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Abe Hails Planned Nat. Confab; Says Its Opportunity To Build Nation Of Our Dream …As Senator, Others Lament Killing, Abduction In Ogu
The Senator representing Rivers South-East in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Abe has thrown his weight behind the convocation of the national conference announced by President Goodluck Jonathan, saying, it will enable stakeholders in the Nigerian project discuss the nation of their dream.
He disclosed this while reacting to the proposed national conference by the President in his Independence Day broadcast to the nation.
Senator Abe said, the subsequent constitution of an advisory committee to work out modalities for the conference gives a clear indication that the President was beginning to respond to the concerns of well-meaning Nigerians on moving the country forward.
According to him “it is heartwarming that the President has realized the need for National Conference; it is a breakthrough for Nigeria, we can now seat on a round table and chart an acceptable path towards a brighter future for our country”.
The chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) emphasised that the initiative was an opportunity for Nigerians to address the avalanche of socio-economic and political challenges as well as resolution of structural problems plaguing the country.
He noted that the conference would undoubtedly address cases of impunity, incessant harassment, suppression and intimidation of dissenting voices, evils of the recent past affecting good leadership like the issues in Nigeria Governor’s Forum, non adherence to rule of law, democratic tenets and true federalism.
While enlisting the President to ensure the confab works, Senator Abe expressed optimism that it would promote national cohesion, stability, unity and preserve our heritage for future generations.
“We need the voice of everybody interested in the future of Nigeria, this is an opportunity we yearned for, we must take it serious,”. he concluded.
Meanwhile,the chiefs and peoples of Ogu in Ogu/Bolo Local Government areas of Rivers State have cried out to the government over the killing of their son, Mr Johnny Isaac and the abduction of two others byEkporo community in Eleme Local Government Area.
Addressing a press conference in Port Harcourt yesterday, the chairman of Ogu divisional council of chiefs, Chief Emmanuel Ibioricka said the two abducted sons of the community were Ibunemisa Obie and Steven Oju, whose where-about is yet unknown.
Chief Ibiorika said the victims were riding on a motorbike along the site the Ogu police station which is being renovated when they were attacked by one Inspector Franklin from Ekporo who was armed and two of his kinsmen.
According to him, as assailants killed Johnny Isaac and abducted the others, they escaped with their motorbike into a bush path through Ekporo community.
He appealed to the government to persuade Ekporo community to release those they abducted unhurt, and enjoined the people of the area to go about their normal business ad continue to maintain their peaceful disposition.
The Police Public Relations Officer who confirmed the story said that two persons died in the crisis.
Speaking on the issue, the Senator representing Rivers East in his reaction, the police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Rivers State Police Command DSP Ahmad Kidaya Muhammed confirmed and said there was an incident involving two communities over land that claimed two lives.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Senator George Thompson Sekibo has called on the people of Ogu in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Areas and the Ekporo Community in Eleme Local Government Area to resolve their differences amicably through lawful channels rather than take laws into their hands.
Reacting to the gruesome murder of an indigene of Ogu by the people of Ekporo, Senator Sekibo condemned the act and cautioned youths to eschew violence and other acts likely to breach the peace in the area.
In a statement by his Special Assistant, Hon. Kevin Agbam, the Senator warned rumour peddlers against spreading malicious falsehood or making provocative and inflammatory comments and advised those instigating the crisis to stop fanning embers of discord.
He noted that the people of Ogu and Ekporo have enjoyed several years of warm relationship that should be sustained in the interest of all and called on the law enforcement agencies to take necessary steps to restore normalcy
Senator Sekibo urged leaders to continue to preach peace adding that nothing good can be achieved in an atmosphere of rancour of disturbance.
It would be recalled that the Amanyanabo of Ogu, Chief Nicholas Abiebele Nimenibo Loko IX recently urged the neighbouring community to remain calm over the on-going renovation of the police station, noting that it will be of immense security benefit particularly to the two communities
Publicity Secretary PHCCIMA, Chief Nabil Saleh (right) with Financial Secretary PHCCIMA, Prince Allison Ogidigbon, during PHCCIMA membership induction in Port Harcourt, yesterday
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described the ongoing construction of the brand new 13.52-kilometre Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto Road as a bold and visionary effort by his administration to open up the coastal region for economic growth and harness the full potential of the state’s blue economy.
The Governor made this remark during an inspection visit to the project site in Andoni Local Government Area. The road, being constructed by Monier Construction Company (MCC), cuts through challenging coastal terrain and leads to a newly identified beachfront facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Governor Fubara explained that while the original plan was to construct a road leading to Oyorokoto Town and its popular beach, his administration decided to expand the project to create an entirely new route that would open access to another pristine beachfront.
“We are doing another inspection today. This particular one is a virgin road, 13.52 kilometres of a new pathway to the blue economy,” Governor Fubara stated.
