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Again 5,000 Dump APC For PDP In Rivers; Say APC Has No Direction …Hail Wike’s Development Strides …Ogonis Explain Support For Gov’s 2nd Term
About 5,000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) resident at the Abonnema Wharf Community in Port Harcourt, last Friday, thronged the Isaac Boro Park to declare their support for the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike come 2019 general elections.
The scene, which was heralded with fanfare, was graced by a cream of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) bigwigs and members of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), including Chief Emeh Glory Emeh, Hon Bright Amaewhule, Engr Samuel Nwanosike, Hon Edison Ogranya, Prince Umejuru, Kinikannwo Amadi and Ikechi Chinda.
Addressing the mammoth APC defectors led by Comrade Igoniko Gogo-Abite, Emeh, who represented the governor, said the decampees had done the right thing by returning to the PDP on noticing that APC in Rivers State was only existing on the various media platforms.
According to Emeh, “The people decamping today are doing the right thing, which I also did some time ago when I saw that the APC in the state has nothing to show that it is in existence”.
He noted that the Wike-led administration had done so well for Rivers State that the defectors would taste his magnanimity, and assured the Abonnema Wharf APC decampees that they would be carried along while their request for a market, revolving loan scheme, among others, would be looked into.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), Samuel Nwanosike regretted that the demolition of buildings at the Abonnema Wharf by former governor, Chibuike Amaechi was not in the good interest of Rivers State but for a particular company he chose to favour.
The former Ikwerre Local Government Area CTC chairman observed that the Abonnema Wharf community has a voting power that could decide who would manage the economy of the state, pointing out that the injury inflicted on the people cannot be easily forgotten while assuring the decampees that Wike would stand by them.
In his speech, PDP Chairman, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Ikechi Chinda assured that he would ensure the integration of the Abonnema Wharf defectors as quickly as possible, saying that with the development, the 20 wards of Port Harcourt would be won by the PDP come 2019.
In his remarks, leader of the decampees, Comrade Igoniko Gogo-Abite explained that they decided to abandon the APC because of the good works the governor has been doing for the state in terms of infrastructural development, adding that the APC has no leadership pattern and direction.
Gogo-Abite, who enumerated some projects constructed by Wike in the Abonnema Wharf area such as the State Ecumenical Centre and roads, appealed to the state chief executive to assist the community in the area of electricity as they have been in darkness for many months.
Meanwhile, the Paramount Ruler of Rumuodara in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Eze John Enyindah Amadi has commended the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for the flag-off of the reconstruction of Egbelu Road project in the area.
Amadi, who spoke to our correspondent, said the project would boost socio-economic life of the people of the area.
He said the road will decongest both the Okporo-Aba Road and the Rumuodara-East-West Road that was always congested.
“This Egbelu Road, if completed, will help free these nearby roads from traffic congestion common in this area.
“We are, indeed, very grateful to our action governor for flagging off the road,” he said.
Amadi said the entire people of Rivers State were proud of the governor’s style of good governance.
“Every community in the state has one project or the other to thank him for, so, also on political appointments. Wike is an action governor and a blessing to the state”, the paramount ruler stated.
The Nyewe-Eli-Odara, said Rumuodara will give Wike 100 per cent vote in 2019, and urged him to run for second term.
Describing Rumuodara as one of the fastest developing communities in the state, the royal father appealed to the governor to assist in establishing and constructing a police station in the community for improved security in the area.
He further urged the governor to appoint a son or daughter of the area as a commissioner in his administration.
In the same light, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Sir Kenneth Kobani has declared that the Ogoni Ethnic Nationality resolved to vote massively for Governor Nyesom Wike in future elections because of his outstanding projects’ delivery in the area.
Speaking during the defection of hundreds of All Progressives Congress (APC) members to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gokana Local Government Area, yesterday, Kobani said that Ogoni people were committed to the victory of Wike in 2019.
He said since the creation of Rivers State, no other governor has invested in the development of Ogoniland the way Wike has done.
The former minister of state for trade said all the local government areas that make up Ogoniland have benefited from strategic projects that have improved the living condition of the people.
According to Kobani, the dualization of the Saakpenwa-Bori Road, the completion of Kpopie-Bodo Road, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road, the General Hospital, Bodo City, the Bori Zonal Hospital; General Hospital, Nchia and the Birabi Memorial Grammar School were some of the projects that have transformed the landscape of Ogoniland.
He said: “Governor Wike has transformed Ogoniland, and we are committed to his re-election. If the governor has done this in three years, by the time he completes his second term, Ogoni people will benefit more.
“All Ogoni people, including those who left APC to join us, must remain committed to delivering Governor Wike in 2019. That is our principal goal. Governor Wike has done so much for the Ogonis. No other former governor can equal his record”.
He charged all organisations to work in unity to return Wike in 2019, and warned against divisive tendencies ahead of the campaigns.
Rivers State Finance Commissioner, Dr Fred Kpakol said Wike has placed Ogoni on his priority list in appointments and projects.
He said Gokana Local Government Area alone has the Secretary to the Rivers State Government and the Commissioner for Finance, an indication that Wike loves the people.
In his remarks, Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Politics and Strategy, Chief Emeh Glory Emeh advised the decampee APC members to remain steadfast as they will benefit from their association with the PDP.
He said that APC has nothing to offer the people of Ogoniland, adding that more APC leaders in the area will soon defect to the PDP.
President-General of Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), Chief Bright Amaewhule commended the APC members for defecting to the PDP.
He said their defection will help in ensuring the re-election of Wike in 2019.
Shedie Okpara and Chris Oluoh
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.
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.
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.