Rivers
Re-Run Elections: Voters Resist apc, Security Agents’ Rigging Ploy
There were massive voters resistance to ploy by the opposition, All Progressives Congress(APC) in collaboration with security agents to rig last Saturday’s legislative rerun elections across the state.
The Tide monitoring team that visited Eleme and Ogu/Bolo Local Government Areas indicated that despite low voters turn out, the people resisted plans to upturn election results in most of the polling units by armed security agents working for the APC.
As at 12.10 pm on Saturday when the Senatoral candidate for the Rivers South-East, Senator Olaka Wogu voted in Ward 1 unit3 Eleme, there were reports of hijack of materials at the different polling stations in Eleme except for the intervention of the British Commission Monitoring Team. Before then, electoral materials were hijacked at Ward 8, Aleto Ward 10 and Eteo Ward 6.
In Ogu/Bolo, electoral materials were hijacked at Ward 9 and Unit 3 and attempts were made to remove ballot materials at Ward 7 in Bolo save for the resistance by the voters in the area.
Senator Wogu after voting decried the action of Nigeria military for openly displaying partisanship saying, “ they have desecrated the principle of the Nigerian military and constitution.”
Wogu said despite the development he was sure of victory adding that, “ Eleme is my strong point and from feelers am getting from other local government areas there is no cause for alarm.
He however condemned the delay by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) to distribute electoral materials to Akpajo as he blamed soldiers for intercepting smooth distribution of materials to various units in Eleme and some parts of Ogoni.
Also corroborating Senator Olaka’s view, House of Assembly candidate for the PDP in Eleme, Hon. Isaac Kamalu condemned the highhandedness of security officials.
He disclosed that attempts were made to cart away ballot materials at Alode area but were resisted by voters, as he expressed sadness over the role of security men,” the essence of democracy has been eroded by the way and manner the military conducted themselves in this elections.”
Kamalu expressed hope that PDP will win if the results were reflected as they were. He however lamented the manhandling of the party’s chairman, Barrister Phillip Okparaji at the collation centre. He said
Okparaji was barred from entering the collation centre but the people resisted.
On his part, Senatorial candidate for Rivers East, Senator Thompson Sekibo accused APC for using security men to snatch ballot materials in parts of Etche, “ we are winning but the APC came with some security men in Etche to cart away materials.”
Senator Sekibo observed that the biggest flaw was the ‘bogus security arrangement” which has vindicated Governor Wike’s alarm earlier that APC wanted to use security agencies to rig the election.
The Senator said his party will not accept any result that does not eflect what is on ground. He nonetheless commended INEC for prompt distribution of materials in the area.
Later in the afternoon at Ogu in Ogu/Bolo Local Government, the Whip of the State Assembly, Hon. Evans Bipi and Sports Commissioner, Hon. Boma Iyaye were chased away from the collation centre by soldiers.
Also, Special Assistance to the Governor on Inter Party Matters, Barrister Chris Itamunola and other party big wigs were barred from entering Ogu Town.
Barrister Itamunola told newsmen that, “ not withstanding all their boasts, the PDP has coasted to victory in Ogu/Bolo.”
He said members of the party and voters were able to resist attempts by the APC and some security men to remove ballot materials at Units 11 and 4 in Ward 7 and results were later declared.
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.