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‘#OurStateOurResponsibility’ …Pomp, Pageantry As Rivers Non-Indigenes Hail Wike, Nsirim
It was an occasion of pomp and pageantry as the highly influential convivial assembly, Non- Indigenes Without Borders, in Rivers State, recently received the pragmatic advocacy missive from the Ministry of Information and Communications,’ “Our State Our Responsibility”, seeking to keep them abreast of the developmental ethos of Governor Nyesom Wike.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, emerging from his state media tour on the same Rivers development reality, told the elated motley crowd that Wike’s second tenure is a paradigm shift from the perceived tradition of lack!ustre leadership to a proactive all-inclusive administration.
Nsirim assured the non-indigenes that as variegated and congruous as the State is, so is their union and that following a proactive government, Wike was determined to appease everybody. Rather than shirk his responsibilities in governance that earned him national and international recognition, Nsirim said Wike would execute more people oriented projects as already manifested in the commissioning of high profile projects coming up in his second tenure’s first 100 days in office.
Latching on the campaign theme, “Our State Our Responsibility,” the permanent secretary, who is also the state chairman of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) commended the non indigenes made up of notable tribes in Nigeria for their level of decency and disciplined lifestyle in Rivers State.
He expressed confidence that non-indigenes under their umbrella would, no doubt, continue to abide by the laws of the State and advised the group to take the new law against street trading, illegal markets and motor parks seriously and inform their members as Governor Wike was passionate about restoring the garden city status of Port Harcourt.
Acknowledging their high sense of integrity, the Rivers State NIPR boss admonished members of the group to shun undue yellow press that lack content but merely figment of imagination of mischief makers strictly aimed at demarketing Rivers State. He therefore called for unflinching support to Wike’s administration to conquer this army whose stuck in trade is character assassination.
He said the novel initiative of the Ministry of Information and Communications, “Our State Our Responsibility, was choreographed to change the negative narratives of brutish existence, danger and under development from detractors to the new vision positives of infrastructural development, sound economy and security which the Wike administration had been identified with. Nsirim noted that the state was blessed and remained the economic life-wire of the country despite frustrating moves to destroy its economy and relevance by detractors, regretting that the state sea ports had been deliberately rendered comatose.
Nevertheless, he said God had endowered the state with economic resources that attract the cream of professionals all over the world, giving credence to the new Turkish Airline which otherwise would not be possible in a state of anomie or crisis.
That informs the reason why many of the non-indigenes are successfully plying their trade and succeeding in their businesses without molestation, he stated, while commending them for their contributions in developing the state.
Besides the benefits of hydrocarbon, oil and gas, Nsirim further said God blessed Rivers State with a visionary and altruistic leader with the intention to positively transform the state to the advantage of indigenes and non-Indigenes. He took special interest on the massive support from non-Indigenes to the Governor during the general elections which he noted was not surprising to him considering their long-existing partnership in Wike-Ied administration.
Responding on behalf of Non-Indigenes Without Borders, the Deputy National Leader. Hon. Obong Inyang said the relationship between the government of Nyesom Wike and non-indigenes was at its highest echelon and members of the group were better with Wike’s administration than in their home states. Inyang who doubles as leader, Aqua-Cross community of the group, represented the National leader, Hon. Emeka Onowu. He said the non-indigenes were
ready to sacrifice for the sake of Governor Wike just as they stood by him during the general elections without travelling to their villages.
Corroborating Inyang, the National Woman leader, Hon. (Mrs) Eunice Alfred Obire, expressed joy over the visit by the Permanent
Secretary and Directors of the Ministry, saying it was strange that after election government thought it necessary to visit the people, an
attitude she said was comforting. She congratulated Wike for excellence in governance in all sectors and for improving the lots of non indigenes. But for Governor Wike, Obire said many non
indigenes could not have held positions in government or travelled abroad for pilgrimage or business.
