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Stay Away From Rivers, RSG Tells Amaechi …Assures Readiness For NAFEST …As Wike Berates FG’s Intimidation Of Judiciary
Rivers State Government has advised the Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to stay away from Port Harcourt if he feels the State is unsafe.
Reacting to a statement by the Minister during a thanksgiving church service in honour of the APC guber candidate, Tonye Cole in Port Harcourt, yesterday in which he said Rivers State was unsafe, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Barr. Emma Okah said Amaechi should show his anger by hosting his party activities, church programmes, birthday parties, etc in Abuja outside the State since he says Rivers State is unsafe.
“Normal people cannot take Amaechi seriously any more because he lives in bitterness. Evidence abound to show that the Rivers State Government and the security agencies are doing their best to secure lives and property in Rivers State and only a deluded or mischievous mind denies this fact” Okah said
Condemning the reckless manner Amaechi talks, Okah said that in normal climes, a former governor and a serving Minister qualifies to be a statesman but the case of Amaechi is a harvest of shame as he maliciously discredits everything the Rivers State Government is doing to develop the State and provide security for the people.
“Amaechi needs to know that any failure of security under our democracy where the Governor has played his role is an indictment on the Nigerian Police and the security agencies who are under the control of the Federal Government and Amaechi should ask the heads of security agencies he posts to the State why there are lapses if any, he said, noting that Rivers State Government will not join him in the journey to perdition by condemning the hard working security agencies.
“Instead of Amaechi to empathise with those who sadly lost their loved ones, he was spitting on the graves of the deceased and mocking them because he knows he is seeking political mileage with the blood of the innocent and has not supported the State to fight crime since he became a Minister.
Rather than allow security agencies to do their work unhindered, Amaechi has continued to politicise the security architecture to achieve only political ends since his stooge lost the guber elections in 2015.
He must explain to Nigerians why security challenges still exist in all states in the country. Are those Governors also not doing enough or should that also not be the reason they and the President should lose elections? Okah asked, noting that even the APC-led Federal Government has not been able to address all security challenges in Nigeria despite their superior war chest, resources and imprimatur.
On the issue of people leaving the State, Okah said Rivers State is the leading investment destination in Nigeria and dismissed Amaechi as blowing hot air, talking without facts and statistics.
“Amaechi should explain why over 12 million Nigerians lost their jobs since 2015. Is he also alerting Nigerians that his boss is inefficient as President? Okah queried.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government says she is ready to host thousands of delegates from the various states of the Federation and Abuja as all arrangements are in place to ensure a successful National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST 2018) in Rivers State.
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Barr Emma Okah says Governor Nyesom Wike has provided the needed support, facilities and all logistics to ensure a smooth and remarkable festival.
According to the commissioner, the Governor has renovated hostels in Rivers State University to accommodate the delegates while efforts have been raised to ensure adequate transportation, security, venues, etc to make the festival one of the best in the history of NAFEST.
He urged the people of Rivers State especially those in the hospitality, food, leisure, culture, arts, transport and entertainment industry to put in their best and ensure the satisfaction of visitors and delegates and protect the image of the State.
Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has berated the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government for intimidating the judiciary through unfounded allegations and trumped up charges.
Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Saturday, during a courtesy visit by Class 1984 of the Nigerian Law School, Wike said the illegal actions of the APC Federal Government have made it impossible for the dispensation of justice in the country.
He said: “Where the country is heading to, there is little hope. The judiciary has been so intimidated. It is unfortunate that the Nigeria Bar Association buckled when it mattered most.
“Today, it is most difficult for any judge to be courageous to write fearless judgments. When they do, the security agencies will claim they saw money in the account of the judge”.
He said lawyers and other Nigerians should work towards the sustenance of the nation’s democracy.
“We must do everything to ensure that we have a country. If there is no democracy, we won’t have a way forward.
“Time has come when we must rise up and speak up against the failures of this government”, he said.
The First Vice President of the Nigerian Law School Class 1984, Bukhari Bello (SAN) commended the Rivers State Governor for his investments in the development of Justice sector infrastructure.
He urged other states to emulate Rivers State Government in the construction of befitting quarters for judges.
Bello also praised the governor for quality projects across the state, especially the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park.
“Highpoint of the visit was the inspection of the Judges’ Quarters.
Similarly, the Judiciary of Rivers State has been re-dedicated to God for greater service to humanity in the vineyard of Justice.
The re-dedication of the Rivers State Judiciary took place, last Friday, at the State Ecumenical Centre as part of the opening of the 2017/2018 Legal Year.
The re-dedication service had in attendance, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, the State Executive Council, state lawmakers, the Bench and the Bar.
The wife of the Rivers State Governor, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike was also present.
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike took the first lesson for the re-dedication service from Joshua Chapter 1, Versus 1 to 18 while the Chief of Rivers State, Justice Adama Inyie Iyaye-Lamikanra read the second lesson.
In his sermon, Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt Rev Innocent Ordu said that justice was a divine service.
The cleric said that Justice is a divine service which requires that those in charge of the justice system to adhere to the tenets of the law.
Ordu said: “Justice is relevant for the promotion of social order. Judgment is necessary”.
The actual re-dedication witnessed the filing out by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyaye-Lamikanra; the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Christiana Gabriel-Nwankwo; judges of the High Court and Customary Court of Appeal, the chief registrar and secretary, State Judicial Service Commission and deputy chief registrars for prayers by the cleric.
On behalf of the Rivers State Judiciary, Chief of Rivers State, Justice Iyaye-Lamikanra declared: “Our Father in Christ, I present ourselves representing the entire Rivers State Judiciary to be re-dedicated to God for the 2017/2018 Legal Year and for prayers of the church.
Selected re-dedication hymns were rendered all through the service, backed by the Archbishop of Anglican of Niger Delta Province, Most Rev Ignatius Kattey and Rev Monsignor Pius Kii conducting the re-dedication process.
The judicial officers publicly made pledges committing themselves to the delivery of justice.
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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.
