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Mitee Hails Wike Over Projects

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With a visit to the various ongoing health facilities’ rehabilitation projects, Governor Nyesom Wike began activities in Government House last Sunday.
Shortly after inspecting works at some of the hospitals, the governor had a chat with Government House Correspondents. He noted that, among the hospitals being rehabilitated are zonal hospitals, that will provide tertiary and secondary healthcare to the people.
“Work has gone far in these hospitals. We are remodeling the hospitals and ensuring that we revive healthcare across the state.”
Chief Wike, last Monday, played host to the new commander of the 115 Special Operations Group of the Nigerian Airforce, Air Commodore Mahmud Madi.
He praised the effort and gallantry of the Airforce in dislodging terrorists in the North East part of the country saying “without your airpower, it would have been difficult to dislodge Boko Haram terrorists.”
The governor added, “I want to commend the Nigerian Airforce for the sacrifices you have made for the security of the country. Please keep it up.”
In order to ascertain the level of work at the ongoing Bonny/Bille/Nembe Jetty at the old Port Harcourt Township area, Chief Wike inspected the site and addressed youths and traders in the area last Tuesday.
The governor assured them that the project is for the overall benefit of the residents of the area and the riverine communities of Bonny Island, Bille and Nembe in Bayelsa State. He wondered why youths in the community have refused to be employed by the contractor, preferring to act as stumbling blocks to the smooth execution of the project.
There was a State Executive Council meeting last Wednesday and the State Information/Communications Commissioner, Dr. Austin Tam-George-briefed newsmen on the outcome of the meeting presided over by the governor Wike.
Dr. Tam-George said that a 15-member committee for the second year celebration of the Wike led administration has been constituted.
The committee is headed by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government as Chairman while the Commissioner for Housing will serve as Secretary, Commissioners for Information, Works, Sports, Women Affairs, Head of Service, and a Permanent Secretary among others were included as members.
Former President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Ledum Mitee was a guest of the governor last Wednesday.
Mitee later accompanied Chief Wike to inspect some ongoing projects, which incude the rehabilitation of the Abacha Raod in new GRA in Port Harcourt, the Pleasure Park and State Ecumenical Centre.
Impressed by what he saw, Mitee told newsmen, “This is fantastic, I am impressed. I’m excited by the level of work going on in the state.”
Adding, “the governor has struck a balance of infrastructure with the resources. Therefore, he is able to carry out projects.”
The Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt came calling last Thursday. Governor Wike used the visit to lampoon the – Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom over the recent killings in his state.
Chief Wike observed that Ortom has lost control of his state security and recalled that when similar incidence took place in the state, Ortom, instead of suing for peace, called for emergency rule in Rivers State.
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo played host to a delegation of Medical Women who were on an advocacy visit to her. She noted that although efforts have been made to reduce cases of violence against women and the girl child there is still the need to strengthen awareness.
The governor through the deputy governor, addressed the 31st Convocation Granduands of the University of Port Harcourt last Saturday. He said his administration is investing heavily in the education sector due to the fact that education is key in societal development.

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DIRI’S DEFECTION TO APC STRATEGIC, VISIONARY MOVE, SAYS EX-PRESIDENT JONATHAN’S AIDE

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Former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Matters and Social Events, Dr Waripamowei Dudafa, has praised the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri on his formal defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dr Dudafa, who is also a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and one time commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Development, described the governor’s decision as a wise and well-considered move that aligns the State with the centre for accelerated development and greater political inclusion.

“Governor Diri’s decision reflects his pragmatic leadership style which has always been guided by consultation, inclusiveness, and the pursuit of the common good.

“Your Excellency, your decision to work in harmony with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which is in synergy with your ‘Assured Prosperity’ vision will undoubtedly bring about the needed transformation and development for the people of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta at large.

“Since assuming office, your guiding principle has been clear and consistent — to consult widely, act in the public interest, and deliver measurable development outcomes. That same principle has informed your latest political alignment, and it will continue to serve as a compass for your Assured Prosperity Administration”, he said.

He further praised the governor’s performance in office, stating that Gov. Diri’s administration has been characterized by purposeful governance and tangible results, reaffirming his continued loyalty and support for the governor, while also assuring that he and his associates will keep identifying with the Gov Diri’s administration in the collective effort to sustain peace, unity, and progress in the state.

While restating his continued solidarity with the governor’s leadership in the state, Dr Dudafa promised to lend his support to ensure that he finishes strong.

“Governor Diri’s political maturity and developmental focus have repositioned Bayelsa for a brighter future”, he added.

