News
Rivers PDP Insists On Use Of New Stadium For Rally
As the controversy surrounding the non-approval of the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium for President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign rages, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, has vowed that the facility will be available for the President’s rally on January 28, 2015.
The state government had refused to approve the state PDP’s application to be allowed to use the stadium for the event, maintaining that the facility was still under construction.
But Wike, who spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt, during a meeting with the Goodluck to Goodluck Political Group, declared that contrary to claims by the state Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the PDP presidential campaign in Rivers would hold at the Amiesimaka Stadium.
The governorship candidate explained that the stadium belonged to the people of the state, insisting that the President would use it irrespective of Amaechi’s stance on the matter.
Wike argued that since the All Progressives Congress was able t
Rivers State Commissioner for Finance, Dr Chamberlain Peterside (left), Chairman, Rivers State Internal Revenue Board, Onene Osila Obele Oshoko (middle), Special Adviser to the Governor on Revenue Generation, Chief Nwankwo Nwankwo (right) appearing before the lawmakers at the House recently. Photo: Chris Monyanaga.
o hold its presidential rally in the stadium on January 6, 2015, it was logical that the PDP could use the same facility for its presidential rally.
Explaining that the PDP was committed to the peaceful use of the stadium, Wike added that the state PDP were meeting with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the right thing was done.
“The PDP presidential rally will hold at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Wednesday, January 28. The APC held their presidential campaign rally on January 6, 2015 and an earlier rally on October 25, 2014 in the same stadium.
“Our presidential rally will hold at that stadium because it belongs to the people. We are working with all stakeholders to ensure that the right thing is done to move the nation forward. We are committed to the peaceful use of the stadium for our Presidential campaigns,” he said.
Earlier, the Legal Adviser of the group told the PDP governorship candidate that his association was working for Jonathan’s emergence as President for a second term and Wike as the next governor of the state.
Wike had also inaugurated committees that would be responsible for the successful organisation of the PDP presidential rally in the state.
However, the Rivers State PDP Chairman, Mr. Felix Obuah, who spoke on behalf of the committees, promised that members would deliver a memorable presidential rally in the state.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
