Issues

Nigeria @ 58: Stakeholders Seek Reforms

Published

6 years ago

October 3, 2018

As the country clocks 58 years, last Monday, some stakeholders have called for more political reforms and restructuring to reflect the swelling agitation for a just and equitable polity for Nigerians.
Making their views public ahead the independence celebrations, some of the stakeholders submitted that marking the nation’s 58 years would be futile without addressing key areas that would improve governance and engender development.
Member representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Hon Awaji-Inombek Abiante stressed the need for an effective leadership recruitment process.
Abiante argued that an effective leadership would bring about the needed vision that would transform the country.
He said: “If we cannot have an honest leadership, then we cannot be celebrating anything”.
The federal lawmaker picked holes in the current electoral process, as it breeds mediocrity and poor leadership, which he noted, has been a major challenge to the country’s development.
He called for a low-key celebration and challenged those in leadership for sober reflection and rededication on how to improve the fortunes of the country.
Also speaking, Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Marshall Uwom argued that the fundamental issues stiffing the country’s growth should be addressed.
In the view of Uwom, some of the issues include constitutional reforms, which he maintained was key to addressing the agitation from the different parts of the country for better polity.
The solution to these myriads of problems, Uwom said, is that “we have to address the fundamental issues… the constitution has to be reviewed, as far as I am concerned that constitution was not written by Nigerians”.
The Rivers State Assembly deputy speaker urged the Federal Government to go back and look into the constitutional amendments made by the National Assembly and approve them.
On the issues affecting of Niger Delta, Uwom stressed that the Ogoni clean-up should be implemented without further delay, as he flayed the Federal Government for using the UNEP Report to play politics in the region.
On his part, Ijaw leader and spokesman of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe said the country’s democracy needs to be upgraded to a level, where the citizens would have a key role to play.
Sara-Igbe noted: “We are still moving towards real democracy even though what we have now is still military democracy.”
The leader further asserted: “There is need for improvement. Our democracy and political system is not yet mature. We should see politics as service. We must not see politics as self-gain and for self-enrichment”.
Chairperson of Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union (RATTAWU) in Rivers State, Comrade Opi Erekosima while congratulating the country for attaining 58 years, stressed the need for introspection by all citizens.
Erekosima said though the country has fared well in some areas, such as being united despite the myriads of economic and political challenges, she emphasised the need for improving the electoral system.
“We are approaching another triumphant entry, I am talking about the 2019 elections and tempers are rising. Nigeria right now looks like a pot that is boiling and someone needs to open the pot to see what the content is. So, whatever the content is, I want to appeal to everybody to be calm, we need to be patient and hardworking”.
Also speaking, an architect, Com Chinwendu Nwubi, said there was every need for Nigerians to celebrate the Independence owing to the fact that the present administration in the country under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has stabilised the economy through the war against corruption.
Nwubi said many people were now conscious of how to serve in public sector, adding that the on-going war against corruption has engendered the spirit of confidence for people to do business in the country.
According to him, the negative perception people had about the country in the past has changed because our value systems have been re-awakened, people are now thinking in positive direction.
A secondary teacher, Mrs Blessing Emen, said the rate of insecurity in the country has dropped sharply, and commended government at all levels for their bold initiatives to address the challenges of insecurity, which she said, rattled the country in the past.
She said the fight against militancy in the Niger Delta and insurgents in the North was commendable as government has lived up to her responsibility in that direction.
A farmer, Mr Nnadi Amadi, in his own view, said that there was a lot to celebrate, adding that being together for the past 58 years, was not an easy feat to achieve.
He disclosed that the various agricultural and other economic policies introduced recently have impacted positively on the productivity of Nigerian farmers.
According to him, some states in the country like Anambra, Lagos and Cross River states are economically strong, as they export one product or the other.
He urged Nigerians to continue to support the government at all levels in their quest to move the country forward adding that only unity and togetherness can we make more progress.
