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2015 Polls: A Referendum On FG -Amaechi
Governor Chibuike Amaechi says the upcoming 2015 elections will serve as an acid test on the popularity of the present Federal Government.
Addressing youth of Rivers State as part of his birthday celebration activities in Government House, Port Harcourt, he described 2015 elections as, “a referendum on the Federal Government.”
He challenged the youth to rise to the challenge of seeking an accountable and transparent government, stressing that the history of Rivers State and Nigeria is replete with struggle to demand better governance.
The Chairman of Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF) had earlier observed at a special prayer session to mark this year’s Children’s Day that the Chibok Girls abduction saga marks a new beginning for the country.
“The story of the Chibok girls will not end today”, he said, adding that “It is the story of a new beginning for the country. So, everybody must rise up and demand for a better government’’.
While challenging the youth to conduct a comparative assessment of all the states being governed by governors in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and that of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP), he argued that by far, those led by APC were ahead of those led by PDP considering landmarks on ground.
Amaechi urged the youth to carry out a personal comparison of statistics and decide on which party they will vote. For him, “I continue to tell Rivers people that I can show the world what I have done”.
He said he is satisfied that he is leaving a satisfied man, “before we leave you will see me on top”, he added.
Amaechi, who used the interactive forum he holds with the youth on every of his birthday to list his achievements said, “We have furnished and equipped 300 model primary schools. What I met was 1,300 six classroom blocks with no toilets and nothing. Now, we have 14 classroom blocks with toilets and other facilities”.
On the model secondary schools, he said he will ensure two are commissioned in addition to the one at Eleme, reasoning that the next administration should continue from where he stopped.
On health, he noted that so far, about 150 new model health centres with three referrals have been built and equipped, noting that N500million is set aside yearly for free medical bills.
In agriculture, he stated that many farms have been established such as the Banana farm, the Songhai farm and the resuscitated RISONPALM as a way to create employment.
Though the state is still battling to stabilize power, he explained that the time all the power stations are completed, the state will generate over 700 megawatts of power enough to sell to other states.
The governor, however, frowned at the current state of security in the state, recalling that past commissioner of police had encouraged the return of criminals to the state.
Against the current poor state of security in the state and country in general, the Rivers State governor urged the youth to rise up and vote out the present government, saying, “the only way we can live in peace is to vote out the PDP. We must make sure that they don’t have enough votes to rig. You people must get up and stop talking about money…We have never had these high level of common stealing in Nigeria before.’’
In the same vein, General Overseer of Abundant Life Evangelical Mission, Apostle Eugene Ogu has called on every member of the society to see children’s upbringing as their responsibility.
Speaking at a special interdenominational service to mark the Children’s Day and pray for the release of the Chibok school girls in Port Harcourt, the cleric observed that without the safety of children, the nation’s future is at risk.
He emphasized that everybody must join hands to ensure that the spiritual, physical and moral well being of the child are insured.
Ogu also challenged government to be proactive, while reasoning that the state of insecurity has instilled fear in children from even going to school.
Earlier, Commissioner for Social Welfare, Joe Poroma lauded the governor for initiating the prayer service as it will go a long way to send message across the country on the needs of children.
He urged wealthy individuals to also assist in catering for the needs of children in their communities.
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi