News
Yar’Adua: Let’s Pray
Since independence, Nigeria had passed through various facets of socio-economic and political trauma and equally survived up to the present dispensation. Historically, there had existed first, second, third and even the fourth Republican administrations, but none was as durable as the present Republican and democratic governance, which kicked off on 29 May, 1999.
In a Republican or Presidential system of government, the constitution provides for the positions of a President and Vice-President respectively. Similarly, in military regimes, there exist what is known as Head of State and other Lieutenants co-piloting the affairs of the Azikiwe in 1960. However, when the khaki guys came onboard, General Yakubu Gowon was the second in command to General Ironsi who invariably became the next Head of State.
During the Second Republic in 1979, Alhaji Shehu Shagari became the President with and Major-General Tunde ldiagbon emerged until August 1985 when the Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Bahangida also surfaced with his team of administrators. Of course, General Sani Abacha was behind IBB in case of any eventuality, which actually occurred as Abacha became Head of State with Oladipo Diya as his second in command.
Furthermore, on May 29, 1999, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo emerged the fifth Republican President of Nigeria with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as his Vice-President. In the same democratic administration continued Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as President and Vice-President respectively after the 2007 Presidential elections. Without twisting words, amongst the numerous leaders foretasted, a good number of them had on several occasions went for medical check-up one time or the other and there was no cause for alarm.
At this juncture, one is compelled to pose whether it is unnatural for a mortal being to be ill? If Mr. President is sick and has gone for appropriate treatment at Saudi Arabia, what is the much ado about it.
It is even ironical by close observation that there are feelers here and there that the vice-president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan should be stopped on Presidential Duties. If these feelers are something to rely upon, one wonders the type of presidential government Nigeria is running. Nevertheless, the paramount objective of Nigerians is to embark on a serious prayer network with the Owner of Life for the survival of our dear President Yar’Adua to his honourable office to continue the good foundation laid for efficient sustainability of the country, instead of clamoring for his resignation. The obvious fact is that the President did not abscond from his legitimate duties but on health ground. President Yar’Adua is a visionary and selfless leader with his seven point agenda.
Certainly, since his ascension as President of this nation Nigeria, Yar’Adua has injected some sensitivity and discipline in judicial arm of the government. Yar’Adua si a man of principal who enforced the Rule of Law to be applied to whoever irrespective of ego or fame.
In other words, nobody is above the law. It is not surprising that a lot of political instability in the country after the 2007 elections, has been genuinely addressed in the Law Court and justice prevailed without fear and favour. Moreover, a lot of prominent personalities who were in public services that had looted and defrauded the public are chatting seriously with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) now than ever before.
Conclusively, calls for the resignation of the President due to his ill-health may not be health improves. Let us move Nigeria forward in a more positive approach and not be chasing shadow in place of the reality! This should be our collective task.
Ominyanwa is the editor’s guest
G. N. Ominyanwa
Happy Birthday Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON
Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory
News
We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring good healthcare for the people of Rivers State.
?
?Governor Fubara stated this when he played host to the Country Director of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her management team in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
?
?The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, said he would continue to provide the necessary facilities in order to ensure accessible and good health care for all Rivers people.
?
?”We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.
?
?”We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society. We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he said.
?
?The Country Director for UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, assured Governor Fubara of UNICEF’s support to the programmes of the State Government. She appealed that health facilities such as the Oxygen Plant at Eleme Local Government Ares and the New Born Care Units be solarized.
?
?”Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.
?
?”I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she added.
?
