Front Pix
Yar’Adua “We’ll Embark On Civil Disobedience If…”
Freedom Fighters in Niger Delta Delta region say they will embark on civil disobedience in Nigeria if Vice President Goodluck Jonathan is not given the constitutional power to act as President within 14 days in the absence of the ailing President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from the country.
The threat of the Niger Delta Freedom Fighters is coming on the heels of Federal High Court order on the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to determine within 14 days the state of health of President Yar’Adua who has been absent from the country for 62 days on health grounds.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Dan Abutu, in delivering judgement in a case filed by a former member of the House of Representatives, Mr Farouk Aliyu and a lawyer, Sani Gabbas said the only body recognized by the constitution is the Executive Council of the Federation, and that the resolution should be made public.
But reacting to what is called “Offshore Presidency of Yar’Adua”, the Niger Delta Freedom Fighters did not hide their feelings that time is coming for action to give Nigeria a leadership especially since the 62-day absentia of President Yar’Adua.
In a text message to journalists nationwide, Co-ordinator of Niger Delta Freedom Fighters, Nengi James said “we will be forced to embark on civil disobedience by using any means necessary to ensure that Vice President Goodluck Jonathan is given the constitutional rights to take over the leadership of Nigeria in line with the High Court judgment declaration of 14 days ultimatum to Federal Executive Council.”
In the face of protest rallies in Abuja and Lagos so far, demanding that Vice President Goodluck Jonathan be inaugurated as acting president, James said the Niger Delta Freedom Fighters are individuals in cause of true democracy and war against corruption in the country.
January 12, 2010, Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka and other human rights activities had led a protest rally in the streets of Abuja demanding for the inauguration of Jonathan as acting president.
Thursday January 21, 2010, another group under the aegis of Save Nigeria Group (SNG) held a protect rally in Lagos making a case for acting presidency of Jonathan.
The rally tagged “Enough is enough” started from Archbishop Vining Memorial playground at GRA Ikeja, Lagos and ended up at Government House, Alaosa where they presented a letter to Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) for onward presentation to the Governors’ Forum.
Tunde Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly who formally presented the group’s letter of request to Fashola, lamented that with Nigeria leaders, one couldn’t draw straight lines but crooked ones.
Soyinka was not at the Lagos rally but sent in a message from India in which he said the rally was not much about vacuum in governance but how it (vacuum) should be filled.
Both the Abuja and Lagos protest rally did not witness any ugly incidents, and there are indications that the protest rally demanding for Jonathan to be made acting president will spread to major cities of the country to press home their demand.
Meanwhile, James said a strategic and implementation unit of the Freedom Fighters League and Freelance Fighters in Niger Delta will meet on February 3, to strategise on line of action.
Front Pix
Our Legacy’ll Leave Lasting Impression On Rivers People -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
Front Pix
We’re Determined To Leave Legacy Of Quality Education -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to give the best attention to the education sector so that standard and quality learning will never be compromised in the State.
The governor emphasised that in achieving such legacy, schools in the State will be driven with a curriculum that will equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Governing Council of Rivers State University at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said: “There is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we don’t have direction.
”But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channeled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.
”Education that is creative. Education that gives you independence. We have left the era in the world when you speak too much grammar. We are in such times when it is what you can do with your hands.
”Our purpose for education is that we should bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you don’t need a job but you create jobs. When one creates a job, you automatically employ others. That is what I want this council to see as their task.”
Governor Fubara noted the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
He said such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford sending them to far away secondary schools, to roam the streets, and therefore becoming willing tools for criminality.
Governor Fubara assured that such fundamental problem will be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
The governor said he trusts in the capacity of the members of the Governing Council of Rivers State University to bring about positive change in the institution while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the State.
”I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but let us add something different from the normal things that we already have to see new things.”
In her response, on behalf of the other members, the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.
Justice Odili assured they will work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitate the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that will be bequeathed by his administration.
The members included Justice Mary Odili (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council with Barrister Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Esq.
Others were Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park, and Mr. Ogbugbu Barisua.
Front Pix
Fubara, Others Eulogise Rivers First Lady’s Mother
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, and key stakeholders of the State on Wednesday paid glowing tributes at the Service of Songs held in honour of late Mrs Adeline Jaja, mother of the wife of the Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Mile 1, Diobu, Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara described his late mother-in-law as a great and visionary woman who lived on truth and conviction in what she believes.
“Mama was a great woman. She wasn’t a materialistic person. When she believes in you, she’ll be all out for you. She stood for me. I feel pained that, like my own mother, she left at this moment.
”Mama believed so much in God, and the wonders of God. I thank everyone, particularly the Church. On behalf of the bereaved family, we will support the Church to immortalise her name,” the Governor said.
In his homily, Vicar of the Church, Ven. A. A. Ijon-Ama, who spoke on the gains of death, said physical departure from earth was not an ultimate end but an opening for higher and permanent gain and perfection.
He pointed out that when a man has a good relationship with God, he stands to gain more in death.
Ven. Ijon-Ama described late Mrs. Adeline Jaja as a devout Christian, who exuded deep sense of hospitality, and endowed with accommodating spirit, noting that she will be greatly missed by all.
The Vicar, who prayed for the repose of the soul of Mrs Adeline Jaja, also solicited for Divine fortitude for the family to bear the great loss, and called for the immortalisation of the deceased to keep her good legacies alive.
Some family members, who spoke at the Service of Songs, extolled the virtues of the deceased, describing her as “a great community leader, counsellor, peace maker, and caring mother, who provided for the needy, and participated actively in Church activities.
Highlights of the event were special prayers for the bereaved family, conducted by the Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Innocent Ordu; remarks by key family members, choir ministration, among others.
-
Oil & Energy3 days ago
Army Begins CNG Conversion Of Vehicles, Trains Officers
-
Sports3 days ago
‘Expect New Players Against Mali’
-
Nation3 days ago
FG, IFAD Target Poverty Reduction In Northern Nigeria
-
News1 day ago
Delta Bloodbath: Tinubu To Attend Slain Soldiers’ Burial, Today
-
News1 day ago
‘Rivers People Are Now Breathing Fresh Air Under Fubara’
-
Maritime3 days ago
COWA Distributes Food Items To Members In Abuja
-
News3 days ago
FG To Incentivise Local Producers In Power Sector
-
Rivers1 day ago
NCSU Lambasts Rivers LawmakersOver LG Reforms