“No society can develop in an atmosphere of rancor and disunity, Nigeria is great and we can only maintain our greatness through love, unity and support to our leaders,” he said.
A civil servant and activist, ThankGod Dumnamene said: “Looking from the time of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Finance Minister, it would have been possible to predict where the economy of the country is headed. But today, the reverse is the case. Nigeria’s economy is not only stagnated, but declining speedily.
“Also looking at what is playing out politically today, things have changed. In the beginning, election was not a do or die affair, but today, hijacking of ballot boxes, vote-buying, violence, including killings and maiming of voters have become the order of the day. Politics of bitterness and hatred, which have not only succeeded in creating hatred among Nigerians, but have as well, divided the country into various parts.
“Looking back at the fight against corruption by Okonjo-Iweala, you would realise that comparing it to our President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption is the direct opposite. Today, rate of corruption is increasing by the day instead of declining. Buhari’s fight against corruption targets only the opposition; hence I don’t see the fight as genuine, as corrupt actions of his members are not being put into check. This I see as his own way and strategy to get more people defect to the APC as any corrupt politician that wants to avoid EFCC will run into the APC and they are safe. All these spell doom to our beloved country, Nigeria.
“Also in terms of unity, Nigeria is heading towards disintegration because there is no unity any longer. The margin between all the tribes has widened, and this I attribute to politics. All the tribes and zones are now interested in politics and are not ready to hear whatever good another person from another tribe has to offer for peace, development and unity of our country. It will take only the grace of God to unite this country!
“Taking the Osun State election, for instance, election was not conducted in a peaceful manner; rather the APC used state institutions against the will of the people. This is capable of breaching the peace and unity of our nation. In the case of the elections in Rivers State come 2019, we will resist any attempt to rig elections or use state institutions to subvert the will of the people. We will not be afraid of them because if we die in a revolution, it is the price we pay to save our country.”
Commercial Motorist, Etim Akpan said: “If Nigerians want the country to move forward, they should have a rethink in whatever action they take during the forthcoming 2019 elections as voting back President Muhammadu Buhari will not only cripple the economy of the country, but may bring about more untold hardship and sufferings to the people of Nigeria.
As you can see, the cost of fuel has skyrocketed since 2015 from N75.00 per litre to N145.00. Yet, drivers are still very considerate with the ordinary citizens and still carry them at the same fare as it was when the price was N75.00. Only few passengers patronise us now as most people now prefer to trek due to lack of money.”
A politician, Victor Toby said: “Nigeria is rated one of the best countries in the world in terms of infrastructural development and unity, despite all the challenges that confront the country today. It still remains one indivisible entity and now serves as a benchmark as other countries suffering crisis want to know what Nigeria is made of and how it is able to accommodate and sustain its unity.
“Economically, I will say that we are retrogressing instead of progressing. Recently, the world rated Nigeria as one of the poorest countries in the world. When did we get to this point when we have all the resources that other countries depend on to survive? What could be responsible for this poverty rating? And how do we get out of it? I leave these questions in the hands of our present leaders to proffer solutions.
“Politically, Nigerian politicians should be very careful the way they go about the 2019 elections, as any negative action taken will cost everyone a lot. I want to say it here that Nigerians should use their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to vote in the right leaders wisely. We should discourage the idea of selling our PVCs. The PVC is the right of every eligible electorate. If you use it wisely, you will be glad you did.
“Socially, Nigeria is thriving very well in the entertainment industry. I will say this is a plus to our movie industry. But generally, I will say that we are still growing,” he noted.

Kevin Nengia, Susan Serekara-Nwikhana & Amadi Akujobi

Issues

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

Published

2 weeks ago

April 10, 2024

The Tide

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

Issues

Is Okocha A Happy Man Being Perpetual Hireling?

Published

1 month ago

March 15, 2024

The Tide

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

Issues

Day Asari-Toru Declared Massive Support For Fubara

Published

1 month ago

March 11, 2024

The Tide

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.