Featured
Wike Addresses Chatham House, Today – Places Rivers On Global Focus – UK Appearance Vindicates Gov’s Giant Strides -PDP
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike (right), with Commercial Director, Africa and The Middle East , Financial Times of London, Mr. Mark Carwardine (middle) and Sales Manager for Africa and the Middle East, Mr Larry Kenny, during the governor’s visit to Financial Times in London, last Friday.
The significance of Rivers State in international affairs will be highlighted once again, today, as Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike addresses the world during an engagement at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) in London.
Wike, who will be speaking on: “Defining Development for Rivers State and Steps to Sustainable Implementation”, is expected to field questions from a cross section of participants which include policy makers, international journalists and business and development experts.
The governor, who is rated as Nigeria’s Best Performing Governor, will bring to the table, issues of development as they relate to Rivers State, and how he has surmounted the challenges of economic downturn and political hostility.
A forthright and courageous Governor, Chief Wike will outline the areas of expected collaboration between the international community and political stakeholders in Nigeria for the strengthening of the nation’s democracy.
Reputed to be Nigeria’s political conscience, Wike will interface with participants on key areas that would help foster growth in other developing countries, especially states and provinces that are in opposition.
It would be recalled that Chief Nyesom Wike emerged as the governor of Rivers State on April 11, 2015 with an overwhelming mandate.
He polled a total of 1,029,102 votes amounting to 87.77 per cent to defeat Dr Dakuku Peterside of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who had 124,896 votes, amounting to 10.65 per cent.
Repeated rerun elections orchestrated by political flaws masterminded by the APC-led Federal Government have proven that Wike enjoys an overwhelming support base in Rivers State as APC could not win elections on the field despite being aided by compromised security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Wike brings an opposition perspective to Chatham House, which is expected to deepen the global understanding of the development and political challenges facing Nigeria at the moment.
The Royal Institute of International Affairs also known as Chatham House had formally invited the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to share his thoughts on development issues via a letter dated 19th August, 2017, by her Research Director, Dr Alex Vines.
According to Chatham House: “We would be delighted to host you for an hour-long public event during which you would be invited to deliver an address up to 20minutes, followed by questions and discussion for the remaining time.
“Chatham House audiences are made up of policy makers and decision makers, business representatives, media, academics and other experts”, the letter explained.
Eminent figures who have spoken at Chatham House include: President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, President Muhammadu Buhari, Presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, President Helen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, and Presidents John Mahama and John Kufour of Ghana.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro Felix Obuah has described the invitation to the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike by the Chatham House, United Kingdom for a lecture on sustainable development as an affirmation by the international community of the governor’s commitment and contribution to the development of the state.
In a press statement made available to journalists, the state PDP boss noted that through prudent use of available meagre resources and selfless efforts, Wike has ensured that infrastructural development projects are decentralised in the state which has ensured that the people have access to basic amenities.
Of particular interest, according to Obuah, is that all these unprecedented efforts of the Wike administration are not only noted within the state but also appreciated by international assessors who are excited that besides conferring Wike with awards of excellence in leadership, have also deemed it worthwhile to invite him to deliver a lecture at a world conference to oblige other leaders around the globe the opportunity to benefit from his socio-economic policies and strategies.
Obuah further observed that the international recognitions accorded Wike have also rubbished his political opponents and their prejudices against his developmental efforts in the state.
“We are also happy because we have been vindicated of our choice of Wike as the best bet for the office of governor of Rivers State.
“Again, we are excited because the assessment by the international organisations is open to all public officers nationwide, irrespective of the sector, and it’s on record that no member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) whether at the state or federal level was considered worthy of such recognition”, the state PDP boss noted.
While wishing Wike a very successful outing at the international conference as a guest lecturer, Obuah reassured that the PDP-led government in Rivers State will stop at nothing in redeeming the state from the economic stagnation undeservedly foisted on it by the immediate past administration.
He implored the people to always remain supportive and prayerful for Wike, whom he described as an internationally-acclaimed agent of development.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that peace has prevailed because he draws strength from God to resist insults and tantrums thrown at him while frustrating attempts by some disgruntled persons who wanted to plunge the State into unending crisis.
The Governor also said that because he has anchored his Government on promoting peace, the enabling atmosphere has been provided for investments and sustainable development to flourish.
Governor Fubara made the assertion when he received a delegation of members of the Bishops and Gospel Ministers’ Association International Incorporated, Rivers State Chapter, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, Governor Fubara said while most people took his meekness for weakness, his stance on peace has unarguably enhanced harmonious atmosphere of concord as residents sleep with their two eyes closed, and investors and shareholders are happy with the returns on investment.
He said, “Before, what they hear of Rivers State is that they are fighting, and some genuine investors will not come. Some people even ask you: How are you coping in Rivers State?
