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‘No Talks With Boko Haram’ …Jonathan Assures Nigerians, Says Group Is Faceless; Urges Second Term Speculators To Wait Till 2014; Promises Neutrality On Rivers/Bayelsa Feud; Assures On Oil Subsidy Till 2013
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, yesterday, declared that the Federal Government was not in dialogue with the dreaded militant sect, Boko Haram. President Jonathan said Boko Haram was a faceless group and in such case nobody to talk to.
Speaking during a two-hour presidential media chat, Jonathan also dropped the hint that it was too early for him to decide on contesting for the 2015 elections, and urged speculators over his second term ambition to wait till 2014. He warned that such could distract his administration from focusing on the need of the people.
He stated that his government was tackling the issue of corruption to checkmate the manipulation of the electoral process by some politicians.
President Jonathan also said that his government has sanitized the issue of fertiliser distribution which was ridden with corruption, while the report of the commission on the extractive industry had been sent to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Jonathan, who also spoke on the state of the nation told journalists that the Federal Government made provision for subsidy in the 2013 budget and as such, there would be no total subsidy removal as propagated in some quarters.
The president said that, the single tenure issue was one of the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Reform Committee to reduce tension in the polity over second tenure, but noted that from reactions, Nigerians feel that the best thing was to maintain the two tenures.
He however said that despite the security challenges posed by the activities of the Boko Haram and the kidnapping in the southern parts of the country, the nation’s economic outlook is positive.
On power supply, he said that with the relative stability in that sector across the country, more companies had registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, while there had been an increase in direct foreign investment. He also mentioned schemes such as the SURE-P initiative set up to create wealth and reduce unemployment in the country.
The President said that the National Assembly was legally empowered to undertake the review of the constitution. He declared that as an individual, whatever personal views he had would not over-ride the overall position of Nigerians and advised that the issue of Sovereign National Conference cannot supersede what the House of Representatives and the Senate were doing.
On the issue of boundary dispute between Rivers and Bayelsa States, the president declared that although he was a Bayelsa indigene, he grew up in Rivers State and had more Rivers friends, noting that as the President, he cannot take sides. He recalled the various efforts made since he was deputy governor of Bayelsa State, adding that the issue was a boundary matter which was being addressed by the relevant authorities, in line with the proper procedure to follow.
He warned against the arbitrary fixing of the petroleum benchmark in order not to give wrong signal to the global community and discourage investors, adding, “we shall continue to explain to the National Assembly.”
He urged Nigerians not to be agitated by the relationship between the Presidency and the National Assembly as it was normal in a democracy, stating that all over the world, executive – legislative or parliamentary conflict was normal as there would always be different people with different ideas and perceptions on issues.
On the Halliburton scandal, he said the issue had been on ground before he assumed office and so the probe process cannot be completed immediately. He therefore solicited for more time to put things right because according to him “it is better to slow down and do the right thing, than to be fast and do the wrong thing”.
On political matters, when asked if the ruling party is not perturbed by the elections held in Imo, Edo and Ondo states in which it lost, Jonathan boasted that the PDP is still the party to beat.
He said it is dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy for the PDP to control all 36 states and noted that in two of the states mentioned, the PDP contested against two incumbent governors. He also pointed out that Governor Mimiko of Ondo state was a PDP loyalist before he pulled out to contest under the Labour party.
On road projects, Jonathan noted that the Benin-Ore road had witnessed a significant improvement since the inception of his administration.
Alpheaus Paul-Worika
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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.
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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.
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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.
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