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PDP Speakers Demand Power Devolution
The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Speakers in Nigeria has insisted on power devolution as the body called for holistic amendment of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to pave way for better governance.
The forum has also urged both chambers of the National Assembly to revisit the issue of devolution of powers, insisting that any amendment of the Constitution should not be done partially, but must be holistic.
Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikuiyi-Owaji-Ibani, who disclosed this to aviation correspondents at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, on his arrival from the meeting of the forum in Gombe State, said that the issue of restructuring was a very crucial one, hence, the PDP Speakers have taken a stand that the issue of power devolution should be revisited by the National Assembly.
“We took certain decisions at the inaugural meeting of the Forum of Peoples Democratic Party Speakers in Nigeria in Gombe State.
“Firstly, we agreed and inaugurated a caretaker committee to pilot the affairs of the forum, until when election will be held, and secondly, we also discussed the issue of constitutional amendment.
“If the Constitution should be amended, then, it should be holistic and not partial. We agreed as a forum that the amendment should not be segmented.
“The core issue that is bringing upheaval in the country is the issue of restructuring, where we have taken a decision that the Senate and the House of Representatives should revisit the power devolution issue.
“There should be true federalism where devolution of powers should be among the federating units. When you are taking from the states, and you are not giving anything back to the states, it means you are heading toward authoritarianism.
“The way some members of the National Assembly are handling the matter is very suspicious. When you do not like a governor for any reason, you begin to say the power of the governors should be reduced and so on.
“What we have taken a stand on as a forum of PDP Speakers is that there should be proper constitution amendment, and power devolution is very important,” he said.
On the issue of salaries and allowances of Assembly workers, the speaker said that government was determined to pay any outstanding, but urged them to be patient, because of paucity of fund.
He said that Governor Nyesom Wike since 2015, when he took over power, has shown willingness and cleared the backlog of unpaid allowances, and urged them to be patient.
Ibani said also that the Assembly does not discriminate against any media house or press officers in the Assembly.
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We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring good healthcare for the people of Rivers State.
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?Governor Fubara stated this when he played host to the Country Director of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her management team in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
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?The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, said he would continue to provide the necessary facilities in order to ensure accessible and good health care for all Rivers people.
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?”We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.
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?”We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society. We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he said.
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?The Country Director for UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, assured Governor Fubara of UNICEF’s support to the programmes of the State Government. She appealed that health facilities such as the Oxygen Plant at Eleme Local Government Ares and the New Born Care Units be solarized.
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?”Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.
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?”I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she added.
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