Ditto for representative of Edo-Delta Community, Ambassador Henry Iyoha, whose joy knew no bounds when he considered Wike as the best administration so far in the state even as he promised that the group would transmit the Permanent Secretary’s campaign to the grassroots and disabuse the minds of the people from the lies of disgruntled elements. He recounted the governor’s goodwill and the promises fulfilled just as be hailed Wike for granting them their Certificate of Occupancy (C.of Os). Iyoha said the non indigenes were ready to confront the fifth columnists in all ramifications.
Hon. Macy Onyeuka represents the Ibo community in the group. For him, the voices of the most populated non indigenous tribe in Rivers-the Ibos, are behind Governor Nyesom Wike who he commended for disarming the opposition that believed he (Wike) would dump them after election. Onyeuka said, instead, Governor Wike disappointed his critics and ensured the non indigenes never regretted identifying with him. He blamed Wikes antagonists who out of ignorance refused to learn that there are multiple benefits for the state from a visionary leader who is a development protagonist.
Onyeuka’s view was shared by Alhaji Ibrahim Mesundu, representing the Hausa Community. He posited that the Hausa Community was in total support of Governor Wike’s administration as well as the Ministry of Information and Communications campaign, “Our State Our Responsibility”. Mesundu regrets that despite visible efforts of government to transform the state positively some people are bent on sabotaging the peoples collective progress. He called on the authorities to arrest and prosecute such persons irrespective of their tribe.
The Yoruba community was not different, their representative, Alhaji Rojas Durojaiye, noted categorically that Yorubas were law abiding. He did not mince words when he said that the Yoruba community in Rivers State were determined to continue with Governor Wike because they have been taken care of variously.
In the same vein, the Bayelsa Community was not left out.
Their representative, Hon. Francis Jacobs commended the Governor for the peaceful co-existence between Rivers and Bayelsa States. He agreed with the position of other representatives but added that he had been a beneficiary of the largesse by means of occupying certain positions in service of the people.
But for time factor, the Non-Indigenes Without Borders said they were set for the campaign for Wike’s administration not minding the rain that compelled some of them to seek shelter with umbrellas.
It would be recalled that the Permanent Secretary and his Directors from Ministry of Information and Communications had recently traversed the state on the campaign “Our State Our
Responsibility,” to counter the barrage of misinformation meted out by enemies of the state who are determined to ensure the failure of Governor Wike’s administration.
After the media tour, they are engaging other stakeholders even as they are ready to launch out of the state for the campaign.
The team is currently parleying with the Legislators, Judiciary, CEOs, Business Organisations, Local Governments, the Clergy, Civil
Societies, Youth Bodies, Traditional Rulers etc.
Nigerians were among more than 140 residents injured after Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles at the United Arab Emirates, at the weekend.
This raised fresh fears for thousands of Nigerians living and working in the Gulf nation.
The UAE Ministry of Defence disclosed last Saturday that its air defence systems intercepted several missiles and drones fired from Iran, describing the attack as a major escalation in the ongoing regional tensions.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the ministry said its air defence units engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones during the latest assault on March 14.
It added that the attacks left six people dead and 141 others injured, including foreign nationals.
“The UAE air defence systems on March 14 engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the ministry stated.
“Since the onset of this blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,600 UAVs launched from Iran,” UAE added.
According to the ministry, those killed in the attacks included citizens of the UAE as well as foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
“Although the authorities did not specify the exact locations where the casualties occurred, the ministry said the injured victims were from several countries, including Nigeria.
Others affected include residents from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The list also included Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia and Sweden.
The Tide reports that this development has sparked concern among Nigerian communities in the UAE, where thousands of citizens live and work in sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics and trade.
Data from Nigeria’s diaspora commission shows that the UAE remains one of the largest destinations for Nigerian migrants in the Middle East, particularly in the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
The Nigerian government had in recent years raised concerns over the safety and welfare of its citizens in the country following diplomatic tensions and visa restrictions affecting Nigerians.
Saturday’s attacks have now heightened anxieties within the diaspora community, especially as the Gulf region faces growing military confrontations.
In its statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the country remained fully prepared to confront any threats to its security.
