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Amaechi Tasks Contractor On Road Project

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Activities in Government House Iast week began with the solidarity visit of Ekinigbo Council of Chiefs to the Chief of Staff Government House, Sir Tony Okocha.

Led by Chief Kinikanwo Chinda, the traditional rulers from Apara Clan told Sir Okocha that had visited to show him their support, and to encourage him in his good works in the state.

Chief Chinda described the Chief of staff to Governor Amaechi as a lover of people and his community and prayed God to give him the strength to continue to discharge his onerous responsibilities creditably.

Later in his remarks, Sir Okocha commended the chiefs saying that their presence would embolden him in the quest to develop the state.

Using the visit to explain the causes of the political crisis besetting the state, Sir Okocha regretted that some individuals who are bent in pursing their selfish interest ploted to truncate the Amaechi led administration, because of its resolve not to share the resources of the state.

“The truth of the matter is that there was an attempt to annihilate  the wishes of the people”, as he cited the ceding of oil wells belonging to the state to a sister state.

He equally condemned remarks credited to Chief Nyesom Wike stating  Governor Amaechi has so far shown maturity but warned the citizenry to be wary of those whom he said do not have the interest of the people at heart.

On Tuesday, the Rivers State Strategic Empowerment Committee concluded its biometric data capture of beneficiaries cutting across the 23 local government area.

Chairman of the Committee, Rev. Minabi Dagogo-Jack told newsmen that the beneficiaries of the biometric capture scheme were to ascertain their names and lodge them into the computer, since they would not be paid by cash.

He added, “These names we have, we are trying to be sure that they cover the various family units in all ward in the LGA… the governor has stressed that families of those who hold political positions should not be included in this scheme but rather it should be the less privileged who should benefit from it.”

Last week Tuesday in Government House, wife of Rivers State governor and founder of Economic Support Initiative (ESI) Dame Judith Amaechi feted International Women – Intercessory for Churches and Nations.

The group was led by Dr. Laide Okafor and Mrs Muriel Graham-Douglas.

Governor Chibuike Amaechi returned to the state on Wednesday to attend to state matters. He conducted some unscheduled visits to ongoing projects, especially the Woji/Akpajo Bye-pass, and urged the contractor to put in more effort to deliver the job.

On Friday, Governor Amaechi swore in new Special Adviser on Pollution Matters, Hon. Johnwill Obed to replace Ofon, Boma Iyaye.

He told the new SA, “let me congratulate you on this your appointment and hope that you will be able to discharge your responsibilities. You are an old hand in governance and was in the House also. I know you will be able to assist government to deliver its goals not only in Ogu Bolo, but also in the state”.

Governor Amaechi attended the wedding service of Ela Umasam Okowa and Zosa Dienye at St. Nicholas Anglican Church Aluu, near University of Port Harcourt on Saturday.

The Rivers State Chief Executive enjoined the people to be calm and pray for the government saying that the administration is poised to transform the state despite distractions.

Amaechi used the service to assure the people of Aluu the completion of their road after the rains, and fulfilling of his pledge to build a new convocation centre Uniport, as he congratulated the new couple.

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Niger Delta

PDP Declares Edo Airline’s Plan As Misplaced Priority

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The Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday condemned the state government’s reported plan to establish a state-owned airline.
The party, in a statement by its Edo State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dan Osa-Ogbegie, described the proposal as a misplaced priority and evidence of poor, disconnected governance.
The Tide’s source reports that the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, unveiled the airline plan during a meeting with Aviation Minister, Mr. Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.
Osa-Ogbegie said the proposal showed a government out of touch with the pressing challenges confronting Edo State residents.
“At a time of decaying infrastructure and stalled projects, establishing an airline is unrealistic and profoundly insensitive”, he said.
He argued that airlines were capital-intensive and technically demanding, noting that similar state-owned ventures in Nigeria had largely failed.
According to him, Benin has become a shadow of what a modern state capital should be.
He decried poor roads, collapsed urban planning, neglected drainage systems and weak municipal services across the state capital.
“This is a crying shame for a city of Benin’s history, heritage and enormous potential”, he said.
Osa-Ogbegie said several inherited projects had stalled or deteriorated, eroding investor confidence and undermining economic growth.
He accused the governor of pursuing “white elephant projects that offer optics without substance.”
He also cited ongoing flyover projects in parts of Benin as examples of poor prioritisation.
Against this background, he described the airline proposal as diversionary and lacking economic sense.
“When roads are barely motorable and services overstretched, proposing an airline betrays an absence of judgment,” he said.
He urged the government to abandon the plan and focus on people-centred priorities that would improve living conditions and spur growth.
“Edo does not need an airline to fly above its problems. It needs a government ready to confront them on the ground,” he said.
He warned that failure to refocus would deepen perceptions of an administration lacking direction, competence and a coherent development agenda.
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News

Oji Clears Air On Appointment Of 15 Special Advisers By Fubara

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The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.

Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.

He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.

According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.

On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.

He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.

Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.

Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.

He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.

The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.

He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.

Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.

 

King Onunwor

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Politics

Rivers Political Crisis: PANDEF Urges Restraint, Mutual Forbearance

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The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for restraint and mutual forbearance over the recent political development in Rivers State.
The Forum has also set up a high level Reconciliation Committee chaired by a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).
This is contained in a press statement released in Abuja on Saturday.
The statement was jointly signed by PANDEF’s Board of Trustees Co-Chairmen, Chief Alfred Diete-Spiff, and Obong Victor Attah (a former governor of Akwa Ibom State), as well as PANDEF’s National Chairman, Chief Godknows Igali.

 

Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.

“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.

“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.

“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.

The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.

“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.

“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.

“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.

PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.

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