Politics
Wike Lauds Work On Psychiatric Road
Activities to mark the 55th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria dominated most part of last week in Government House. The celebrations were kick started with a thanksgiving service at St Paul’s (Anglican) Cathedral, Diobu, as top government functionaries attended the church programme.
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike was represented by his deputy, Dr Ipalibo Harry-Banigo. Speaking at the Independence Thanksgiving Service, the governor harped on the need for Nigerians to love one another, while expressing hope that the country will overcome its present challenges.
In the words of the governor, “Let’s us eschew malice, unforgiveness, let’s come together. Let the love of the Holy Spirit be shed abroad to heart of every Nigerian.”
Governor Wike used the Independence Church Thanksgiving Service to assure parents and guardians of scholarship beneficiaries studying abroad that the Rivers State Government has disbursed about N1.4billion for fees owed various schools outside the country.
Also within the week, governor Wike through his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Opunabo Inko-Tariah addressed protesting staffers of the disbanded Rivers Traffic Management Authority (TMARIV) and assured them that government is working out modalities to offset their arrears.
As part of activities to mark the 55th Independence anniversary, the Rivers State deputy governor visited the less privileged homes.
Dr Ipalibo Harry-Banigo who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Research and Social Media, Miss Ukinebo Asemota who expressed happiness that the reigning Queen of Niger Delta decided to volunteer her time and resources to assist the less privileged.
On Thursday, 1st October the State Government organized a cocktail party to mark the Independence celebrations in Government House. The party was attended by top government officials, while Governor Wike was represented by his deputy.
At the occasion, Dr Harry-Banigo congratulated the country, noting that Nigeria is great and blessed with huge population. According to her out of every six African is a Nigerian.
The governor further assured that Nigeria will rise again despite its current travails and thanked all those who attended the party in display of patriotism.
On Friday evening Governor Wike and other chieftains of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) attended a Special Night of Praise organised by the party at the Dr Obi Wali Conference Centre.
On Saturday, the governor attended the burial of the mother of a party Chieftain in the State, Lawrence Amadioha. The governor described the mother of Elder Amadioha as a very quiet person saying her demise is an irreparable loss to the family.
“We have come to condole with you and participate in the burial of a good Christian woman who lived a life worthy of emulation.” Wike urged the family to take heart and be rest assured that the government and people of the state will stand by the family.
Shortly after attending the burial, Governor Wike in the company of former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Austin Opara, Chief Sergeant Awuse and Chief of Staff, Engr Emeka Woke embarked on an unscheduled project inspection.
The governor expressed satisfaction at the pace of work at the Orosi, Psychiatric Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The governor said the road is strategic, as it will decongest traffic on Ikwerre Road. “For sometime now, this road was impassable, but today, you can see that businesses are thriving and the value of properties will improve,” he remarked.
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
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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