“The Ministry of Defence remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine state security in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards its national interests and capabilities,” the ministry said.
In a separate update, the ministry noted that its defence systems were still actively intercepting missiles and drones.
“UAE air defences are dealing with Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles and drones,” it said.
Regional media reports indicate that the attacks form part of a wider escalation of hostilities between Iran and Western-backed forces in the Middle East.
According to Al Jazeera, Iran has continued sustained missile and drone strikes across the Gulf despite protests from neighbouring states.
The strikes were said to be in retaliation for military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iranian positions in the region.
Tehran targeted several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, late on Friday and into Saturday.
The attacks also caused infrastructural damage in parts of the UAE.
Meanwhile, Iran’s elite military wing, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned that US interests in the UAE would remain legitimate targets.
Iranian state media reported that the group issued the warning after US forces attacked Iranian-controlled islands.
The IRGC specifically mentioned ports, docks and military installations linked to the United States as potential targets.
It also urged residents in the UAE to evacuate areas around ports and military facilities to avoid civilian casualties.
Security analysts say the growing exchange of threats and strike across the Gulf could destabilise the region’s economic and aviation activities if the conflict escalates further.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the five new commissioners sworn-in last Wednesday to put in their best for the development of the State.
Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in of the commissioners at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
This followed the successful screening of the five commissioners by the Rivers State House of Assembly, last Tuesday.
The five commissioners are Tonye Bellgam, Prof. Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Mr. Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.
The Tide reports that the governor had sent nine commissioner-nominees to the Assembly for screening, but the Assembly confirmed only five nominees and rejected the nomination of four over various allegations.
Those rejected by the Assembly are Prof. Dantonye Alasia, Mrs. Charity Demua, Mr. Tamuno Williams, and Otonye Amachree.
The governor congratulated the new commissioners on their appointment, noting that their thorough screening by the Rivers State House of Assembly was a proof of their capabilities.
He urged them to deploy their wealth of experience in various fields and put the State on a fast lane of development.
“Ordinarily, I am supposed to charge you on your responsibilities and how to operate. But that has been taken care of by the screening at the Assembly.
“I believe that going through one of the most rigorous screenings, it is enough to say that for those of you who succeeded, you are fit and ready to deliver to our dear State.
“So there is no further charge. The screening was the charge, so I wish you the best as I don’t expect anything less than the best from you,” Fubara said.
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, destroying a reactivated illegal refinery site in Rivers State and intercepting suspected stolen petroleum products in Calabar, Cross River State.
The Director of Naval Information, Capt Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement released in Abuja, yesterday.
Folorunsho said personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, destroyed a reactivated illegal refinery site at Okolomade Community in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He said the action followed credible intelligence that a previously dismantled illegal refining site had resumed operations.
According to him, an Anti–Crude Oil Theft team deployed to the location discovered that the dismantled refining oven had been reconstructed.
“Further exploitation of the area led to the discovery of additional refining equipment and storage facilities containing about 3,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),” he said.
Folorunsho added that the illegal refining infrastructure, including ovens, storage tanks, hoses, connected pipes and newly acquired metal components used for illegal refining, was destroyed in line with operational procedures.
He said personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory, in another operation, intercepted about 3,950 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products at the Nigerian Ports Authority area in Calabar, Cross River State.
He said the interception was based on credible intelligence on suspected siphoning of petroleum products from vessels berthed at the port.
The naval patrol team, according to him, swiftly deployed to the area and traced the illegally siphoned products to a trailer park within the port facility.
“On sighting the naval patrol team, the suspected perpetrators fled the scene, after which the area was cordoned off and the illegally siphoned products secured,” he said.
Folorunsho said further inspection led to the recovery of about 3,950 litres of Automotive Gas Oil stored in drums and jerrycans, which had been evacuated to the naval base for further necessary action in line with extant regulations.
He noted that the successes aligned with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, to intensify operations against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Folorunsho reiterated the Navy’s commitment to sustaining the operational tempo of Operation DELTA SENTINEL through intensified surveillance, patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage.
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