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Civil Servants Stage Victory Rally For Wike …As Monarch, Youth, Opposition Parties, Others Hail Gov, Supreme Court
Thousands of civil servants in Rivers State yesterday staged a rally in Port Harcourt in celebration of Governor Nyesom Wike’s victory at the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court, had on Wednesday, upturned the judgement of the Appeal Court which nullified the election of the governor.
Addressing the workers at the state secretariat, the Head of Service, Barrister Rufus Godwins, said that the victory has averted another round of crisis in the state.
Godwins said that the people of Rivers State were already frightened by the provocative utteramces of some politicians, adding that with the victory, the state has returned to its pride of place as the foremost state of peace in the country.
The Head of Service, however, urged civil servants to give their full support to the administration by maintaining their integrity.
According to him, Rivers people and the rest of the world are happy with the victory of the governor, stressing that the judgement should now challenge everyone to put their faith in God.
“ I urged every civil servant to be loyal and maintain their integrity”, he said and described Governor Nyesom Wike as a God, fearing man who is ready to initiate programmes to uplift the standard of living of Rivers people.
A factional chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Prince Williams Addah who was at the rally described Wike as a honest governor who will work for the interest of the state.
He also said that the victory will usher in peace and prosperity in the state, and assured labour’s support to government policies and programmes.
The workers later marched to Government House, where the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Dr Onyekachi Nwankwo, who represented the governor thanked them for their show of solidarity.
The Permanent Secretary said that the situation shows the love of civil servants to the state and government.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the Nigerian Civil Service Union, Rivers State, has described the Supreme Court’s verdict as a victory for democracy and rule of law.
In a statement yesterday, the state Chairman of the union, Comrade O. T Lilly-West, said that civil servants in the state were overwhelmed with joy over the verdict, and prayed God to grant the governor grace and wisdom to pilot the affairs of the state and deliver democracy dividends to the people.
Following Wedneday’s Supreme Court judgement that upheld Chief Nyesom Wike’s election as the governor of Rivers State, reactions have continued to trail the judgement.
The Chairman of Ekpeye Council of Chiefs, Eze Ikaki S. Ikaki said the judgement is a victory for democracy and the people of Rivers State.
The traditional ruler lauded the Supreme Court judgement, saying the ruling would stabilized peace and development in the state.
He congratulated Governor Nyesom Wike for his courage and faith in God, during the judicial battle.
He also assured the governor of the support of the traditional rulers in the area to enable him actualise his New Rivers Vision in the state.
Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Bro Felix Obuah, dedicated the Supreme Court judgement to God, saying, “when God says yes, no body can say no”.
Speaking through his Media Adviser, Jerry Needam, the PDP boss advised Rivers people, including the opposition, to join hands with the governor to move the state to greater heights.
Also reacting, the spokesman of ‘I See You Group,” Isaac Ordu, said the Supreme Court judgement has restored the confidence of the people in the judiciary.
According to him, democracy has come to stay in the state following the Supreme Court ruling, stressing that the apex court’s ruling has shown that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man.
Ordu, however, advised Governor Wike and the PDP to run an all inclusive governor for peace and development of the state.
The state Chairman of Labour Party, Prince Favour Reuben in his reaction, also hailed the Supreme Court ruling for not only allowing peace to reign, but to prove that election was actually held in the state.
He called on political parties and all politicians to accept the ruling of the court for democracy to take root in the state.
The Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN0, Rivers State chapter, Sukubo Sara-Igbe also described the ruling of the apex court as a victory for democracy.
Sukubo, who stated this at a press briefing, yesterday in Port Harcourt noted that the victory was a vindication of Rivers people’s long-drawn struggle for justice.
He added that the verdict of the apex court has restored the hope and confidence of the people in the credibility of the judiciary.
Sukubo also commended the court for standing firm in the defence of the law and constitution of the country. According to him, the judgement of the Supreme Court has brought peace and doused tension within Rivers State and the neighbouring states.
In another development, former Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Port Harcourt City Local Government Council, Barrister Clifford Oparaodu, said the Supreme Court judgement was to re-affirm the wishes and aspirations of Rivers people.
Oparaodu, who is a legal practitioner and was in Abuja for the judgement, told The Tide that the victory is for democracy and not for the PDP, stating that it represents the victory and mandate the people of Rivers State gave to the PDP and Governor Nyesom Wike in the last election.
According to him, “the court found out that what was reported and declared during last election represents the actual vote given to the PDP. We are happy that the state has been rescued from being mortgaged. This will go further to stop and end impunity.
Also, former lawmaker representing Port Harcourt Constituency1 in the state Assembly, Hon.Jones Ogbonda described the judgment by the Supreme Court as a big relief to the Rivers people.
Ogbonda who is one of the Special Assistant to Governor Wike further described Supreme Court judgment as victory for democracy and for the people of Rivers State.
