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Insecurity: We Must Re-Jig Security Architecture -Wike …Flags Off Bolo Internal Roads Construction …Says He Won’t Go To Abuja To Beg For 2nd Term
Worried by the unprecedented insecurity and unwarranted attacks on unarmed communities by herdsmen, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has called for the immediate re-jigging of the nation’s security architecture.
Also, the management of Businessday Newspaper has announced the nomination of Wike as “Businessday Governor of the Year 2017”.
Speaking when he received the management of Businessday Newspaper at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, Wike said that the current approach to national security was no longer functional.
He said: “This time, criminality is targeted at some communities. Every time when they kill over a hundred innocent Nigerians, the security agencies claim that three persons have been arrested.
“After the deaths, they announced that Special Forces have been deployed to invaded communities. Will the Special Forces revive the slain persons?
“We must talk of re-jigging the security architecture. The present setting is not yielding results. We must introduce persons with new ideas and new thinking to check the ugly trend of insecurity”.
He regretted that most of his colleagues (governors) are not interested in working for the people as they are more concerned with battling for second term.
According him, some governors rather than stand for the people in terms of the growing insecurity, prefer to hobnob with the President, begging for second term support.
On the Businessday Newspaper Governor of the Year Award, the governor said that it would spur him to greater service.
While dedicating the award to the people of Rivers State, Wike noted that the success of his administration was a function of the support of the people.
Earlier, Publisher of Businessday Newspaper, Mr Frank Aigbogun said that Wike emerged Governor of the Year because of his outstanding developmental strides.
He said that the organisation researched into key performance indicators and reached the verifiable resolution that Wike deserves the honour.
Aigbogun said the award ceremony would hold in Abuja July 19, 2018.
He said that Businessday Newspaper would collaborate with the Rivers State Government to hold an investment summit to drive economic growth.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has flagged off the construction of Bolo internal roads in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area.
Performing the flag off, yesterday, Wike said that the construction of Bolo internal roads would improve the living condition of the people.
He said: “I am here to flag off the Bolo internal roads to make life more meaningful for Bolo people.”
The governor said that funds have been set aside for the project, pointing out that the contract was awarded to local contractors as a form of empowerment.
“If you don’t do the work, you will face consequences. I believe that the contractors will execute the contract”, he said.
The governor charged leaders to invest in the development of their respective states, instead relying on Abuja to manipulate the electoral process for them.
He noted that he would remain in Rivers State to discharge his responsibilities to the people because he was exercising their mandate.
The Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Special Projects, Alabo George Kerley said the roads would be made of reinforced concrete because of the nature of the terrain of the area.
Speaking on behalf of the political class of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Senator George Sekibo assured the Rivers State governor of their commitment to work for his re-election.
Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Navy Capt Erasmus Victor (rtd) said that the commencement of the construction of Bolo internal roads was a worthy gift to the people of the area.
“The Ogu/Bolo people will remain eternally grateful to the Rivers State governor for this project. The projects of Governor Wike are visible across the state and we are happy that we are beneficiaries of his projects delivery”, he said.
The Ogu/Bolo council of chiefs presented traditional gifts to Wike, while guests were entertained to traditional dances.
Also, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, says he would never go to Abuja to beg anybody to endorse him to go for second term in office.
The governor stated this yesterday at a flag off ceremony of internal roads in Bolo, Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Wike expressed disappointment that some sitting governors no longer stay in their states but stay in Abuja to beg and lobby for second term in office.
He said the power to actualise second term in office was in the hands of God, stressing that he would remain in the state to do the job for which he was elected by the people.
The governor said that the problem we have in the country is that the people do not hold those elected into positions accountable to their promises.
“The only way you can hold them responsible when they come back you ask them, the former promise you made you did not do it”, the Governor said.
Wike maintained that nobody can intimidate or blackmail him to go to Abuja to beg so as to achieve a second term.
The governor said, “So, many governors now don’t stay in their states. They go to Abuja.
