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EU Envoy Visits Peterside …As Jega Charges Election Observers
Head of European Union Delegation to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Ambassador Michel Arrion, has called for violence-free polls across Nigeria. He said the European Union are friends of Nigeria and Nigerians, therefore the regional body is concerned about the forth-coming general elections.
Arrion said this in Port Harcourt during a courtesy call on Dr. Dakuku Peterside, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State.
The envoy who expressed anxiety over increasing tension ahead of March 28 and April 11 elections, called on political actors to play by the rules to avoid violence or anything that is capable of discrediting the elections.
He said, “I just started my visit this morning. This is my first visit to Port Harcourt and I am meeting with the governor and the candidates for the governorship elections. For me, it is an opportunity to discuss with all the candidates and political stakeholders, including civil societies to get a sense of state politics and electoral processes. We also want to see what is going on, not only at state level but also at the federal level.
“I am always raising the same issues with all politicians, primarily the question of violence. We very much unfortunately anticipate violence. As EU, we are friends of Nigeria and Nigerians and we would like to avoid violence by all means. So what kind of prevention, what kind of preparation can we support? That is why we are here”, he added.
Responding, Peterside commended EU for their timely intervention. He said nothing could have been better for Nigerians in this season of election than this violence-free election initiative.
He pledged his commitment to peaceful elections and called on Nigerians to continue to support such initiatives, insisting that credible elections come only where there is no violence and chaos.
He noted that all eyes are on Nigeria, therefore the highest level of conduct is expected from us.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, yesterday urged election observers for the upcoming general elections to abide by the guidelines of the exercise.
Jega who made the call at a meeting with accredited domestic and foreign observers for the elections in Abuja. He commended the role of the observers in previous elections, saying that it was crucial because it supported the commission to improve on the country’s electoral process.
He restated that observers’ reports on the 2011 general elections guided the commission in preparing for the upcoming polls.
Jega, however, urged the observers to work only within the functions and powers as clearly spelt out in the electoral process.
According to him, while an election monitor exercises some level of lawful authority over the conduct of elections, “an observer has no such powers’’.
He said“In Nigeria, a monitor must be duly authorised personnel of the INEC; an observer is independent and reports only to his or her organisation. A monitor can issue instructions and take instructions on behalf of INEC and to that extent, would ordinarily possess a greater technical knowledge of the election process than an observer,’’ Jega explained.
The INEC chairman added that the commission had concluded arrangements to enable the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to vote in the elections, adding that the arrangement would ensure that there was a safe place for the IDPs to vote.
According to him, this will apply to IDPs from areas that are worst hit by the insurgency, specifically in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.
“The plan is to create voting centres in safe areas,” he added.
A domestic observer, Mr Folarin Olayinka, who is the Chairman, Ogun branch of Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), expressed satisfaction with INEC’s code of conduct for observers for the elections.
Olayinka said that there was no doubt that INEC would conduct elections in the states affected by insurgency in view of the progress made by the military in regaining areas hitherto occupied by the insurgents.
“It is of no doubt as well that we will observe the process and at the appropriate time, we will come out with the outcome to the appropriate authority,’’ he said.
Similarly, Mr Sentell Barnes, Resident Programe Officer (Nigeria) of the International Republican Institute (IRI), said that the meeting served as a good platform for observers to understand their roles during the elections.
He said that the six weeks extension period for the election provided ample opportunity for INEC to get better prepared to conduct the polls.
“It has also given the political parties the time to really move away from campaign rallies and get more focused on issues. “We are at a better time than we were for the February 14 date.“People are ready and hope there will be no violence and will go and express their right to vote,’’ Barnes said.
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Don’t Panic, We’ll Protect Rivers Interest -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has told the people of the State not to panic and be rest assured of the determination of his administration to protect lives and property of residents while improving the collective aspirations of the people.
Fubara gave the assurance when he addressed members of the Family Support Group, who were on solidarity visit to Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday to declare their unalloyed support to his administration.
Family Support Group is an assemblage of well-meaning Rivers youths, men and women drawn from the three Senatorial Districts and 23 local government areas, with the core aim of protecting, promoting and defending the interests of Rivers State.
The governor, who was represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, said that the government is for the youths, women, men and every well-meaning Nigerian who wish the State well.
He assured that his administration would not disappoint their expectations, but would deliver good governance and quality services across all sectors.
Fubara said it was gratifying to see ebullient youths showing undying interest in government, and were also willing to defend their votes, and see him completing his tenure without interruption.
The governor explained that so many development projects had been completed and opened for public use with many others like the Port Harcourt Ring Road still actively ongoing.
He specifically noted the readiness of the administration to flag off construction of phase two of the real Trans-Kalabari Road from Port Harcourt through Tombia to other communities; and the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
“The whole land of Rivers State stands in affirmation that we won the election fairly, and deserve to serve out our full tenure. There is not going to be anything that will cut short the popular mandate that you all gave to this Administration.
“Just about within weeks of assuming office, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, flagged-off the Port Harcourt Ring Road project that will transverse six local governments. It will be completed within 36 months, but I think it will be completed before the time, because the progress of work we have seen is beyond what we were thinking.
“The Trans-Kalabari Road, very soon, the official main Trans-Kalabari Road will start, and will begin from Port Harcourt. That road, a lot of plans have been done, very soon, you will see contractors on site, and Rivers State will be opened.
“Just yesterday, you heard in the news also that the Governor has commenced the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road. That road was initially done with one lane, but now, he is going to dualise it. The Government has already awarded the contract”, he said.
Fubara emphasised that his administration is pro-youth and pro-human beings, and determined to maintain that level of empathy and inclusivity that offers succour to the people.
“I, therefore, want to thank you for the promise you have made, and I want you to remain unshakable. Keep your word of defending him at all times.
