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Fani-Kayode Extols Jonathan’s Virtues …As GEJ, Wike Harp On National Unity
Former Minister of Aviation, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, has said that former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan still has so much to offer Nigeria.
The former minister said this when Jonathan hosted a delegation of former ministers still in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and served between 1999 and 2015.
Fani-Kayode described the former president as a great leader who had encouraged many Nigerians.
“You still have so much to offer this country. The future is great for us, for PDP and this country,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Jonathan had called on Nigerians to pray and work toward the nation’s unity, as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.
The immediate past president said that no nation’s economy could grow where there was no peace.
“We should always use this period to know that the unity of the country is paramount.
“We cannot develop as a nation, no matter how people demonstrate, and no president can do magic, if there is tension in the land.
“This is because, immediately there is sense of insecurity in any country, investors will go back, and when investors go back, of course, the economy will dwindle.
“What improves the economy is confidence, and what makes investors to have confidence is peace.
“Nobody wants to invest where there is no peace, except those that invest in arms and ammunition.
“We should all pray and work toward that peace, that is the only way we can grow our economy,” Jonathan said.
He also commended the former ministers for forming the forum and for finding time to celebrate Sallah with his family.
The former president said that he was elated for seeing the former ministers coming together under a unique platform.
“We should begin to reduce the cleavages and fault lines, and form a political body that will look at things with national interest,” Jonathan said.
He, however, congratulated all Muslim brothers and sisters in the country for the successful completion of Ramadan fast and the Sallah celebration.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, said that the delegation comprises former ministers from 1999 to 2015.
Turaki said that the visit was to avail them the opportunity to share with Jonathan issues of national interest.
“Nigerians are beginning to appreciate the efforts you made in moving this country forward.
“Nigerians are still getting more aware of the enormous sacrifice you made to ensure that Nigeria remained together as one indivisible and indissoluble nation,” he said
Meanwhile, the former President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has appealed to all Nigerians to see the unity of the country as a paramount issue that must not be toyed with.
Jonathan made this appeal while playing host of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Former Ministers’ Forum in Abuja, last Monday.
The former president noted that no country can develop under the atmosphere of insecurity and threat to its existence.
He, therefore, stressed the need for Nigerians to live peacefully with one another, adding that this would help in building the nation’s economy by attracting more investors.
Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has stated that nobody has the right to issue quit notice to other Nigerians, saying that the country was indissoluble.
Wike stated this while receiving the Rivers Muslim community at the Government House, last Monday during their Sallah courtesy visit.
Nyesom also stressed that despite the social challenges, Nigeria remains united.
The governor said every Nigerian has the right to reside in any part of the country, stressing that nobody was empowered by the law to issue any ethnic group quit notice.
The governor stated: “Nigeria must be one. All of us will live together. All of us are free to do business anywhere in the country. Whether you are from the north, you are free to stay here and do business.
“Nobody should threaten anybody. All of us own this country. We must be our brothers’ keepers”.
Wike said that the unity of the country is necessary for the rapid development of the country.
The governor assured the Rivers Muslim community that he will continue to sponsor them for Hajj as his administration believes in the spiritual upliftment of the people.
He said: “Government will continue to give you support, but we cannot use state resources to build a mosque.
“During the Ramadan, I sent items to all the mosques in the state. We are all worshipping one God, even though we serve him in different ways”.
He stated that the essence of inviting the Muslim leaders to Government House, and particularly the leader of Muslims in Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar to the 50th Anniversary of Rivers State was to show respect for the contributions of the Muslim community to the peace and development of the state.
He added that he will be paying a Sallah visit to the Sultan, yesterday (Tuesday).
In his response, the leader of the delegation of Rivers State Muslim Community and Vice President, Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Awelebe Nasir Uhor, expressed appreciation of the community to the Rivers State Governor for his monumental strides in efforts to develop the state.
He commended the governor for promoting religious tolerance in the state.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
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Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.
Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.
He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.
Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.
“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.
The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.
Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.
He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.
“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.
“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.
Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.
He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.
The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.
He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.
“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.
Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.
He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.
Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.
“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.