“Initially, we were constructing a road to Oyorokoto Beach, one of the finest tourist centres in this area. But as we progressed, we discovered another beach directly facing the Atlantic Ocean. It became clear that we shouldn’t limit development to just one site. We want to harness this new beach front as part of our broader plan to develop the blue economy.”
The Governor emphasised that the project, once completed, will not only improve access to coastal communities but also stimulate tourism and economic activities, boosting revenue for Rivers State.
Describing the area’s difficult terrain as challenging, he commended the contractor for its dedication, and expressed confidence that the road would be completed and commissioned by March next year.
“You can see for yourself, it’s a brand-new road in a very difficult terrain, just like the one we saw yesterday. But I strongly believe we will overcome it. From what we’ve seen today, the contractor, MCC, is doing their best, and by next year, hopefully by March, we’ll have the cause to commission this project and give God all the glory,” the Governor affirmed.
Governor Fubara also visited Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area to assess the progress of work on the Epellema axis of the ongoing 5.2km Kalaibiama-Epellema road project featuring a 450-meter bridge.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road project, revealing that about 75 percent of the critical piling work has been completed.
Governor Fubara made this known while addressing journalists after an on-the-spot inspection of the 12.5-kilometre road project, which will connect the state capital to several Kalabari communities across the sea.
The Governor rode on a boat from a jetty at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area through the rivers and creeks on the project route during the inspection.
The project was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited, on May 15, 2024, with an initial 32-month completion timeline.
The Governor said the visit was aimed at verifying reports from the Ministry of Works regarding the project’s advancement. He commended the contractors for their dedication, and described the progress as “a true reflection of hard work and commitment to excellence.”
“The first phase of the project takes us to Bakana, and features four major river-crossing bridges and nearly five deck-on-pile structures. The terrain is difficult, and the engineering work required is complex. But to the glory of God, I can confirm that the reports I’ve been receiving are accurate. Almost 75% of the piling job, which is the most critical part of the project, has been achieved,” Governor Fubara said.
He emphasised that the Trans-Kalabari Road is one of the most technically demanding infrastructure projects in the state due to its challenging marine terrain but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver it on schedule.
Governor Fubara highlighted the strategic importance of the road in connecting the Kalabari Kingdom to Port Harcourt, and stimulating economic growth across riverine communities.
“This is a key project that will turn around the lives of the Kalabari people immediately it is concluded. By the grace of God, in the next six months, if we return here for inspection, we might be driving across the bridge,” he said.
Governor Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration remains focused on delivering transformative infrastructure projects that will improve lives and bring lasting development to rural communities.
“We have made a promise to our people to embark on projects that will change lives and bring development, and this is a testament to that commitment,” he added.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says that the impact of flooding and erosion on the inhabitants of Rivers State, especially those living in coastal communities, are of great concerns to the government.
Governor Fubara lamented the consequences of flood on both human and biotic life, which sometimes lead to loss of life, property, and degradation of the environment.
The Governor made the remark in Port Harcourt during the launch of a book titled, ‘Coastal Zone Flooding And Erosion in Developing Communities, Principles, Cases and Strategies,” written by Emeritus Prof. Wiston Bell-Gam.
According to the Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Benibo Anabraba, his administration, would continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies to combat flooding.
In his words: “The Rivers State Government will continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies, such as construction of seawalls and breakers, canals and channels, restoring coastal ecology and ecosystem for coastal resilience and where necessary, the relocation of communities on the coastline.
“These issues are currently receiving the much needed attention and intervention by the recent approval of the construction of shoreline protection along the coastlines of more than five communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Opobo/Nkoro LGAs respectively.”
“It is important that as stakeholders in the protection and preservation of marine environment, we all act and advocate for mitigation strategies such as reduction in emission of Green House Gasses that causes climate change and rise in sea levels. Let us promote the use of clean energy and against fossil fuel.
Governor Fubara further cautioned residents to desist from building on waterways.
“We also need to encourage our people to stop developing buildings on and along natural water courses, indiscriminate sea mining and dredging activities on our coastline without consideration for mangroves and swamps,” he stressed.
He appreciated the author for his advanced contributions to the body of knowledge in both Rivers State and globally.
Also speaking, a former Military Governor of the old Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Ditte-Spiff, who was Royal Father at the Event, stated that the book was timely to enable stakeholders manage the challenges of global warming.
“Global warming is real. If it’s not addressed globally, a time will come coastal areas will find themselves under water. The coastline of Nigeria is shocking with many mangroves gone,” he noted.
The Reviewer of the Book, who is also the Vice Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Ondo State, Prof Temi Ologunorisa, explained that the 14-chapter book is timeous as it fills literary gaps between desire and available knowledge on coastal flood and erosion in developing communities.,
“A major beauty of the book that sets it apart is the detailed consideration of flood and erosion control from around the world,” he stated, adding that the book is based on detailed field investigation.