“When you hear anything outside, be bold, defend the Governor, and tell the people the things you know about him. Tell them what you know he has done to develop the State and the people”, he stated.
In his address, the President General of Family Support Group, Mr Henry Abraham, recalled that during the 2023 elections, they were encouraged to vote and defend their votes because the process was violence-free and credible.
“When we defend our votes, we will also defend the man we voted for. We are Family Support Group, Rivers State belongs to all of us. Rivers State is not a personal estate of one man, it’s for all Rivers people.
“Sir Siminalayi Fubara, stand firm. Family Support Group is with you. All the wards’ coordinators are with you. All the wards’ executives are with you. All the LGA coordinators are with you. All the officers of the National Executive Committee are with you. All our leaders are with you, and the PDP is with you,” he assured.
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11 GDI Coordinators Declare Support For Fubara
The support base for the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, swelled up on Wednesday when 11 Ward Coordinators of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), in Ahoada-East Local Government Area of the State pledged unalloyed support and loyalty to his administration.
Ahoada East, which is the local government area of the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr Edison Ehie, has a total of 13 electoral wards.
The 11 GDI Coordinators, who were in Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday on solidarity visit, said that they have now realised that they had been deceived and misled in the past few months, and decided to retrace their steps, and join the mass of Rivers people to defend and protect their votes and mandate freely given to Governor Fubara.
The coordinators, who were received by the Chief of Staff, Dr Edison Ehie, pledged to mobilise all their supporters and associates to give the State Government the necessary support and encouragement to deliver good governance and sustainable development to Rivers people.
They said that having watched the actions and policy direction of the governor, they have come to the realisation that sitting on the fence while detractors undermine the government was not in the best interest of the State.
The coordinators, who were accompanied by the former LGA Coordinator of GDI, Hon. Christian Abu, and Ahoada East LGA Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Handsome Ekelechi Agile, said that they were resolute in their decision to join millions of well-meaning Rivers people who had solidified their membership of the SIMplified Movement to protect and defend the governor in the face of unwarranted attacks and campaign of calumny.
They said that with their movement to the SIMplified Family, the GDI structure in Ahoada East has completely collapsed.
They warned that anybody fighting the governor and the Chief of Staff would incur the wrath of the land.
In his remarks, Hon. Ehie assured the coordinators of the State government’s commitment to the wellbeing of all Rivers people and the consolidation of the gains of the infrastructure revolution of the administration.
He said that the Fubara-led government was operating an open door policy and running an inclusive administration, assuring that every Rivers man and woman will be touched positively by the actions, policies, and programmes of the government.
The GDI Coordinators included Chinwe Okorji representing Ward 1; Henry Uhor for Ward 2; Hon. Muzan Otuza of Ward 3; Hon. Elvis Ishikaku representing Ward 4; and Hon. Johnson Monday of Ward 5.
Others are Mr. Evidence Adi for Ward 6; Emmanuel Ochu of Ward 7; Hon. Fidelis Ikebuluwa representing Ward 8; Martins Odoi of Ward 9; Hon. Mackson Ekpeye representing Ward 10; Hon. Ambrose Ile for Ward 12.
With this development, the leadership of GDI at the Ward and LG levels have now dumped the group to join the Governor in efforts to transform the State.
News
Fubara Recommits To Human Capacity Building In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed the determination of his administration to build and strengthen the capacity of workers in the State’s Civil Service.
The governor said this during a meeting held behind closed doors in Government House, Port Harcourt, with the national leadership of Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Chartered, yesterday.
After the meeting, leader of the delegation and National President of NIM, Dr. Christiana Atako, told newsmen that Governor Fubara, a fellow of the Institute and astute manager, excited them with his plans on human capital development and other development initiatives.
Dr. Atako, who is also the Chairman of Council of NIM said, “In fact, he was talking so much about the civil service. I have told you that one of our strengths is to develop capacity of the workforce, and we told him that we are interested in the civil service of this State.
“We are interested in building capacity of the workforce because we believe that if you have the right workforce, you’ll be able to have successful system. And if you have a successful system, leadership will be very easy.”
She emphasised that, “And when we told him, he bought the idea. He said he was happy about that. He wants a situation where, apart from the infrastructure that he was putting in place, he also wants to build the capacity of the people.”
Atako stated that as an Institute, they were impressed with the giant strides of the leadership of the governor, the many infrastructural projects, both ongoing and completed, including the welfare packages for civil servants, particularly the Christmas bonus of N100, 000.00.
She pointed out the distinguishing attributes of a great and good leader, which include exhibiting empathy and motivating the workers to become more productive, which she said, were evident in the leadership shown by Governor Fubara.
Atako said they also informed the governor of their forthcoming annual national conference slated to hold in Port Harcourt, which is always used to discuss issues that are of interest to the growth and development of the country.
Those in the delegation were Registrar/Chief Executive of NIM, Mrs Taiwo Olusesi; former National Vice President, Dame Christie Toby; Council Members, Engr. Beniah Ojum; Prof. Sylva Opuala-Charles; Zonal Chairman and Chairman LOC NIM ANMC, Pastor Eyo Okpo-Ene; former National Treasurer, Chief Grant Orugbani; and Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, His Imperial Majesty, Kelvin N. Anugwo.
Others are former Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly and Member LOC NIM ANMC, Rt. Hon. Marshall Stanley-Uwom; AGM, Hotel Presidential, Mr. Rex Yakpogoro; Member LOC NIM ANMC, Engr. Eze Egwurugwu; Sir Mike Elechi; Member LOC NIM ANMC, Dr. Kelechi Belinda Udeogu; Secretary, South South Zone and Secretary LOC NIM ANMC, Mr. Christian U. Abu; Emeritus Professor Simeon Chituru Achinehu.
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