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Amaechi Advocates Guber Rotation: Only Areas Yet To Produce Gov Should Aspire …Tells Critics: We’ve Done Well In Second Term
Any area that has produced governor before should go and sleep and allow other areas to produce”, these were the words of Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi yesterday ,as he received thousands of Etche people who paid a solidarity visit in support of his administration in Government House, Port Harcourt.
The governor called for the set up of what he called Etche Enlightenment Committee to educate and mobilise the people on the need to exercise their voting power in the next elections. He insisted that the people’s vote must count since that was one way Rivers people would elect their leaders independently without external influence in 2015.
Amaechi also used the solidarity visit to call on Etche people to support the new multi-million dollar Farm Village, pointing out that the 10 per cent equity share they hadin the farm scheme would continue to multiply over the years, since land does not depreciate, explaining that he sited the project in the area to create employment opportunities and empower the rural farmers within Etche and Omuma areas.
The governor while blaming the current political crisis on some detractors said his administration was poised to do more for Etche people, “ I believe we have abandoned you people for so long, so if we have three things, we will take two and give you one’’.
It was against this backdrop that he stressed that his government had embarked on massive transformation of the area with the siting of 40 primary schools, two model secondary schools, construction of internal roads in Etche area and health centres, while hinting of fresh plan to build a referral hospital worth N1.7billion in the area.
The two- term Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum(NGF) also promised to construct the failing Chokocho/Oil Mill and Ozuzu Roads to alleviate the sufferings of the people.
Earlier, Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council and Onye Isi Etche, Eze Emmanuel Opurum said Governor Amaechi’s administration was God- sent as Etche people had witnessed unprecedented development since his inception, “ We have enjoyed what we have not enjoyed over the years since Rivers State was created in 1967’’.
Eze Opurum stressed that the Etche people would ever remain loyal and support the Amaechi-led government, “ because to us, His Excellency is like an egg ‘’.
The same view was expressed by member of House of Representatives for Etche/Omuma Constituency, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke who read the address of the group as he commended the governor for defending the territory and property of the state, further submitting that Amaechi’s recent victory as NGF chairman underscored his popularity and acceptance by the people.
Nwuke said, “ we are proud of you we are very proud of you and the people have mandated me to congratulate you on this victory’’.
The Reps member pledged the support of the people of Etche, emphasising that the good deeds of the governor in the area were indeed enough to attract the people’s total backing for the administration.
Later on, political stalwarts from the area, Chief Ambrose Nwuzi, Chief G N Ubani and Chief J. E. Amadi, pledged the people’s unflinching support to the Amaechi administration.
Chief Nwuzi said, “ Etche people have come and you are part of us. Other people who have ambition should put it on hold till your tenure come and go’’.
Meanwhile, Governor Chibuike Amaechi says his administration has not slowed down nor failed in the second term, saying critics of his government are not up-to-date on the ongoing projects in the state.
Speaking at the first State Council on Information organised by the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt yesterday, Amaechi submitted that the criticism is as a result of poor knowledge of government activities, as he called on the Ministry to evolve novel measures to educate the citizenry.
According to the Rivers State Chief Executive, apart from roads, his administration had commenced efforts to rehabilitate various media outfits, which include a new Radio Rivers now to be relocated to Elelenwo, a new printing machine and equipment for Rivers State Newspaper Corporation and digitalisation and upgradement of Rivers Television.
He insisted that the essence of government was to deliver on its promises, and equally mentioned the International Conference Centre at Chief GU Ake Road, and the new School of Nursing at the old University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). “ as some of the new projects underway. I’am happy that you know that by December this year, we will move everybody from the former School of Nursing to a new school’’, he said.
Revealing that some of the health and school projects started during his first tenure were still on course, Amaechi promised that, “ By September, we shall deliver 250 primary schools to 250 communities in 250 days at least to answer our critics’’.
Assuring the people of regular power supply before the end of the year, Governor Amaechi stated that the major set back now was the creation of a new state transmission line to reduce voltage fluctuations, while stating that the government had commenced building transmission lines to boost distribution.
He disclosed that six of the new model secondary schools worth about N4.5 billion each would also be delivered by September, as he condemned selfish politicians from the state for spreading falsehood .
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Olu Fubara described the forum as timely, and tasked information managers to live up to expectation.
‘’Democracy flourishes when citizens have access to information,’’ Chief Fubara stressed.
In her address earlier, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari had said the forum was aimed at charting a new course in the state information management policy, and domesticating the new Freedom of Information Act.
She revealed that the Rivers State was among states in the frontline that pursues transparency and accountabili
ty in line with global best practices.
In his speech, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission(NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odin-Kalu lauded the state government for setting the pace in education and ensuring accountability in its activities.
The NHRC Chairman maintained that through education and information, the citizenry could be well informed and empowered to drive governance.
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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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