Rivers
APC Shuns ABOLGA Stakeholders’ Parley
As the Independent Na
tional Electoral Commission (INEC), gears up for the rerun legislative elections on 30th July, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers state, has shunned a stakeholders’ meeting called by the electoral body to discuss how to ensure smooth and violence-free polls in the area.
The parley, held last wwek in Abua Central, headquarters of the local government, was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon Marshall Uwom; the state Women Affairs Commissioner, Mrs Ukel Oyaghiri; the LGA CTC Chairman, Chief Oye Fubara Igenewari; the LGA PDP Chairman, Mr Optimist Wariboko; and representatives from other political parties in the LGA.
Speaking at the event, the Electoral Officer, Mr Emmanuel Ebifa, expressed shock that the All Progressives Congress chairman and representatives were absent, stating that invitation letters were sent to all the political parties and stakeholders in the same manner, and wondered why the APC was absent in the meeting.
Ebifa further informed those present at the meeting that he even called the APC chairman in the LGA, Hon Gift Igoma, while the meeting was ongoing, and that the chairman, in response, promised to send a representative.
The electoral officer, however, stated that the upcoming election scheduled for Saturday, 30 July, 2016, will hold only in wards 11 and 12 of the LGA, and appealed for the co-operations of all to ensure a smooth exercise.
Speaking, the Abua/Odua Council Caretaker Committee Chairman, Chief Oye Fubara Igenewari commended the security agencies for their untiring efforts at sustaining the existing peace and security in the area but denounced their activities in the last rerun election.
According to him, “I stand here as the head of government of this place, and we are to provide, in conjunction with the security agencies, a level playing field. We are not known to be partisan when it comes to security, and it is also my complaint that during the last election, I was treated as if I was not holding the office I am holding in this place.
‘’I was not recognized as the chief security officer of this LGA. At some point, I was even molested,” he said.
He, however, appealed for a change of attitude, and called on the electoral officer to clarify which wards and units the election would take place in the LGA.
On his part, the Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Marshall Uwom also commended the security agencies for the sustained peace in the LGA but frowned at the indiscriminate arrest of members of a particular political party in the area during the last rerun election.
Uwom appealed for their cooperation to ensure that the upcoming exercise was smooth, free and fair.
The state Women Affairs Commissioner, Mrs Ukel Oyaghiri, appealed to INEC to ensure quick and timely distribution of election materials and personnel in view of the difficult terrain of the affected wards and units.
In an interview shortly after the parley, Mr Emmanuel Ebifa, told newsmen that election will take place in wards 11 and 12, adding that “for other units, the head office will confirm to us and we shall inform you in the same way we have called for this meeting.”
In a communique signed after the meeting by all political parties present except the APC, the parties agreed to refrain from violence on, before and after the elections.
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.