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Army Vaccine Scare: PDP Blasts APC Over Comments …As 500 APC Faithful Decamp To PDP In Emohua
The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, noted with dismay the treacherous effort of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to vent its frustration against the economic recession in the country on the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike by linking him to last Tuesday’s scare over the rumoured plan by the Nigerian Army to forcefully vaccinate school pupils in the state.
A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the state PDP Chairman on Media and Publicity, Jerry Needam, said, “At no time in history has the tale of an idle person being the devil’s workshop played out as presently manifested in the actions of the APC members who have mismanaged the nation’s economy.”
The state PDP said that what happened last Tuesday was the result of the state of intellectual poverty which the Muhammadu Buhari administration has subjected Nigerians to in the last two years.
“More stupefying is the linking of the police, notably, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) to the whole saga when it was hardly mentioned in the reason for the last Tuesday morning vaccine commotion.
“Could this be another way of holding brief for the embattled SARS and its Commander, Akin Fakorede, who by their actions and conducts, have proved beyond every reasonable doubt that they are the military wing of the APC.
“To us, that is bad publicity by APC Rivers State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Finebone, and we believe the police high command is taking note of the covert plot of the APC to quicken the eroding public confidence in the police due to the actions of SARS in Rivers State.
“Instead of sympathising with the parents who were only trying to show concern for their children and wards by joining hands with the Wike administration to douse the tension, the APC preferred to point accusing fingers at our innocent performing state chief executive”, the PDP said.
The PDP condemned those who carelessly tried to politicise the unfortunate incident, and called on all Rivers people to support the governor’s efforts to transform the state for future generations.
“We further condemn this treacherous and wanton insensitivity of the APC in the state in its entirety, and wish to call on the good people of Rivers State and residents alike, to ignore both the unfounded Army vaccination rumour in schools and the ranting of the APC, and send back their children to school, but at the same time exercise caution while going about their lawful businesses.
“The Nigerian Army has also done well to debunk and dismiss the rumour as not only baseless but also unfounded,” the PDP added.
Meanwhile, over 500 All Progressives Congress (APC) members from Wards 13 and 14 of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, last Wednesday, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This is as the Emohua Local Government Area PDP Leadership formally endorsed the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for a second term, saying that his development projects have transformed the state.
Speaking at the defection ceremony, Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Engineer Chukwuemeka Woke said the action of the APC decampees signals the death of the APC in Emohua Local Government Area.
He said the defection of APC members to the PDP will continue weekly till 2019 because Rivers people have experienced quality leadership under Wike.
He said: “They are saying that come 2019, there will be no APC in Rivers State. The Federal Government has failed and they have seen PDP government working here in the state.
“Why would they continue to follow APC that has failed to deliver. This exercise will continue almost every week. The entire state will collapse into PDP”.
He stated that APC is a sham that rode to power on the altar of propaganda, without any agenda for governance.
Former Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna, Chief Sergeant Awuse commended the APC members for abandoning a sinking ship to join a performing political party in the state.
He urged Emohua people to work with other Rivers people to ensure that Wike wins a second term.
Former Rivers State Commissioner for Transport, Chief Glory Emeh urged the decampees to remain steadfast as they contribute their quota to the re-election of the governor.
Leader of the APC in Wards 13 and 14, Mr Stephen Amadi said they resolved to move to PDP because of the superlative performance of Wike.
Receiving the decampees, PDP chieftain, Prince Paul Wonodi said the defectors will enjoy equal opportunities with existing PDP members.
He commended the former APC members for the courage to retrace their steps in the interest of the development of the state.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
