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Abuja: 27 Years After Proclamation 

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As one of the privileged journalists that covered the historic event of the proclamation of Abuja as the New Federal Capital City of Nigeria 27 years ago, the memory of the day is still fresh in my mind. On that memorable day, being Thursday, December 12, 1991, the seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria was moved from Lagos to Abuja by the then Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
The concept of a new Federal Capital City for Nigeria was mooted by the then Head of State, late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed who later commissioned late Justice Akinola Aguda panel to work out the modalities and the areas suitable for the capital city for Nigeria as Lagos was playing dual roles as state and Federal Capital cities.
After a protracted and thorough search for a suitable land throughout the Federation, Abuja was found and recommended as the new Federal Capital Territory by the panel. Consideration and recommendation of Abuja as the new Federal Capital Territory was informed by its centrality, surplus land, and a conducive climate. Above all, Abuja does not lie on the territory of the three major tribes or ethnic groups in the country, namely the Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba.
Satisfied with the panel’s criteria and recommendation, Abuja was officially declared as Federal Capital Territory on February 3rd, 1976. Subsequently, the Federal Government commissioned two renowned Nigerian architects, late Dr. Alex Ekwueme and late Chief Emmanuel Nsiegbe, an Ikwerre illustrious son, to draw the master plan of Abuja. Successive governments made Abuja a reality by putting in the necessary initial structures.
Ekwueme and Nsiegbe did not end up their service by drawing the master plan of Abuja, their companies also participated in the infrastructural development of the city. General Babangida’s government actualised Abuja’s noble concept by officially moving the seat of the Nigerian administrative headquarters from Lagos to Abuja on Thursday the 12 December 1991.
However, few days to the movement, the then Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, late Major General Muhammadu Gadoo, in a press conference, informed the residents of Abuja and the entire Nigerians that the much-expected movement of the seat of the Federal Government from Lagos to Abuja would commence on Thursday, December 12, 1991. He then appealed to the residents of Abuja to turn out en-masse to accord the president and his entourage a rousing welcome.
The FCT minister also directed that the city of Abuja be kept tidy and beautified for the occasion. Similarly, he charged ministries, parastatals and corporations in Abuja to ensure that their buses were provided and staff conveyed to the city gate as early as 8:00 am to welcome and cheer the head of state. Consequently, a directive was given to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to give the city gate a befitting retouch.
On Monday, December 9, 1991, cultural troupes from various states of the federation started arriving Abuja. They were camped at the NYSC orientation camp at Kubwa Housing Estate, Abuja. It was there they carried out their daily rehearsals for the D-Day.
On Wednesday, December 11, 1991, important personalities from all walks of life began arriving Abuja. They included traditional rulers, politicians, bureaucrats, diplomats, religious leaders, military personnel and business barons. The three popular five-star hotels in the city, namely NICON Noga Hilton, now Transcorp Hilton, Abuja Sheraton Hotel and Tower and Agura Hotel were fully booked and filled to capacity. Even the commoners from the neighbouring states such as Kaduna, Niger, Plateau, Kwara and Kogi also came to witness the great event.
As early as 7:15 am on Thursday, December 12, 1991, thousands of people thronged the city gate to cheer the president and to witness the proclamation of Abuja as the New Federal Capital city of Nigeria by Babangida. Also present at the city gate to receive the president and watch the epoch-making event were the two ex-Nigerian leaders, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, General Yakubu Gowon and his wife, Victoria. Although, both Shagari and Gowon drove into the city gate in different cars, they arrived at the same time at exactly 12:02 pm. Traditional rulers were not left out. So also were the service chiefs, AFRC members, military governors, administrators, top civil servants, religious leaders etc.
Traditional rulers at the occasion were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Ofala Okagbue, Emir of Suleja, Alhaji Ibrahim Dodo Musa, Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atunwatsi, Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Mustapha Umar Elkanemi, Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Tor Tiv, Chief Alfred Torkula, Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Usman Nagogo, Emir of Zaria, Alhaji Shehu Idris, Emir of Minna, Alhaji Faruk Bahago, Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Suleman Adamu etc.
The Vice President, late Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, and all the service chiefs then were present. They were the Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff, late General Sani Abacha, Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Salihu Ibrahim, Chief of Naval Staff; Vice Admiral Murtala Nyako, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Nureni Yusuf, and Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Aliyu Attah. AFRC members present were Rear Admiral Chijioke Kaja, Brigadier E.B. Opaleye, Rear Admiral D.O. Makinde, Brigadier Tunde Ogbeha, Brigadier Ahmed Daku etc.
Ministers present were the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola, Minister of Transport, Air Commodore Tony Ikhazobo, Minister of Civil Aviation, Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas and Minister of Information, Chief Alex Akinyele.
Governors at the city gate were Col Tanko Ayuba of Kaduna State, Col Godwin Abbe of Rivers State, Lt Col Lawan Gwadabe of Niger State, Col Raji Rasaki of Lagos, Wing Commander Ndogesit Nkanga of Akwa Ibom State, Col John Madaki of Katsina State, Col. Herbert Eze of Enugu State, Col Joshua Madaki of Plateau State and those from Kogi, Taraba, Osun, Anambra and Yobe States were also present.
Business barons present were Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, Alhaji Shehu Mallami, Chief Michael Ibru and Alhaji Yinka Folawiyo.
Six former ministers of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were also there. They were Alhaji Iro Dan-Musa, Chief Mark Okoye, Mr. John Kadiya, Alhaji Dantoro and Air Vice-marshal Hamza Abdullahi. These were the notable personalities who witnessed the proclamation of Abuja as the new seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria by Babangida on Thursday, December 12, 1991.
Few minutes after these eminent Nigerians were seated,  Babangida arrived at the city gate. He was accompanied by his wife, Maryam, and two daughters, Aishat and Halima. They were received by the FCT Minister, Major General Muhammadu Gado Nasko, and his wife, Fatima.
Speaking shortly after the master key of Abuja was handed over to him by Nasco, the president recalled the colourful roles played by Lagos during and after independence. He said Lagos had served Nigeria well and faithfully. It was from Lagos that the battle for our freedom was fought and won, he averred. “Lagos shall forever remain the gateway of our nation’s economy, our largest seaport and our most important link with the outside world. Lagos, indeed, I will miss you”, the president lamented.
On the movement of the seat of Nigeria from Lagos to Abuja, the president cautioned that it should not be seen as a gain or a loss to any section of the country. Rather, it should be seen as a gain for all Nigerians. The movement of our capital city from Lagos to Abuja, he maintained, is a manifestation of our collective resolve to live together under one nation, one destiny and one God.
27 years after, Abuja has become a sprawling and a luscious city. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Abuja is the black man’s new Eden. A luxurious city for the high and the low, for the rich and the poor, and for all and sundry.
Ogbuehi wrote in from Eagle Island, Port Harcourt.

 

Ike Ogbuehi

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Investing In Nyesom Wike: A Story Of Dedication, Sacrifice And Ultimate Loss

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In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.

Tele Ikuru

 

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Is Okocha A Happy Man Being Perpetual Hireling?

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The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?
Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .
Bernard C. Idike
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Day Asari-Toru Declared Massive Support For Fubara

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Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.

Amieyeofori Ibim

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