Issues
Rivers Legislators And Battle Against HIV
The battle against HIV/AIDS is fast assuming new dimension. Early this year the Rivers State House of Assembly at its 171st proceedings passed the bill to establish a state-owned agency that would help combat the malaise.
The bill has suffered several setbacks over the years due to lack of proactive measures by past administrations to formulate policies that would tackle the dreaded scourge to a standstill.
It was due to this lack of political will that infection rate in the state has skyrocketed. Reports have it that the infection rate is at 7 per cent as against 5 per cent at the national level.
There are even grim statistics that indicate that women are the worst hit even though it has not been authenticated by the National Action Committee on AIDS.
Jolted by this picture, the Rivers State House of Assembly rose to the occasion. Watching the proceeding of the House it was as if the legislators were saying enough was enough.
Apart from Ondo, Lagos and perhaps few other states that have full fledged anti-HIV/AIDS agency, Rivers State is on the leed in the campaign to decimate the scourge.
Currently, the pandemic has transformed from a point of emergency endangering not just the lives of its victims but the economic fabric of society.
The number is frightening. At the end of 2004, the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNIAIDS) estimated that two-thirds of the 40 million people living with the virus were Africans since 3 million of the 5 million new infections in 2004 also occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, where infection rates are seven times the world’s average.
In some countries, as many as 40 percent of the total adult population carries HIV. In a region nearly half of the population live on less than one dollar per day.
Perhaps it was these indices that the Rivers legislators pondered over that made them give a unanimous approval for the establishment of the agency.
Immediately the Committee submitted its reports, the legislators swiftly swung into action to scruitinize the bill. First was, Hon. Golden Chioma representing Etche Constituency in the House.
Hon. Chioma gave kudos to the Hon. Maureen Tamuno-led Committee for doing a thorough job and called for the quick passage of the bill.
While the commendation was yet to die down, Hon. James Ogbonnda representing Port Harcourt Constituency rose on his feet. He said, “Hon. Speaker Sir, after going through this report I think there are no laws against the discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS.”
The Speaker quickly came to the rescue. He informed the honourable House that there had been a law against such earlier promulgated by the assembly during the Odili-led administration.
The Speaker opined that discrimination was the major set back in the fight against the disease and called for a joint effort to end such negative social behaviour in the society.
In her submission, Hon. Maureen Tamuno from Ogu/Bolo Constituency commended the work of the Committee describing it as a job well done.
On the other hand, the Ogu/Bolo lawmaker pointed out short comings in the location of the agency, while drawing her arguments on the set-up of NACA and where it derives its power.
At the federal level, Hon. Tamuno argued that NACA is situated under the Presidency and as such does not make the Vice President a member of the board.
The same scenario she argued, should be replicated at the state level where the agency is expected to be located under the Governor’s Office.
Locating the agency under the Governor’s Office automatically makes the governor the head. But the Speaker in responding to the arguments of the legislators, said since the state chief executive heads the agency, there was no need to incorporate the deputy governor as also a member of the board.
While the argument on where and how the agency should be located raged on, a more subsisting argument crept in unto the floor. This time on membership of the board.
Hon. Maureen Tamuno explained that the underlisted ministries be members of the HIV/AIDS board agency, They include Health, Social Welfare, Women Affairs, Information, Justice, Education, Finance and Youth Development, including Agriculture.
A break down of their functions shows that the agency would be supervised by its parent Ministry of Health, Social Welfare would oversee the welfare of HIV/AIDS victims and all anti-social behaviour against them.
Ministry of Women Affairs is expected to assist in the area of women, since the scourge has a lot of women victims. Ministry of Information would oversee information dissemination and enlightenment.
Ministry of Justice is expected, according to law, to spell out and adjudicate on matters of discrimination in-line with the provision in the state statutes. Ministry of Finance is to is to ensure equitable utilisation of all allocated funds to the agency. It is to oversee the financial policies of the board by making sure that there is accountability.
Because youths are more prone to the disease due to their exuberance and experimental nature, the Ministry of Youth – Development was incorporated into the board.
While functions of the other ministries were understandable and important, what about that of Agriculture? In short the Speaker Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry cracked a joke on the floor that he doesn’t understand what Agriculture as a Ministry would contribute in the fight against HIA/AIDS.
In his remarks, Hon. Onari Brown representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 1 made a very instructive observation. He stressed that the bill was overdue and that the state was far behind considering the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
In the light of Hon. Onari’s remarks, resources for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programmes, though still woefully inadequate, are increasing. Many more African political leaders have taken personal leadership of anti-AIDS efforts.
A vibrant, engaged and independent African civil society, increasingly led by people living with HIV/AIDS, has emerged to energize the struggle, confront stigma and discrimination and give the disease a human face. The long, damaging argument over whether to fund treatment or prevention programmes appears to have settled in favour of a comprehensive response combining education, prevention, and care and treatment. All of these developments are reasons for hope, even if, for too many, they come too late.
The legislators in an effort to boost membership of the agency recommended that a representative of Nigerian Medical Laboratory Scientists and HIV/AIDS non-governmental organisations be incorporated.
The issue of HIV/AIDS testing seemed to have been more important to a member representing Andoni Constituency, Hon. Ibani Ikuinyi.
Hon. Ikuinyi observed that after going through the report, there were no provisions to make testing compulsory for both the public and civil servants to know their status. “That would have been part of the bill, “ he added.
Apart from recommending a compulsory testing for people to know their HIV/AIDS status, the Andoni born legislator also called for adequate statistics and records on the disease.
Hon. Ikuinyi believed that the compulsory testing would provide ready – made statistics for officials to work, decrying the poor records in the Ministry that has made it difficult for government to tackle the malaise.
As the debates were going on, Rt. Hon. Harry’s comments were salutary in that it provided the lee-way for members to lay their observations.
The Right Honourable Speaker had earlier in his remarks hinted of the need to setup a House Committee on HIV/AIDS to oversee this very important aspect of public health.
Rt. Hon. Harry noted “HIV/IDS is a disease that can wipe off a whole generation so it is not something to be played about”.
He therefore tasked members of the House to incorporate the campaign on the disease as one of their constituency project.
In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.
Tele Ikuru
The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?
Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .
Bernard C. Idike
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
Amieyeofori Ibim
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