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Rivers PDP Tackles Oshiomhole …Over Comments On Wike …BoT Assures Of Edo Poll Victory
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, has described Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, as a drowning politician who is seriously worried that his All Progressives Congress (APC) will lose the governorship elections in the State.
The Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Sam Nwanosike, who spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt, said Oshiomhole dramatised his frustration with his recent unsubstantiated allegations that Governor Nyesom Wike had mobilised militants to storm the guber elections in Edo State that was postponed.
Nwanosike further dismissed as tissues of lies allegations by the Edo State governor that Wike and his Delta State counterpart, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, doled out N2billion for the PDP’s guber candidate in Edo State.
He said the people of Edo State had made it clear to Nigerians that they were done with the APC because of the level of deceit, propaganda and lack of performance.
“As a political party, the PDP has no business with militancy. When a man is drowning, he looks for everything to hold on to. Oshiomhole first said 8,000 militants were registered, later, he switched, saying N2billion was given to PDP.
“We don’t have any business asking our members to go and support our candidate in Edo State because we have enough supporters in Edo State, Pastor Ize-Iyamu has all the support.
“They have tried to use security to disorganise Ize-Iyamu, they failed. They denied Ize-Iyamu use of the stadium for his campaign, the people still went with him. You saw the people with him. Oshiomhole knows he will lose the election. He is just looking for soft landing, when he loses the election,” Nwanosike stressed.
The PDP’s rising star said that members of the party in Rivers State were responsible people with no link with miscreants.
He further lauded Wike for his amnesty programme, saying it will rehabilitate and reintegrate repentant militant youth in the state.
“We believe as a government, that the youth should be given good livelihood,” he said.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), Sen.Walid Jibrin, said, yesterday, that postponement of governorship election in Edo State would not affect the party’s victory.
He stated this while speaking with newsmen in his home in Nasarawa, Nasarawa State.
It would be recalled that the IndependentNational Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed the Edo poll from September 10 to September 28 on the advice of security agencies over alleged security threat.
Jibrin said that PDP would win the election on the rescheduled date, and urged the party’s supporters and electorate not to be deterred by the postponement.
He urged them to remain loyal and sustain their confidence in the party.
“Whatever led to the postponement of the election cannot stop the rainy days; what God has planned has already been planned and no man can change the outcome.
“With what we have seen on ground and by all signs we have seen, whether the Edo State governorship election has been postponed 10 times or 20 times, PDP will still win the election.
“We are going to win that election and there is no doubt about it.
“So, we have no quarrel with anybody shifting the election; it is good for us and we are still on ground because what God has planned has been planned.
“I want to call on our party supporters and other electorate not to be deterred by the postponement but to remain united and vote PDP in order to enjoy the much-needed dividends of democracy,’’ he said.
Jibrin said that the party was resolving its internal crisis amicably without fighting and quarrelling so as to make the party stronger.
“The BoT and other stakeholders of the party are working tirelessly to bring back and unite all the aggrieved members so as to make the party stronger as well as to enable it win all positions in future elections,’’ he added.
He also assured the members that the party would provide a level-playing ground to those aspiring for positions to realise their ambitions.
The BoT chairman urged Nigerians, especially youths, to be law-abiding, respect constituted authority and live in peace, tolerating one another irrespective of ethnic, religion and political affiliations.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, has lauded the commitment, solidarity and pivotal role of women in promoting peace and enterprise development in Rivers State.
Lady Fubara spoke at the second edition of ‘Women Converge,’ a special programme organized by Rivers Women Unite for Sim, an NGO, at the main bowl of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
She said women in the state had tremendously impacted the state positively through their prayers, careers, contributions to the home fronts, and expressed appreciation to Rivers women, for their unwavering support to her husband, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, while urging them to continue to pray for the state.
“Once again, let me use this occasion to thank Rivers women for their support both in prayers and solidarity with me and my family. You have been wonderful. I can’t reward all that you do, but God in heaven who sees in secret will surely reward you openly.
“Truly today, marks another milestone in our effort to shape the society for good and lending our support for the sustenance of peace and development of Rivers State in particular and Nigeria at large. Without doubt, the prayers of our women avails much in every situation.
“Let me enjoin our women to remain prayerful because God is ever ready to answer our prayers. In all that we do, we must not forget the hand of God and often seek Him for direction and help. You have always been steadfast and I urge you not to relent, and together we will move our society forward. Whatever you do, putting your trust in God will certainly succeed”.
The Rivers State first Lady described the theme of the event, “Women in An Evolving World” as apt and, deeply reflective of the very essence of actions and strategies that women adopt to navigate the new world order.
She noted that despite the complexities of managing the home front and the constraints of economic realities, women had demonstrated formidable strength and resilience to confront the odds of life.
“This Converge underscores the resilience of our women to succeed no matter the odds, especially with absolute faith in God and determination for greater accomplishments.”
“Whether in the industry, business, agriculture, public service or even in politics, they have always shown strong determination to adapt and to accomplish like others.
“Our natural state notwithstanding our focus has always been to reach for the sky like every other person and as Rivers women we have always been pacesetters.
The Keynote Speaker, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, described women as the foundation of every society, noting that the development of every society depends on the strength of womanhood.
In their good will messages, notable Rivers women who attended the event expressed optimism over the prospects of sustainable peace and development in Rivers State, and reiterated their support for the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Some dignitaries that attended the event include former Commissioner for Environment in Rivers State, Prof Roseline Konya; foremost activist, Ann Kio Briggs; wife of the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Mrs Christie Toby; President of the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHACCIMA, Dr Chinyere Nwoga; Pastor Ene Secondus, among others.
Highlights of the event were ministrations, cutting of cake and special prayers for Rivers State.
