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Wike Presents 2019 Budget To Assembly, Monday …Tasks Ex-Servicemen On Members’ Welfare
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike is expected to present 2019 appropriation bill on Monday next week, the Speaker of the Assembly Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani gave the indication yesterday during plenary.
Rt. Hon. Ibani urged lawmakers to make themselves available at the budget presentation on Monday 24th of December 2019, as the House is billed to receive the governor and his entourage at the hallowed chambers.
But before hinting about next Monday’s budget presentation, the House received two reports on the Rivers State Arbitration bill 2018, and the Rivers State MultiDoor Court bill 2018.
Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary and member representing Emohua State Constituency, Hon. Sam Ogeh laid the report before the House, as he commended members and the public for their contributions.
Recall that a forthnight ago, the House approved the State Medium Term Expenditure Framework.
The framework will provide blueprint for the state budget and fiscal policies in the next three years covering between 2019 – 2021.
Lawmakers had thrown their weight behind the new policy as it will serve as a guide to government in planning revenue and budgetary programmes for the State.
Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibani described the framework as proactive, “the government is planning for the future, while we are living for today”, he said.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has called on the leadership and members of the Nigerian Legion in the state to reconcile their differences.
Speaking during the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration Emblem and Appeal Fund Launching Ceremony yesterday, Governor Wike said that the break-out of factions in the Legion is not necessary.
He said: “I am surprised that up till now you have two factions in the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State. Simply because the State Government gave a grant of N100million to the Legion last year, a major crisis broke out.
“I don’t know who will preside over this year’s donation to the Legion. My suggestion is that for the sake of your members, you have to reconcile”.
Governor Wike launched the Emblem for N10million. He announced that the 23 Local Government Areas of the state will launch the Emblem with N23million.
The governor berated the Service Commanders for sending representatives to the event, saying it was a disservice to the fallen heroes and war veterans.
Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Sir Kenneth Kobani said that the celebration reminds the country of the roles played by the military in the unity of the country.
He commended the Rivers State Governor for taking the support to the fallen heroes a step further by funding welfare programmes for their widows.
He urged Nigerians to pick up the emblem and donate for the sustenance of the families of the fallen heroes and war veterans.
Representative of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State, Assistant Commander Ekwueme Francis commended the Rivers State Governor for releasing a N100million grant to the Legion for scholarship to the children of the fallen heroes and grants to their widows.
He, however, said that it is unfortunate that the fallen heroes and war veterans are not genuinely appreciated by other members of the society.
Highpoint of the occasion was the decoration of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike with the official emblem.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
