I happen to be the Deputy to him as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.
“What I am doing here is to show everyone that we have a good working relationship, and we are in together to make sure that we work to set those things that are wrong rightly in the party. I know it is not an easy task, and names would be called, but it gets to a time when you come out strongly and take a position so that things will be done rightly.”
Fubara, while condoling with his Bauchi State counterpart and his family, described the loss of any family member as tragic to the relatives, irrespective of how old the person is, particularly when they have a closer relationship with the deceased.
He said, “We are here this afternoon to pay a condolence visit to the First Family. At this particular period, it is important, no matter how late it is, to show our support, to comfort His Excellency and his family on the loss of their step mother who is also their mother.”
He emphasized that, “Loses, when it comes to life, is a very tragic thing. It doesn’t matter the number of age, but when life is taken, you must feel that loss, and more especially, if you have a relationship with the person. I was made to understand that His Excellency, my Oga grew under the late Hajia Hauwa. So, you can see why this visit is important to us.”
The governor noted that the vacuum created by the demise of their step mother cannot be filled by any mortal man, except God (Allah), and prayed Him to provide the family all the needed comfort to bear the loss and also grant the soul of the deceased perfect rest.
He added, “We cannot fill that vacuum. It is only God Almighty, Allah as you people call your own, that can feel that space for you. He is the only one that can give you the lasting comfort. So, we join you to say that Allah will provide all that is needed for the family at this particular time that our mother has left us. Allah will also make sure that she rests in a perfect place because of the wonderful work that she had also done while on earth.”
Responding, the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, lauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the visit to empathize and sympathize with his family, saying it demonstrates the closeness between both of them.
Senator Mohammed noted the support his State had always given to Governor Fubara, which he described as a “Good SIM for Rivers and for Nigeria”, assuring that his State will continue to stand on the side of justice, equity and truth.
He congratulated Fubara for his dexterity in taking back the political structure of the PDP in the State, which the present reality confers him as a governor and leader.
Mohammed noted the support given to Fubara by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, assuring that with all the governors already with him, they will continue to close rank to ensure that they minimize rancor in the party, except where it is necessary to straighten records.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.