Issues
Involving Companies In Wike’s Development Plans
Management staff of C & I Leasing Plc, one of the companies operating in Rivers State, during the presentation of its 2014 Annual Report in Port Harcourt recently. At the event are the Company Secretary, Mr Mbanugo Udenze (middle), Chairman, Air Vice Marshall A.D. Bello and Executive Director, Princess N.U.I Uche
Rivers State Governor,
Chief (Barrister) Ezenwo Nyesom Wike recently said that his administration would not politicise the strategic development interest of the state but would remain committed to the transformation of all sectors of the State Economy.
Chief Wike who stated this during the commissioning of a 3.6 kilometres interlock road network constructed by Orleans Invest West Africa Limited in Ogu, headquarters of Ogu/Bolo Local Government, urged other companies in Rivers State to partner with the government in the development of the state, and commended management of the company for constructing the road for the community.
The governor was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Kenneth Kobani.
As a matter of fact, the co-operation or partnership of companies and government in the development of Rivers State needs to be re-examined to adapt to new competitive strategies and conditions. Globally, there is the new dimension of competition in development which is the predictable result of high growth. The emergence of major companies onto world markets is a breeding ground for developmental competition. This is the reason company and government can now partner to produce or achieve a large-scale growth rates and competitive environments world-wide. On the horizon, and indeed emerging now in many economies, are the companies and governments coming together or pulling their resoruces to develop major giant projects for countries, to develop major giant projects for countries, states or communities.
For example, the very large Salim Group of Indonesia took centre stage throughout the region, using often their Hon Kong subsidiary holding company, First Pacific. Li Ka-Shing of Hong Kong through Hutchison Whampoa has made a major acquisation in Canada of a petroleum company, along with considerable real estate investments there. the CP Group of Thailand are the largest foreign investments in China by most accounts while Robert Kuok of Malaysia and Hong Kong has extended his hotel and media interests world-wide.
All these were part of effective networks of relations throughout the region that brought recent development and high growth in economy and environements, and also made for a focus on cash flow as a key operating measure. . Former President Jiang Zemin of China transformed the country through a striving for consolidated economic reform and political stability.
A strong, stable Rivers State will exert considerable infleunce on world political eqiulibrium. official declarations and actions by Governor Wike since his inauguration on May 29 have clearly shown that his administration intends to return the state to a position of power in the national and international arena, that is, to drastically reduce poverty, insecurity, to avoid unilateral dependence on federal assistance and to strengthen the state’s image of investors safe haven and economic hub of the nation.
The support of multinational companies and banks operating in Rivers State will greatly foster the future development of the state, especially at rural communities via the Corporate Social Responsiblties CSR of such organizations. Their Community Relation Affairs departments must ensure that the companies successfully cope with the challenges arising from the social and economic development of their host communities for smooth and uninterrupted operation. If companies keep to their agreements or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with government or and their host communities, it will ensure continuity and pave way for good relationship as well as create employment.
Compliance to laid down agreements will also bring social tensions under control and sustain economic growth. Within the short period on board, the Wike-led government has signed agreements with several companies for the execution of one project or another. So it is with other governments. Recently, a Canada-based science company, NHZ signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nigeria’s Traveri Group for a renewable energy project to tackle power challenges in Nigeria.
The project would commence on a pilot scale in Enugu and Nararawa States, said the International President of NHZ, Mr Robert Leth in Abuja. According to Leth, the Company had entered into agreements with the governments of the two states and the project would be funded by accessing 185 billion euros from European Union Fund.
Sometimes the implementation of these agreements becomes a problems as some companies renege on the terms agreed upon. Probably as a result of youth disturbances, which could disrupt work on such projects. It was against this backdrop that the Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Senator George Thompson Sekibo during the commissioning of the project at Ogu, told the people to sustain the peace in the community to attract more development projects to the area.
He charged youths in the area to resolve their grievances through dialogue while other companies should emulate Orleans Invest in carrying out their corporate social responsibilities. Orleans Invest did not only construct a new layout township road for the Ogu people but also a new market and an ultra-modern palace for the Amanyanabo of Ogu, Nicholas Ibiebele Nimenibo. This is quite commendable of the company.
Playing the politics of bitterness and rancour during the immediate past dispensation in Rivers State was one of the setback witnessed as it caused social disruption, political tension and slowed down economic growth. In a desperate bid to retain power, the immediate past leadership adopted what was often termed an impunitives attitude and disregard for society, and became potentially aggressive towards its past and present political friends and mentors. This led to the neglect or abandonment of several development projects attempted by previous governments in the state, which created the foreboding scenario that dragged the state into a quagmire of static and tension. As the state transforms from being the warmongering tiger much feared by the people into being the pampered domestic cat, we call on multinational and other companies operating in the state to join forces with the government to achieve rapid infrastructural and human capacity development.
In response to this call, the Port Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC) on Wednesday, 15th July, 2015 delivered some projects it executed in Okrika to the host communities. The projects commissioned included electricity transformers, water boreholes, schools classroom blocks.
The is another laudable stride in the development of the area, coupled with the rehabilitation of the Eleme-Okrika refinery road which had been in a very deplorable condition for many years. Big thanks to Governor Wike.
It is very clear that these tangible assets and access would increase hundredfolds and demonstrate the real development of the state’s economy and the social status of the people in the area. For the time being, it is believed that about a thousand companies from far and near are located in the state, and the fact that they are working with us, and that they are doing business with us, means only one thing: we are on the right track.
But the question now is; what interests have the oil companies shown in the development of their host communities over the years? How much attention have they given to the payment of compensation to communities affected by the hazards of their operations or activities in terms of oil spills and gas emissions? The geographical location of such people should not be taken for a ride because their lives are in danger.
This, therefore, demands for the re-negotiation of the natural agreements on the exploitation and exploration of the resources in our land. All these have been going through a wait-and-see phase over several decades. Neither the governments directly concerned, nor the Elites of the country and the ordinary citizens are happy about this standby situation. But in the light of these difficulties, no signs have indciated attempteds by the companies concerned to settle the issues once and for all.
No one can foresee the future and it is true that this kind of future is not easily foreseeable, it is safer to begin now to secure our destiny and our future, considering the geographical position of those in the oil-bearing states of the country, particularly, Rivers State. The intention and attempt by the Wike-led administration to turn the state into a modern one might be seen by his critics as utopia but with time, the subject of his economic and other policies will prove to be very realistic, with the collaboration of companies and well-meaning groups and individuals. Although the revenue accumulated, especially in the boom years of the state had been squandered before the emergence of this government thereby making it difficult to finance important public works, schools, hospitals, water and other investments in the meantime. Rivers people will have cause to smile in the nearest future. This is the prayer and hope of the people.
Without counting the millions of citizens, including workers on government payroll, the present government has so far shown itself to be inflexible when defending its political philosophy, defying even its opponents attacks and criticisms. But above all, having taken-off on a difficult situation, the government has substantial interests and zeal to put smiles on the faces of Rivers people, so all should give it a chance and support it whole-heartedly. For several years, Rivers State has been living in a kind of state of siege, which has been lifted.
Shedie Okpara
In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.
Tele Ikuru
The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?
Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .
Bernard C. Idike
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
Amieyeofori Ibim
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