Politics
RSG To Build N10.1bn New Assembly Quarters
Last week, the Rivers State Executive Council gave approval for the construction of a new House of Assembly Quarters. Disclosing this in a press briefing after the state exco meeting held last Friday, the state Commissioner for Housing, Elder Chinedu Tasie , said the new quarters which would be built at the same old site of the former Assembly Quarters would cost the state Ten Billion, One Hundred Million Naira (N10. 1bn).
According to Tasie, the project which comprises of 32 number of four-bedroom duplexes with two rooms boys quarters attached to each of the duplexes as well as other modern features, is to be handled by an indigenous firm, Lubriks Construction company and to be completed within the duration of 16 months.
The Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, said the approval for the project is a further demonstration of the government’s determination to ensure that the legislative arm in the state enjoys decent accommodation and to also boost the synergy that exists between the two arms of government.
Through out last week, it was projects inauguration galore as the state government commissioned one project after the other from Monday till Saturday.
Top national political leaders across leading political parties graced the events with all eulogising the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his infrastructural revolution in the state.
Among notable personalities that were in the state to commission the projects were the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, the Enugu State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Sokoto State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Senator Ali Ndume.
Governor Wike accused APC- led Federal Government of playing politics of deceit with the Ogoni- environment remediation programme recommended by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).
Speaking Tuesday, during the inauguration of the Saakpenwa-Bori Highway in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, by the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Gov. Wike said when elections draw nearer, Federal Government would come up with one pretext of the programme only to relax after the election.
He noted that Ogoni played a vital role in the economic development of Rivers State and the country, therefore, deserves a better treatment than what the Federal Government currently offers the area.
After the non-stop inauguration of projects last week which involved about seven local government areas of the state, the state government has again announced that more five legacy projects executed by the Gov. Wike- led government would be unveiled this week in four local government areas of the state.
This has proved critics wrong who allege that Gov. Wike executes only projects in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas at the detriment of other local government areas in the state.
According to a release by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, on Monday, January 11, 2021 Rumuche-Rumuakunde-Oha Awuse Road, in Emohua Local Government Area would be commissioned.
On Tuesday January 12, Rumuekini-Alu Road in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas will be commissioned, while on Wednesday January 13, the phase two of Isiokpo Internal Roads in Ikwerre Local Government Area would be commissioned.
The release further stated that on Thursday, January 14, the Isiodu Road in Emohua Local Government Area will be commissioned and inauguration activities for the week will round off Saturday with the commissioning of Bolo Internal Roads in Ogu/ Bolo Local Government Area.
The Rivers State Taskforce on Street Trading and Illegal Motor Parks swung into action Monday last week. The streets of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas particularly were very orderly, as street traders and operators of illegal motor parks observed the state government’s ban.
The new coordinator of the Taskforce, DSP Felix Nwadibeyi (rtd) stated that his team commenced operations last Monday by first patrolling the streets of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor aocal government areas to sensitise the public on the need to obey government ban on street trading, illegal motor parks, taxi ranks and mechanic work places .
Another event last week in Brick House was the Juma’at Special Prayer held Friday at the Central Mosque, NNS Pathfinder, Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, as part of events marking the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.
Gov Wike reassured the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies of the continued support of the state government in their mandate of protecting lives and property.
The Rivers State Chief Executive who was represented by his Special Assistant on Schools Sports, Chief Aribitonye Mohammed Okiri recalled the numerous support of the state government to ex- serviceman and reiterated his administration’s determination to sustain the support.
He enjoined other members of the public to give support to the families of our brave soldiers who died in the course of defending the nation.
By: Chris Oluoh
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
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