Politics
Amaechi Decries Dictatorship, Bad Governance
Last week began on a poltical note with the unveilment
of a fleet of new saloon cars by chief of Staff, Governmet House, Sir Tony Okocha, as part of a new transport scheme in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The event was held at the Obio/Akpor Council Secretariat Complex.
The new vehicles, about 17 of them, according to Sir Okocha will serve as an empowerment scheme, adding that it was not meant to manipulate people but to ameliorate their sufferings.
Apart from the taxis scheme, the Government House Chief of Staff also disclosed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Obio/Akpor LGA has trained 65 women in different skills and crafts. Non-indegnes, according to him, have equally benefilled.
Governor Chibuike Amaechi came back from Abuja on Monday ahead the Energy, Environment and Investment forum slated for the next day, shortly after his arrival, he went round to inspect ongoing projects which include the new stadium at the Sports Village, Omagwa, and International Convention Centre named after Ikwerre Icon, Dr. Obi Wali.
The International Energy, Environment and Investment Forum kicked off on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, No fewer than 12 top diplomats and ex-leaders of Spain, France and Poland, including former President of Ghana, Mr. John Kuffour spoke at the conference.
Former Prime Minister of Spain, Jose Zapatero also advocated better governance and accountability from African and Nigerian leaders. He noted that Nigeria’s democracy was growing strong coupled with a booming economy, but warned that total reliance on oil was not healthy for the country’s economy.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Chibuike Amaechi reiterated the commitment of his administration to provide uninterrupted power supply in the State by 2015.
He stated that the state government decided to build a new city Greater Port Harcourt in order to decongest Port Harcourt with adequate provision of sustainable energy.
According to the governor, the new city is designed with adequate consideration of the reduction of environmental impacts minimization of energy consumption and destructive eulogical footprints
Later in the evening, a special reception and banquet was held in honour of the participants.
The banquet was held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Port Harcourt with Governor Amaechi and quests in attendance. After the display by the State Troupe, Comedian and member of the Funky +, Tekena Tamuno, treated the quests to jokes.
Governor Amaechi spoke at the event and called on World Leaders in the developed countries to evolve ways of curbing bad governance and dictatorship in Africa and Nigeria.
“So, we must put a system in the global picture that will compel third world country leaders who don’t want to obey rules, because, they have institution of the Police or the army”.
Also on Tuesday, the State Government, through Ministry of health, introduced palliative measures to cushion the effects of the Medical doctors’ strike that commenced last Tuesday. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker announced the plan to collaborate with some selected private clinics to provide emergency services to the citizens.
Dr. Parker also disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding had been reached with eight private hospitals in the state. They include Princess Medical centre, Prime Medical Consultants, Sonabel Medical Centre, Atinu Critical Care and Prof Kelsey Harrison Hospital.
The hospitals, among other things, will offer services to women in labour, accidents victims and surgical intervention.
“when the strike is over, the patients will return to government hospitals. I must make it clear, that these patients were registered under the free medical care programme”, Parker stated.
On Wednesday, Energy, Environment and Investment Forum continued with Special foas on women and on Thursday, the forum ended, but before then Rt. Hon. Smaechi had led former Ghanaian President, Ibn Chambas and other diplomats n a project tour. He took them to Nne Kurubo Model Secondary School, new Craft and Technology Development College, Model Primary School, Elekahia and the Port Harcourt Monorail Project site.
Former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Matters and Social Events, Dr Waripamowei Dudafa, has praised the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri on his formal defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dr Dudafa, who is also a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and one time commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Development, described the governor’s decision as a wise and well-considered move that aligns the State with the centre for accelerated development and greater political inclusion.
“Governor Diri’s decision reflects his pragmatic leadership style which has always been guided by consultation, inclusiveness, and the pursuit of the common good.
“Your Excellency, your decision to work in harmony with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which is in synergy with your ‘Assured Prosperity’ vision will undoubtedly bring about the needed transformation and development for the people of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta at large.
“Since assuming office, your guiding principle has been clear and consistent — to consult widely, act in the public interest, and deliver measurable development outcomes. That same principle has informed your latest political alignment, and it will continue to serve as a compass for your Assured Prosperity Administration”, he said.