Wike told the people of Bolo that the fag off ceremony was in fulfilment of the promise he made to them.
“We have come to fulfill our promise here to flag off the internal roads so that life can be better for the people”.
He said the people of Bolo deserve more projects because they fulfilled the promise they made to him and have strongly supported his administration.
Reacting to a request by the people of the area to extend the length of the road, the governor immediately directed the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special projects, George-Kelly Alaso to go black and include the extension and bring the new specification to his table for consideration.
He charged the contractor handling the project to ensure that standard job was delivered.
Wike commended the political leaders in the area for working in unity and stressed the need for people of the area to support the contractor so that the project would be delivered as early as targeted.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects, George- Kelly Alaso said the project was a 4.9-kilometer road with 5-kilometer drainage, adding that it would be completed in five months.
Speaking on behalf of the political class, the political leader of the area, Senator George Sekibo, commenced Wike for the great works he has done in the state and particularly for Ogu/Bolo people.
The senator said, “We appreciate your efforts in the state, you have done extremely well. As Wakrike people, we came to Government House and gave you a promise and on that promise we still stand”.
The Chief Whip of Rivers State House of Assembly, who represents the area, Hon Evans Bipi, commended the governor for the project, and said the project would enhance socio-economic development of the area.
Bipi reassured the governor of the sustained support of the people to his administration, adding that 100 per cent vote of the people would be delivered to the governor in 2019 should he accept to run for a second term in office.
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.
Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, has lauded the commitment, solidarity and pivotal role of women in promoting peace and enterprise development in Rivers State.
Lady Fubara spoke at the second edition of ‘Women Converge,’ a special programme organized by Rivers Women Unite for Sim, an NGO, at the main bowl of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
She said women in the state had tremendously impacted the state positively through their prayers, careers, contributions to the home fronts, and expressed appreciation to Rivers women, for their unwavering support to her husband, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, while urging them to continue to pray for the state.
“Once again, let me use this occasion to thank Rivers women for their support both in prayers and solidarity with me and my family. You have been wonderful. I can’t reward all that you do, but God in heaven who sees in secret will surely reward you openly.
“Truly today, marks another milestone in our effort to shape the society for good and lending our support for the sustenance of peace and development of Rivers State in particular and Nigeria at large. Without doubt, the prayers of our women avails much in every situation.
“Let me enjoin our women to remain prayerful because God is ever ready to answer our prayers. In all that we do, we must not forget the hand of God and often seek Him for direction and help. You have always been steadfast and I urge you not to relent, and together we will move our society forward. Whatever you do, putting your trust in God will certainly succeed”.
The Rivers State first Lady described the theme of the event, “Women in An Evolving World” as apt and, deeply reflective of the very essence of actions and strategies that women adopt to navigate the new world order.
She noted that despite the complexities of managing the home front and the constraints of economic realities, women had demonstrated formidable strength and resilience to confront the odds of life.
“This Converge underscores the resilience of our women to succeed no matter the odds, especially with absolute faith in God and determination for greater accomplishments.”
“Whether in the industry, business, agriculture, public service or even in politics, they have always shown strong determination to adapt and to accomplish like others.
“Our natural state notwithstanding our focus has always been to reach for the sky like every other person and as Rivers women we have always been pacesetters.
The Keynote Speaker, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, described women as the foundation of every society, noting that the development of every society depends on the strength of womanhood.
In their good will messages, notable Rivers women who attended the event expressed optimism over the prospects of sustainable peace and development in Rivers State, and reiterated their support for the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Some dignitaries that attended the event include former Commissioner for Environment in Rivers State, Prof Roseline Konya; foremost activist, Ann Kio Briggs; wife of the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Mrs Christie Toby; President of the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHACCIMA, Dr Chinyere Nwoga; Pastor Ene Secondus, among others.
Highlights of the event were ministrations, cutting of cake and special prayers for Rivers State.