The Tide further learnt that Dr Dudafa once served as Special Adviser to a former governor of the State on Youth Mobilization and Empowerment.

“I want to again commend the governor for his courage and vision. His alignment of the State with the federal government under the Renewed Hope Agenda is a step toward ensuring inclusive governance and attracting more federal presence to the state”, he said.

 

By:  Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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Modu Sheriff Disowns Report Accusing Shettima Of Creating Boko Haram

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Former governor of Borno State, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, has denied claims that he accused Vice-President Kashim Shettima of creating Boko Haram, describing the report as “false, malicious, and dangerous”.

A publication circulating online had quoted Alhaji Sheriff as saying, “It’s not me; it’s Shettima who created Boko Haram.”

But in a statement issued on Saturday, Alhaji Sheriff dismissed the report as a “complete fabrication” aimed at misleading the public and stirring political discord.

“The said story is a complete fabrication, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, malign the person of Senator Sheriff, and sow discord within the nation’s political landscape,” the statement read.

Alhaji Sheriff said he never granted any interview or spoke to any journalist on the matter, adding that the falsehood was designed to undermine his long-standing commitment to peace and national unity.

“This false report is not only mischievous but also a dangerous piece of fake news aimed at undermining years of Senator Sheriff’s contributions to peace, national unity, and development, both in Borno State and across Nigeria,” the statement added.

The former governor urged members of the public and the media to disregard the publication, noting that he had directed his legal team to identify and pursue those behind the story.

“Senator Sheriff has instructed his legal team to take immediate steps to identify all individuals, bloggers, or media outlets responsible for the dissemination of this defamatory material.

“Should the false publication not be retracted and taken down forthwith, the Senator will not hesitate to seek full legal redress under the law”, his media office said.

Alhaji Sheriff reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s security, stability, and democratic values and vowed to ensure that the spread of misinformation does not go unpunished.

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Anambra Guber: I’m Not Impressed, LP Candidate Says …As Observers Lament Vote-buying, Low Voters Turnout

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The Labour Party’s candidate in the Anambra State governorship election, Mr George Moghalu, has alleged vote-buying in the just concluded poll.

Mr Moghalu spoke to journalists on Saturday shortly after casting his vote at Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rise to its responsibility of making the process credible.

He also alleged voter apathy, attributing it to people’s lack of confidence in the electoral process.

Mr Moghalu said that even though it was too early to say whether the process was free, fair, and credible, he was not impressed.

“I am not impressed; there were no issues of glitches, at least for now. As we go along to monitor the process, we’ll confirm. In terms of voting, there’s an improvement over previous elections.

“I can’t say it’s free and fair because if you monetise a process, you weaponise poverty. What’s free about it? There’s no doubt there’s low voter turnout, and that has been the trend,” he stated.

The LP’s flag bearer stated that it was incumbent on INEC to continually improve the process, as voter apathy is a manifestation of a loss of confidence in the people.

Meanwhile, some international and local observers have expressed concern over reports of vote-buying and low voter turnout during Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.

Reports from Yiaga Africa, European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) II, and other partner organisations indicated that voter turnout was low in most polling units across the 21 local government areas of the state.

Speaking to journalists in Awka, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, identified vote-buying and low turnout as recurring issues observed in the thematic areas of the election.

Also, Asabe Ndahi of the Kukah Centre decried logistical challenges, including the late arrival of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security officials in high-risk areas, such as Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Ihiala, Ogbaru, and Nnewi South.

She added that incidents of vote-buying and voter intimidation were recorded in several local government areas.

that votes were being traded for between N15,000 and N30,000.

“It is sad that bad governance is fuelling vote buying and selling.

“For an unemployed youth who sells his vote for ?30,000, what will he be paid next month when there is no election?

“By selling your vote, you are saying no school, no hospital, no jobs and selling away your future. This is worrisome”, he said.

He called on journalists to play an active role in exposing and curbing the menace.

The former presidential candidate also described all the hopefuls in the governorship race as his friends.

“Whoever wins, let him serve the people. Nigeria needs service now. We need to pull our people out of poverty,” he said,

Earlier, Mr George Moghalu, LP governorship candidate, said despite the heavy deployment of security personnel for the election, he had received reports of widespread vote-buying.

He also described the trend as “most unfortunate”, and warned that the crime undermines the integrity of the electoral process.

Mr Moghalu added that he remained optimistic on the outcome of the election, as he had campaigned extensively and presented his manifesto to the electorate.

 

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