He further praised the governor’s performance in office, stating that Gov. Diri’s administration has been characterized by purposeful governance and tangible results, reaffirming his continued loyalty and support for the governor, while also assuring that he and his associates will keep identifying with the Gov Diri’s administration in the collective effort to sustain peace, unity, and progress in the state.
While restating his continued solidarity with the governor’s leadership in the state, Dr Dudafa promised to lend his support to ensure that he finishes strong.
“Governor Diri’s political maturity and developmental focus have repositioned Bayelsa for a brighter future”, he added.
The Tide further learnt that Dr Dudafa once served as Special Adviser to a former governor of the State on Youth Mobilization and Empowerment.
“I want to again commend the governor for his courage and vision. His alignment of the State with the federal government under the Renewed Hope Agenda is a step toward ensuring inclusive governance and attracting more federal presence to the state”, he said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
A publication circulating online had quoted Alhaji Sheriff as saying, “It’s not me; it’s Shettima who created Boko Haram.”
But in a statement issued on Saturday, Alhaji Sheriff dismissed the report as a “complete fabrication” aimed at misleading the public and stirring political discord.
“The said story is a complete fabrication, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, malign the person of Senator Sheriff, and sow discord within the nation’s political landscape,” the statement read.
Alhaji Sheriff said he never granted any interview or spoke to any journalist on the matter, adding that the falsehood was designed to undermine his long-standing commitment to peace and national unity.
“This false report is not only mischievous but also a dangerous piece of fake news aimed at undermining years of Senator Sheriff’s contributions to peace, national unity, and development, both in Borno State and across Nigeria,” the statement added.
The former governor urged members of the public and the media to disregard the publication, noting that he had directed his legal team to identify and pursue those behind the story.
“Senator Sheriff has instructed his legal team to take immediate steps to identify all individuals, bloggers, or media outlets responsible for the dissemination of this defamatory material.
“Should the false publication not be retracted and taken down forthwith, the Senator will not hesitate to seek full legal redress under the law”, his media office said.
Alhaji Sheriff reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s security, stability, and democratic values and vowed to ensure that the spread of misinformation does not go unpunished.
Politics
Anambra Guber: I’m Not Impressed, LP Candidate Says …As Observers Lament Vote-buying, Low Voters Turnout
Mr Moghalu spoke to journalists on Saturday shortly after casting his vote at Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rise to its responsibility of making the process credible.
He also alleged voter apathy, attributing it to people’s lack of confidence in the electoral process.
Mr Moghalu said that even though it was too early to say whether the process was free, fair, and credible, he was not impressed.
“I am not impressed; there were no issues of glitches, at least for now. As we go along to monitor the process, we’ll confirm. In terms of voting, there’s an improvement over previous elections.
“I can’t say it’s free and fair because if you monetise a process, you weaponise poverty. What’s free about it? There’s no doubt there’s low voter turnout, and that has been the trend,” he stated.
The LP’s flag bearer stated that it was incumbent on INEC to continually improve the process, as voter apathy is a manifestation of a loss of confidence in the people.
Reports from Yiaga Africa, European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) II, and other partner organisations indicated that voter turnout was low in most polling units across the 21 local government areas of the state.
Speaking to journalists in Awka, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, identified vote-buying and low turnout as recurring issues observed in the thematic areas of the election.
Also, Asabe Ndahi of the Kukah Centre decried logistical challenges, including the late arrival of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security officials in high-risk areas, such as Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Ihiala, Ogbaru, and Nnewi South.
She added that incidents of vote-buying and voter intimidation were recorded in several local government areas.
that votes were being traded for between N15,000 and N30,000.
“It is sad that bad governance is fuelling vote buying and selling.
“For an unemployed youth who sells his vote for ?30,000, what will he be paid next month when there is no election?
“By selling your vote, you are saying no school, no hospital, no jobs and selling away your future. This is worrisome”, he said.
He called on journalists to play an active role in exposing and curbing the menace.
The former presidential candidate also described all the hopefuls in the governorship race as his friends.
“Whoever wins, let him serve the people. Nigeria needs service now. We need to pull our people out of poverty,” he said,
Earlier, Mr George Moghalu, LP governorship candidate, said despite the heavy deployment of security personnel for the election, he had received reports of widespread vote-buying.
He also described the trend as “most unfortunate”, and warned that the crime undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
Mr Moghalu added that he remained optimistic on the outcome of the election, as he had campaigned extensively and presented his manifesto to the electorate.
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