Politics
Wike Interfaces With Real Madrid Foundation
The pact between Rivers State Government and authorities of Real Madrid Foundation, Spain over the establishment of Real Madrid Football Academy in Rivers State dominated affairs in Rivers State Government House last week.
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, led a team representing the state to Spain to meet the Real Madrid Foundation to conclude preparatory talks for the project.
Wike, after a close-door meeting with leadership of the foundation, noted that the partnership had reached its high point and that when operational, the academy will help Rivers State harness opportunities inherent in football as it would empower the upcoming generation.
The governor said, “This is the concluding part of the process of establishing Real Madrid Academy in Rivers State. It is our dream to empower our youths through football”.
Another major issue was the celebration of World Food Day in Rivers State on Monday. At the event, Governor Wike announced plans to encourage 20,000 youths of the state to take to agriculture.
The governor who was represented at the event by the secretary to the State Government, Sir Kenneth Kobani, said his administration was partnering with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure that 10,000 youths between the ages of 18-35 accessed agricultural loans.
He also stated that another 10,000 will benefit from the agricultural arrangement the state was making with Siat Nigeria Limited.
“As a government we will continue to encourage our youths to go into agriculture and exploit the opportunities of agriculture,” he said, stressing that the sector has the capacity to employ millions of persons.
“Agriculture alone can employ more people than any other business. The oil industry is nowhere near the agricultural sector. Agriculture has the capacity to employ millions”, he maintained.
Another major development was the approval given to the Rivers State University by the Nigerian University Commission (NUC) to establish a Medical Faculty.
Governor Wike expressed happiness over the approval and noted that it will lead to the full training of Medical Doctors and other health professionals in the state and promised that his administration will invest in the construction and equipping of the College of Medical Sciences of the university.
The governor took time out of the Brick House to attend to activities marking the opening of the 2017/2018 Legal Year.
Chief Wike berated the Federal Government for clamping down on Judges and said that the aim of the Federal Government was to weaken the legal system and lay grounds for wholesome politicisation of the Justice sector in the country.
He expressed disappointment that since 2015, the nation had not seen any single initiative from the Federal Government to either reform, correct real or perceived inefficiencies in the nation’s judicial system.
“Indeed judges appear to have been intimidated to the point where some now find it very uncomfortable to attend even official state functions with governors for fear of being blacklisted and eventually punished.
Other issues that also made influential impacts last week in the Brick House was Governor Wike’s commendation of Rivers Angels Football club for winning the 2017 AITEO cup.
Wike described the team as worthy ambassadors of the state and assured of his administration’s commitment to sports development.
Chris Oluoh
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
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