According to him, ’’The people’s Democratic Party and the people of Rivers State are happy and will remain happy. The Supreme court did the right thing and at the right time.
On defection, he said he was not aware that majority members of the party defected to other parties. One or two persons may have defected, that does not mean that many have defected. the party is strong and will remain solid following the judgment yesterday. “Core and faithful members of the PDP are still with the party and they are happy over the Wednesday judgment.
However, some of the opposition parties in the state have expressed happiness with judgement of the Supreme Court.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), which spoke with our correspondent, said it was a confirmation and affirmation of the voices and wishes of the people of Rivers State and residents alike.
The state Chairman of SDP, Engr Joshua E.Worlu and NNPP State Chairman,Deacon Princewill Enyi said the judgement was impressive, adding that their members in the state were happy with the judgement by the Supreme Court.
According to Worlu, “this is the first time the court has given a bold and sound judgement that everybody is happy with. Wike deserves the victory because Rivers people voted for him.
Worlu revealed that members of SDP in Rivers State voted for Wike during the last election because they saw him as a man with vision and aspiration to move the state forward.
According to him, “we do not mind of his party members of SDP voted for him, and ensured that he won. So, we are happy with the judgement which confirm him as the Governor of Rivers State.
“SDP is happy because we believe in truth,good governace and justice. We also believe in oneness and sincerity which has been demonstrated by Wike within nine months of his administration.
Enyi, in his comment, urged all and sundry to join hands with Wike to make Rivers State what God has destined her to be.
According to him, “a winner today might be a loser tomorrow. My party, NNPP once more congratulate the governor.
He commended Governor Wike for carrying other political parties along and he fulfilled it by including them among the local government area caretaker committee members amongst other.
Also speaking, the House of Assembly candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Andoni Constituency, Hon Romsam Dressman called on Rivers people to take the judgement in good faith.
According to him through the Supreme Court’s judgement was painfull, it has become a spring board for success, if Rivers people believe in true democracy and God.
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Our Legacy’ll Leave Lasting Impression On Rivers People -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
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We’re Determined To Leave Legacy Of Quality Education -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to give the best attention to the education sector so that standard and quality learning will never be compromised in the State.
The governor emphasised that in achieving such legacy, schools in the State will be driven with a curriculum that will equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Governing Council of Rivers State University at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said: “There is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we don’t have direction.
”But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channeled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.
”Education that is creative. Education that gives you independence. We have left the era in the world when you speak too much grammar. We are in such times when it is what you can do with your hands.
”Our purpose for education is that we should bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you don’t need a job but you create jobs. When one creates a job, you automatically employ others. That is what I want this council to see as their task.”
Governor Fubara noted the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
He said such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford sending them to far away secondary schools, to roam the streets, and therefore becoming willing tools for criminality.
Governor Fubara assured that such fundamental problem will be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
The governor said he trusts in the capacity of the members of the Governing Council of Rivers State University to bring about positive change in the institution while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the State.
”I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but let us add something different from the normal things that we already have to see new things.”
In her response, on behalf of the other members, the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.
Justice Odili assured they will work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitate the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that will be bequeathed by his administration.
The members included Justice Mary Odili (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council with Barrister Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Esq.
Others were Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park, and Mr. Ogbugbu Barisua.
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Fubara, Others Eulogise Rivers First Lady’s Mother
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, and key stakeholders of the State on Wednesday paid glowing tributes at the Service of Songs held in honour of late Mrs Adeline Jaja, mother of the wife of the Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Mile 1, Diobu, Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara described his late mother-in-law as a great and visionary woman who lived on truth and conviction in what she believes.
“Mama was a great woman. She wasn’t a materialistic person. When she believes in you, she’ll be all out for you. She stood for me. I feel pained that, like my own mother, she left at this moment.
”Mama believed so much in God, and the wonders of God. I thank everyone, particularly the Church. On behalf of the bereaved family, we will support the Church to immortalise her name,” the Governor said.
In his homily, Vicar of the Church, Ven. A. A. Ijon-Ama, who spoke on the gains of death, said physical departure from earth was not an ultimate end but an opening for higher and permanent gain and perfection.
He pointed out that when a man has a good relationship with God, he stands to gain more in death.
Ven. Ijon-Ama described late Mrs. Adeline Jaja as a devout Christian, who exuded deep sense of hospitality, and endowed with accommodating spirit, noting that she will be greatly missed by all.
The Vicar, who prayed for the repose of the soul of Mrs Adeline Jaja, also solicited for Divine fortitude for the family to bear the great loss, and called for the immortalisation of the deceased to keep her good legacies alive.
Some family members, who spoke at the Service of Songs, extolled the virtues of the deceased, describing her as “a great community leader, counsellor, peace maker, and caring mother, who provided for the needy, and participated actively in Church activities.
Highlights of the event were special prayers for the bereaved family, conducted by the Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Innocent Ordu; remarks by key family members, choir ministration, among others.
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