News
…Obuah, Emeh Blast Rivers APC, Dakuku
The Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro. Felix Obuah says that the party views the comments made by the defeated candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 Governorship Election in the state, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, against Governor Nyesom Wike regarding the unclaimed $43million saga, as the ranting of a psychopath, occasioned by convulsive attacks that come in gasps as a result of his indulgence in cultism.
Obuah, in a statement, said the party could have ordinarily ignored Dakuku’s vituperations against Wike but chose to respond so that Rivers people would understand the underlying motive of Dakuku’s ill-motivated action.
Believing that Rivers people are better informed and too sophisticated to be fooled by Dakuku’s lies against Wike, Obuah stated that one reason behind Dakuku’s sustained insults was the humiliation he suffered at the 2015 polls, adding that the defeated politician was still nursing the wound of the loss two years after.
Obuah regretted that rather than provide facts to show that the house in question does not belong to Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi or that the money found therein were not part of proceeds Rivers State Government realized from sale of its gas turbines, Dakuku was busy regaling in concocted lies to please his master.
“If Dakuku Peterside thinks that the only way to showcase his loyalty to Amaechi is to launch insults against Wike, then he may have lost his senses because even his master, has a lot of respect for Wike for outclassing him in leadership and achievements. Good a thing, while he is busy unleashing insults against Wike, the governor is busy executing mind-blowing projects,” Obuah declared.
“The PDP, however, is not surprised at these unsubstantiated actions of Dakuku. What else do you expect from a man who was a cultist and carried on in a most horrendous and horrific manner! He needs psychiatric treatment,” Obuah stated.
Obuah also berated Dakuku Peterside over his comments that Wike is a ‘self-styled Mr. Project’, stating that the title was given to the governor by no less a personality than the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, who during his recent visit to the state, was stunned at the magnitude and quality of projects executed and commissioned by Wike.
Similarly, the PDP has said that the Press Release issued by the All Progressives Congress, (APC), in Rivers State in reaction to the comment of the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, that the $43.3 million recovered in a private residence in Ikoyi, Lagos State, belongs to Rivers State Government and should be returned to the state, has given the party away as interlopers in the matter.
This was the position of former Chief of Staff, Rivers State Government House, Chief Emeh Glory Emeh, who was speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt last Monday. Emeh maintained that the APC was hasty in intruding into what can be described as the domestic freedom of an individual when the APC was not an accused in the matter.
Hear him: “ I had resisted making comments on this matter since six days ago. Journalists continue to harass my phone, demanding my opinion on the discovery of a whopping $43million, as well as money in other currencies in a private residence in Lagos.
“My resistance is based on the fact that the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike was unequivocal on the fact that the money belongs to Rivers State, and as an advocate for the good people of the State he is better placed and more positioned to speak on our behalf which he has done, and the good people of Rivers State are solidly behind him.
“But I am compelled to respond to your telephone calls on this when my attention was drawn to the Press Release signed by APC Chairman in Rivers State, Dr Davies Ikanya, which gave the impression that he was reacting to the subject matter. As a lawyer, I felt concerned and amazed that persons or group of persons, or organisations who are not a party to a matter can dabble into it. In law, such person or persons will be seen as an interloper, or put it the other way, a busy body.
“In addition, I became more curious when I also read a reaction from both the Director General of NIMASA, Dakuku Peterside, and APC Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Chris Finebone, defending the character alleged to be involved in the $43 million saga. This is because, it is not possible, no matter how close one may be to a member of a party, club or association that you will know every thing about the fellow, including his private and business life.One continues to wonder why it is difficult for Amaechi to speak out, at least, to save both his time and speculations from the public than to allow these interlopers to fall over each other for what they don’t have idea about except they can tell that they do.
“It can amount to attempt to cover up by these persons or bodies who cannot claim to have sufficient information on the subject matter under discussion, to jump into conclusion as per the ownership of the funds.
He clarified that Wike’s allegation was based on the fact that the money is from the sale of Rivers State owned gas turbines at over $309 million and that the said money was found in the house alleged to belong to the former Governor of Rivers state, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, presently minister of transportation.
Emeh further stressed Wike’s request that the Federal Government should set up an inquiry to unravel who owns the building or flat where the money was found, and who is the tenant including the relationship between the tenant and the landlord.
“ Governor Wike believes that it is only when these are done that the shady transaction and recovery would be clear to Nigerians.
“In a natural progression, therefore, it would appear that the only person who has both the legal, moral and equitable responsibility to throw more light on this is the accused himself, who in this case is Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, and certainly not the party, not Dakuku Peterside; not Chris Finebone; and not any other person for that matter, as any of these persons would be regarded as an interloper. That is my belief, and this certainly is not debatable”, the former commissioner for transport in Rivers State, concluded.
News
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.
News
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.
-
Politics4 days ago
LP Petitions SGF Over Alleged Office Vandalism By NLC
-
News4 days ago
Ban On Foreign Trips’ll Save Nigeria N5bn Quarterly -Tinubu
-
Sports2 days ago
Corruption: China Jails FA President For Life
-
Politics2 days ago
EFCC’s Eyes On You, Gov Alia Warns LG CTC Chairmen
-
Niger Delta12 hours ago
Cross River Judiciary Unveils Small Claim Courts For Debt Recovery
-
Business8 hours ago
Abuja Farmers, Others Lose N12bn To Ginger Disease
-
Oil & Energy4 days ago
Innovation, Key To Sustainable Energy Dev – Stakeholder
-
Sports4 days ago
NWFL:Heartland Queens’ Winger Sure Of Victory Against Abia Angels