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Ijaw Group Warns Against Plot To Divide Jonathan, Wike – No Rift Between Ex-President, Gov -RSG

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The Save Ijaw Nation Group (SING) has debunked the allegations accusing former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan of working against the interest of some chairmanship aspirants in the forthcoming National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement signed by SING’s Director, Mr. Tony Ile, the group blamed the claim on some fifth columnists, whom it said have been working against the interest of Jonathan by spreading negative stories in the media against the former president.
The group stressed that as the father of the party, Jonathan was neutral and fair to all aspirants.
Describing those behind the fake news as divisive agents that do not wish the PDP well, SING also accused them of spreading falsehood about an imaginary squabble between Jonathan and Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyeson Wike, “over the issue of who to support at the convention.”
The statement said further: “Their latest ploy is to sponsor some stories in the media to create the impression that Jonathan is now at loggerheads with the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyeson Wike over the issue of who to support at the convention. They think that by doing that Wike and other party leaders will begin to have problems with Jonathan. They forget that Wike is Jonathan’s loyal political son with whom he will continue to work together for the good of the party, Niger Delta and the entire nation.”
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to a fallacious allegation made by a hitherto unknown group, the South-South Coalition for Good Governance that former President Goodluck Jonathan was mobilising northerners in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to work against the ambition of a chairmanship candidate, Mr. Uche Secondus. We believe that those behind this fictitious group are merely flying a kite meant to sway the ex-president to openly express his views on the chairmanship race at the forthcoming convention.
“This is a fabricated statement that has to be quickly debunked because of the likelihood of such lies to begin to wear the toga of reality, if allowed to stay too long in the public space, unchallenged.
“The nation and PDP members had experienced a similar situation in the past when a false impression was created by some mischievous persons to the effect that Jonathan installed former PDP chairman Senator Modu Sheriff in office. This falsehood later morphed into a strange perception which unfortunately had some gullible party members believing its possibility, even as it was obvious to all party leaders that Jonathan had no hand in Sheriff’s emergence as the leader of the party.
“The claim this time is that former President Jonathan is using some northern leaders to frustrate Secondus’ aspiration to lead the party.
“How come they couldn’t mention the name of even one leader that Jonathan had consulted on the choice of candidates for the convention?
“How we wish that Jonathan had such strong northern support he is now being accused of deploying. If he did, he wouldn’t have dismally lost the 2015 presidential election in the zone, like he did.
“It is obvious that those spreading this rumour are not even smart. If they were, they would have known that it doesn’t even sound right to claim that the former president would connive with some people, be them from the North or South, to plot the downfall of a man he had helped from his modest position then as a state party chairman to become a key figure in the national leadership of the party, having held such key offices as organizing secretary, deputy chairman and acting chairman.
“The truth is that Jonathan has nothing against the aspirations of such a man whom he has helped to groom. It is also true that as a politician, it is his right to cultivate sympathy for any candidate of his choice. However, no rational party member expects the former president to openly endorse any candidate, given that he is the father of the party who should be seen to be fair to all.
“We have to point out that this same fifth columnists, from what we already know of them, are behind all the negative stories in the media against the former president. Their sole aim is to put Jonathan in bad light and cause confusion between him and other leaders of the party.
“It is obvious that they are just exploiting the opportunity of the convention and the name of Secondus, who they do not even support, to continue their attack on Jonathan, with the main aim of pitching the former president against the party. There is no doubt that these are people with evil intentions who do not wish the PDP well.
“Their latest ploy is to sponsor some stories in the media to create the impression that Jonathan is now at loggerheads with the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyeson Wike over the issue of who to support at the convention. They think that by doing that Wike and other party leaders will begin to have problems with Jonathan. They forget that Wike is Jonathan’s loyal political son with whom he will continue to work together for the good of the party, Niger Delta and the entire nation.
“Those manufacturing the lies should know by now that they have failed, if their original intention was to pull Jonathan out at this point, through deception, to openly endorse a candidate for the chairmanship position. As the father of the party, former President, Jonathan will not openly support one candidate against another. As the father of the party, we know that Jonathan’s doors are open to all party members who would wish to either consult him on national issues or seek his blessings for their aspiration to any office of their choice, in the party.
“This is a period that all loyal and committed members of the PDP should make sacrifices to encourage the main opposition party to grow from strength to strength, for the good of the nation’s democracy. For PDP members who wish to occupy leadership positions in the party, we urge them to be patriotic-minded as they pursue their interests, rather than seek to destroy the party with devious rumours and lies.
“Those members of the party who take recourse in character assassination of other members should be reminded that they are destroying rather than building the party.
“From what we know of former President Jonathan, we are sure that he will continue to play the role expected of him as a neutral father figure in the party, and never allow crooked politicians who have no interest in the progress of the PDP to distract him,” the group added.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has dispelled speculations that there is palpable friction between the former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan and the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike over the choice of candidates for the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) national chairmanship position in the December 9 National Convention of the party in Abuja.
In a statement in Port Harcourt, the government said, “Our attention has been drawn to a fictional pattern of reports being planted in the media by enemies of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wherein they allege that former President Goodluck Jonathan and the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike are at loggerheads over political issues.
“These reports are patently false and merely concocted by enemies of the PDP to deceive Nigerians ahead of the forthcoming elective National Convention of the party.
“The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan are working together to rebuild the PDP and re-position it for victory in all future elections.

“Contrary to the views being canvassed in the reports planted by the agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in sections of the media, there is no premise for any political disagreement between Wike and Jonathan, whom he served as a loyal minister.
“The presidential ticket of the PDP has been zoned to the North, while the national chairmanship of the party is zoned to the South; hence there is no basis for the speculation that there is a conflict, where none exists.
“We urge members of the public and loyal PDP members to disregard these reports as they are concocted to mislead Nigerians who are tired of the present order,” the statement added.

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RSG Commits To Workers’ Welfare …. Calls For Sustained Govt, Labour Partnership

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The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.

The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.

He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.

Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.

He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.

Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.

“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.

The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.

He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.

The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.

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Labour Unions In Rivers Call For Improved Standard Living For Workers

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.

The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.

“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.

Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.

According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.

“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tinubu committed to unlocking Nigeria’s potential – Shettima

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Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.

Shettima stated this when he hosted a  delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.

He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.

The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.

“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.

” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”

He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.

According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.

Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.

“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”

The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.

” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.

The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.

Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.

” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.

“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”

Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.

“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.

“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.

Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.

The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.

He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.

He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.

Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.

He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.

 

 

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