Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that the task of emancipating Rivers State and taking it to its desired height of development among the comity of Nigerian states depends on the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the state.
Governor Fubara said this at Ubima, on Saturday, when he attended the burial ceremony of late Madam Cecelia Omehia, mother of Sir Celestine Omehia.
Addressing the leaders of the state who attended the burial ceremony in their numbers, the governor urged them to demonstrate their love for the state by living up to their patriotic responsibilities and make meaningful contributions that will move the state forward.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to the service of the state and cautioned against politics of bitterness and animosity, stating that he will not govern the state as an underdog, nor compromise  the interest of Rivers people, no matter the challenges facing his administration.
“Anybody who claims to love this State should not be party to anything, directly or indirectly, that will bring us backwards. We will continue to support every course that will advance the interest of our dear Rivers State.
“And I am happy to say, and I’ve said it over and again, it doesn’t matter the number of people that are standing with me, I will stand on the side of truth.
”I will not, I repeat, I will not govern our dear State on my knees. If that was the purpose, I will not do that. I will stand to govern our dear state and stand continually on the side of right”, he said.
The governor commiserated with the Omehia family over the transition of their beloved matriarch and urged  them to take solace in the good legacies she left behind.
Sir Celestine Omehia, the chief mourner, in his response  thanked  the Rivers State governor  and his entourage for honoring the memory of his beloved mother, whom he described as a role model, teacher and great disciplinarian.
Earlier on Saturday, Governor Fubara visited the scene of the Friday night inferno occasioned by a tanker explosion that occurred at the Indorama axis of East West Road, causing untold disaster with over 60 vehicles razed and about four lives lost.
Governor Fubara who was accompanied by the  Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olatunji Disu, and the state Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Mr Uchechukwu Nwafor, during the visit, expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incident and condoled with the families of the victims, assuring that the state government will provide needed assistance to cushion the effects of the tragedy.
“We are here to see for ourselves and get a first hand information of what happened yesterday night.
“I was told that it was caused by a tanker that was conveying premium motor spirit. In fact, I got the information through the MD of Indorama, and I immediately alerted the security agencies to make sure they take control of the security situation in the area.
Governor Fubara, on Friday, commissioned the new Naval Training Command Headquarters at Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara said he was delighted with the transformation recorded in the abandoned facility after it was ceded by the Rivers State Government to the Nigerian Navy on request in 2023.
He pointed out that the relocation of the Naval Training Command headquarters to Rivers State underscores the proficiency of the Nigerian Navy in managing the maritime sector, especially in safeguarding the waterways and  fighting against economic sabotage such as crude oil theft and its associated menace.
Governor Fubara commended the Navy for investing in the training of its personnel to evolve a highly skilled workforce to secure the Nigerian waterways, stating that the new development is a manifestation of President Bola Tinibu’s commitment to building a strong security architecture for Nigeria.

The Governor who assured the support of his administration to the Navy and other security outfits, announced a donation of N350m to the Navy, and urged synergy between the Navy and the host communities in terms of development support and security of lives and property.

“As you go on to put this training command into full service, my charge to you is to ensure that this sprawling facility is effectively maintained and utilized to expand your operations and activities for national security development.

“I further implore you to provide effective security and development support to the host communities, and live in peace and harmony with the civilian population in the local government area,” the Governor added.

In his remark,  the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral, Emmanuel Ogalla, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the continuous support and partnership of the Rivers State Government with the Navy.

Taneh Beemene

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the family of the late Senator Ayogu Eze, as well as his professional colleagues in the media and political sphere, on his demise.
The former president, in his condolence message to the bereaved family, which was made available to newsmen by his
Media Assistant, Mr Wealth Ominabo, described the late politician as a  patriot who dedicated his life to promoting democratic values of unity, justice, peace and progress.
The statement noted that Senator Eze will be missed by many outside his immediate family, as his career was defined by hard work, honesty and impactful service.
Jonathan prayed God to comfort the Ezes for the irreparable loss and encouraged them to take solace in the worthy legacy of the departed statesman.
The statement read in part: “I condole with the Eze family on the passing of Senator Ayogu Eze, foremost Journalist and two time Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Senator Eze was a patriot who dedicated his life promoting democratic values of unity, justice, peace and progress. His career  was defined by hard work, honesty and impactful  service.
“Senator Eze had a sterling career in Journalism and politics, serving in different capacities at the state and national level.
“He was the  Enugu State representative at the Revenue Allocation Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission ( RMFAC),  a position he held until his death and also served as a member on the board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
“At the National Assembly, where he represented Enugu North Senatorial District from 2007- 2015, Senator Eze was chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, and also chairman of the Senate Committee on Information & Media.
“At the state level, he served as Commissioner for Information & Media, as well as Special Adviser in Enugu  State.
“I commiserate with his family and colleagues and urge them to take solace in the legacy that Sen Eze left behind.”

Stories by Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has described the recent orientation programme for newly elected council chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors as part of measures aimed at repositioning the local government system for effective and efficient service delivery at the grassroots level.
He stated this while flagging off the training programme for the second batch of local government officials comprising Brass, Nembe, Sagbama and Yenagoa councils, at the Perdis Hotel and Events Centre, Yenagoa.
Underscoring the importance of the two-day exercise, he said local government officials needed to be taught the rudiments of effective and accountable administration of the local government councils to enable them make impact in governance.
A statement issued by the media aide to the Deputy Governor, Mr Doubara Atasi, quoted him assuring that the Senator Douye Diri-led administration would continue to work closely with local government councils in line with the rule of law to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
He maintained that the leadership at the local government level was crucial to the state government because the councils are the first respondents to the basic needs of the people.
The Deputy Governor urged the newly elected officials to take the training seriously and brace up for the challenges ahead, stressing that the era when local government operators regarded payment of salaries as their one and only duty was over.
He, however, noted with delight that local government councils in the state could now embark on projects due to effective supervisory measures put in place to check wastage and poor performance.
“The local governments are very important to us. That’s why since assumption of office in 2020, the Prosperity Government has left no stone unturned to see how we can make the local governments more effective, efficient and productive.
“What we want is that local governments must also be reliable contributors to development of our state, and actively participate in the provision of the dividends of democracy to the people”, he said.
“Leadership of the local governments is crucial for us because we believe that they are the first respondents when it comes to development and the dividends of democracy at the grassroots level.
“The states are just secondary respondents, while the Federal Government is not a respondent at all, in terms of development of our local governments.
“This workshop or orientation programme is very key and dear to our heart as a government. First, it gives you an opportunity to know your colleagues who are going to work with you at that tier of government.
“Secondly, It will enable you to know or know more about the rudiments of local government administration and governance. So, this workshop is critical and crucial. I therefore encourage you to pay full attention”, he added.
Delivering his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Development, Mr. Collins Ifidi, stressed that governance was a serious assignment which required broad capacity, knowledge and understanding of roles.
Mr Ifidi explained that the training was targeted at building a stable and functional local government system that would cater for the developmental needs of the people at the grassroots, and assured the council officials of the Ministry’s continued guidance and support.
Speaking on behalf of the trainees, the Chairman-elect of Nembe Local Government Area, Chief David Alagoa, expressed gratitude to Governor Diri for graciously approving the training programme.
He also expressed the appreciation of the council officials to the state Deputy Governor, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Development for facilitating the programme, and the resource persons for their intellectual input.