“But now”, he asserted: “The Governor has brought about a lot of changes in the State. One of the most important things is that he has changed the negative narrative. It is no longer Rivers of blood. It is now Rivers of peace.
“We are enjoying our lives here. Why? Because there is a change in the narrative. We have peace. The Governor is, as much as possible, absorbing any level of insult at him only for one purpose: that Rivers State may have peace; that we may grow; that this state will experience genuine development.”
Governor Fubara urged them, as members of the Christian family in the State, to continue to pray for the State and the Government so that the enemies of the State will be put to greater shame.
“This peace is what I want you to embrace. Go and continue to pray, because when the sower of the seed went and sowed, the enemy went in the night and sowed tares inside there. But the Governor is sowing peace.
“When I listened to the leader of the team, His Grace Eddy Ogbonda, he said you came all the way from Eleme Junction, and stopped at major junctions, and you uttered prayers for the peace of Rivers State.”
He also said: “I, hereby want to thank you for identifying with the Governor at a time like this. At a time when it looks as if someone wants the Governor’s peace posture misunderstood as weakness.
“When someone has the strength to fight back, but refuses to fight back. That is a bigger strength; that power of restrain does not just come, it can only come from God.
“You cannot give peace, if you do not have peace within you. The Governor is not interested in any form of trouble or violence. What he is interested in is known, and it is: let there be peace in Rivers State,” he said.
In his address, leader of the group, Archbishop Eddy Ogbonda, said they had observed a week-long intensive prayers that culminated into a peace rally, which brought them to Government House, and assured the Governor that God will continue to give him victory over his adversaries while preserving Rivers State.
“It is Rivers State Prophetic Prayer Convocation and Rally 2024 with the theme: ‘Peace be still’. Of a truth, everyone of us understands that we live in a time when we need peace much more than any other thing.
“Rivers State needs peace. Everyone as individuals need peace. The country needs peace, and the world at large needs peace. So, we are here to do a peace march. We pray that God will command His peace to reign in Rivers State,” he said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that hotels, schools, and other establishments that accept payments in dollars from their customers are at risk of facing arrest.
The Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, said this in the agency’s publication called EFCC Alert on Monday, adding that action would be taken against individuals involved in the dollarisation of the economy.
According to him, the exception is if foreigners come in to transact business and the only means of transacting is their credit card and dollar but to charge local customers in dollars or other foreign currencies would no longer be allowed.
He said charging local activities and customers in dollars is against Nigeria’s constitution.
The EFCC chairman said, “Schools that charge Nigerians in dollar, supermarkets that trade in dollar, estate developers that sell their property in dollar, hotels that are invoicing in dollar, we are coming after you and we have made arrests in that area.
“Yes, if foreigners are coming in and the only means of transacting is their credit card, and dollar, why not? You will get that.
“But document it properly as against selling things within the system, local economy and you will be using dollar as the medium of exchange, it is illegal.
“Our law does not allow for that. And we have also affected some arrests.”
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has enjoined Muslim faithful to remain steadfast to the lessons learnt during the holy month of Ramadan.
Governor Fubara stated this in his message of felicitations to Muslims as they celebrate the 2024 Eid-el-Fitr Sallah, which marks the end of the one-month Ramadan fasting.
The Governor emphasised the importance for Muslims to also uphold the tenets of Islam by exhibiting the fear of God and showing piety in their daily work.
Governor Fubara said, “We must all continue in the good attributes imbibed during the holy month of Ramadan as directed by God through His Prophet, so as to ensure peace, unity and harmony in the society for a better future.”
While praying that the essence of the festival offers them happiness, peace and prosperity in all aspects of life, Governor Fubara said he recognises and appreciates the critical role that the Muslim community continues to play in the development of Rivers State, and indeed, Nigeria at large.
Governor Fubara charged them to remain unwavering and steadfast in their commitment and positive contributions to advance the development of the State and the country.
“I enjoin you all in the State to remain calm, be patient and continue to do what is right,” the Governor added.
He wished the Muslim faithful in the State and across the country a happy Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
-
Nation5 days agoSenators, Reps To Resume Plenary In Remodelled Main Chambers
-
Rivers5 days agoDon Seeks Incorporation Of Anti-Corruption Study In Curriculum
-
Business2 days agoBlue Economy Ministry Earmarks N1.03bn For Vehicles, Foreign, Local Trips
-
Sports2 days ago
Leverkusen Chief Backs Alonso To Join Madrid
-
Oil & Energy5 days agoNSCDC’s Anti-Vandal Squad Uncovers Artisanal Refinery In Rivers Community
-
Front Pix5 days agoOur Policies Are Geared Towards Protecting Rivers Interest -Fubara
-
Politics2 days agoGanduje: Kano Court Order, A Nullity – APC
-
News2 days agoPursue Inclusivity, Fubara Charges Health Insurance Scheme Managers