News
June 12: ‘Immortalise Abiola, Wife’
Thirteen years after the death of Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993, Presidential Poll, his family on Saturday called on the Federal Government to immortalise him. Abiola died while in custody in Abuja on July 7, 1998.
He was arrested for declaring himself president following the annulment of the election which he was adjudged to have won.
Speaking at a forum organised by the Action Group of Nigeria (AGN) at Abiola’s residence in Ikeja, his son, Jamiu Abiola, said it was high time the late politician and his late wife, Kudirat, were immortalised.
“Nigeria should name monuments after MKO and his late wife, Kudirat.
“My parents sacrificed their lives for the democracy Nigerians are enjoying today and it is so painful that they are yet to be given their rightful place in the annals of the nation’s history.
“If the government refuses to properly honour them, we leave it to God. In civilized countries, it would never have happened,’’ he said.
Abiola said the family was not asking for contracts or appointments as compensation, but that the nation should recognise the sacrifices his parents had made.
“For Nigeria to move forward, one of the ways is to honour all those who laid down their lives for democracy.
“People like Alfred Rewane, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti and others should also be immortalised as heroes of our democracy,” he stressed.
“How will Nigeria move forward when the beneficiaries of my father’s sacrifices refuse to acknowledge that he bought them democracy with his life?,’’ he asked.
Abiola thanked Nigerians who stood by the family by keeping the ideals of June 12 alive.
In his speech, Prof. Pat Utomi, the Protem National Chairman, Social Democratic Mega Party (SDMP) and Chairman of the forum, said June 12 should be observed as a national memorial day.
“The day should be set aside in memory of the nation’s heroes.
“Nations are built on myths. A country without heroes will lack the soul and spirit to overcome challenges that come with nation building.
“This is why we are thankful for the privilege of having had men like Abiola walk the path they did and gave their all that generations yet unborn may be inspired to give.
“It is for Nigeria to attain the dreams of its founding fathers,’’ he said.
Mr Mike Igini, a newly-appointed INEC National Commissioner, stressed the need for a fresh voters’ register if Nigeria must get it right in 2011.
He noted that the June 12, 1993, elections were successful because voting took place simultaneously and were free and fair.
He urged states Houses of Assembly to adopt the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reform Committee, describing them as panacea to free polls.
In his remarks, Mr Tony Uran, the National Secretary, United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy (UNDEDSS), called for adequate mobilisation and sensitisation toward the 2011 polls.
Mr Mohammed Fawehinmi, son of the late human rights lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi, said:“Abiola gave us a platform to actualize participatory democracy.
“We must do our best to make 2011 a year of electoral rebirth.
Dignitaries at the occasion included the President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, a former Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, Prof. Kelvin Etta, and the National Secretary of SDMP, Dr Sadiq Abubakar.
News
PDP Opobo/Nkoro Hails Fubara On Peace, Projects
Stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State have commended the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his disposition that has fostered peace in the State.
Rising from an expanded stakeholders meeting last Saturday in Opobo Town, the body in an eight-point communique signed by its Chairman, Hon. Benneth Daminabo, Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and LG party Chairman, Warisenibo Godwin Pepple commended the governor for linking Opobo/Nkoro LGA to the national grid.
In addition, it lauded the effort of the governor in pursuing the 50.15 kilometre Dual Carriage Ring Road, Elelenwo internal road, Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme and Andoni Road projects.
Despite the distractions, the stakeholders said they were impressed that the governor had equally done projects in health-the unveiling of Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Agric projects at Tai and Oyigbo and improving welfare of civil servants.
In their words, “members reaffirmed their unalloyed loyalty and implicit confidence in his administration.”
Condemning the unfriendly and discourteous utterances of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Tony Okocha in different fora in the State, the forum urged the duo to desist from such action in order not to heat up the polity.
The forum pledged to stand by the governor through, “thick and thin”, the stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of women, who through prayers for the government has impacted positively in the direction and posture of the governor.
Finally, the forum unanimously expressed gratitude to the Simplified Movement and other bodies that have thrown their weight behind the governor to ensure that the administration is stable and successful.
By: Kevin Nengia
News
‘Rivers People Are Now Breathing Fresh Air Under Fubara’
Aformer Caretaker Committee Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon Elamo Arogu, says under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the people of the State are now breathing fresh air.
Hon Arogu said Governor Fubara has given Rivers people hope, considering the impactful and people-oriented projects being carried out by his administration.
The former CTC chairman made the assertion during the Simplified Movement’s thanksgiving service and rally held in honour of Rivers State chief executive last Friday in Abua .
Arogu said under Governor Fubara, the Abua/Odual people have the confidence that the dividends of democracy will definitely get to them.
He noted that the Governor has the strong will to change the narrative in Rivers State, being the reason he is receiving massive support across the State.
“The people of Abua/Odual are strongly behind him. Our doors ate open for everyone because there is government in place to attend to the needs of the people. I believe that he will develop Abua/Odual and other Rivers council areas, hence, the massive support. This government is business- oriented and we are ready to encourage him succeed and invest in our land. The issue of a bank; road networks and other necessities of life bordering on development as demanded by the people will be considered by Governor Fubara”, he said.
He called on the opposition to team up with Governor Fubara to build a stronger, united and viable Rivers State.
He maintained that ward nine under his leadership is Simplified.
News
Rivers State University Cooperative Society Elects New Leaders
The United Port Harcourt Peoples Cooperative Investment & Credit Society Limited, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, has elected new leaders to pilot the affairs of the cooperative for the next two years.
They are Pastor Dr. Barine Aeba (President); Dr. Gift N. Nkweke (Vice-President), Dr. Kenneth Chima Adiele (General Secretary), Victor G. Banigo (Assistant General Secretary),
Rose Yeyeda Nwosu (Treasurer), Adaku Nwogu (Financial Secretary) and Stella Ereba (Public Relations Officer).
Inaugurating the new Management Committee after a keenly contested election held recently at the University Amphitheatre, the Director of Cooperatives in Rivers State, Dr. Elizabeth Chidi-Wike, congratulated the seven-member Executive for emerging winners at the election, charging them to uphold the bye laws of the Cooperative Society and hold regular congress meetings.
Dr. Chidi-Wike used the forum to commend the outgone Management Committee for reviving the Cooperative and placing it on an enviable pedestrial.
In her remarks, the Acting Registrar of the University, Mrs. Ibimonia Sotonye Harry applauded Cooperative members for keeping faith with the Cooperative Society, stressing that the goal of the society in helping members save for retirement cannot be over emphasised.
In his valedictory speech, the outgone President, Dr. Mie-Idala Jones Amachree expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of his four-year tenure, thanking his fellow Management Committee members who gave him the needed support that transformed the Cooperative Society.
In his acceptance address, the President, Pastor (Dr.) Barine Aeba thanked the university management for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the election, pledging that he will fulfill all his campaign promises.
A total of 165 Cooperative members participated in the electoral exercise which was conducted by an Electoral Committee led by Engr. (Dr.) Joseph D. Enoch.
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