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Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Wike Gives Business Grant To Widows …Says Youth’ll Have 60 Per cent Space In 2nd Term
Rivers State Governor,Chief Nyesom Wike has announced a N30million business grant to the widows and wives of fallen heroes and war veterans of the Nigerian Legion in the state.
Speaking during a ceremony to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the courtyard of the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday. Governor Wike said that the grant will help the women expand their businesses and cater for their families.
The governor also announced a donation of N20million to the Rivers State Branch of the Nigerian Legion. He noted that the two donations will be effective after the legion make peace amongst them The Armed Forces Remembrance Day was held at the Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt where Governor Wike inspected a guard of honour and released pigeons of peace.
The governor, leaders of the state and service commanders laid wreaths at the tomb of the unknown soldier, while there was a 21-gun salute for the fallen heroes.
He said: “When you settle your differences, N30m business grant for the widows and wives of the fallen heroes and war veterans will be released . There will be a donation of N20m for the Legion. In all, we are donating N50m to the Legion”.
He noted that the State Government has redeemed its pledge of N100million to the Legion.
“We have since redeemed our pledge to support the State Veterans Trust Fund with the sum of N100, 000,000.00 (one hundred million naira) to cater to the socio-economic needs of members of the State Chapter of the Nigerian Legion.
“We have also delivered the 32-seater coaster bus to ease the communication challenges legionnaires have been facing to commute their members to functions and events in the State and beyond”, he said.
The governor said the state government is honouring the legacy of both the past and present members of the nation’s armed forces who have either served or still serving for their contributions to the course of peace and national cohesion.
He said Nigeria deserves the total defeat of Boko Haram instead of the technical defeat being paraded by the APC Federal Government.
He said: “The Federal Government therefore needs to do something more pragmatic to boost the moral of our troupes, reverse the embarrassing setbacks and defeat Boko Haram. Nigerians demand a definitive, not the so-called ‘technical’ defeat of the terrorists.
“Furthermore, we must also admit that being assailed by so many economic, social and political challenges the future of our nation is clearly entangled in a dark cloud of uncertainty”.
He regretted that the Federal Government is destroying the key institutions of state and therefore endangering the country.
“Instead of strengthening, the Federal we have spent enormous time, energy and resources in the last three and half years to undermine and destroy the basic institutions that we need to guarantee our democracy, advance our progress and secure our future.
“And so, as someone rightly captured; when institutions are ruined, that’s when a nation is ruined and even wars do not destroy nations the way the breakdown of institutions do. We must therefore resolve to confront and defeat those evil forces seeking and working hard to destroy our institutions and thwart our collective aspiration for a truly united, peaceful and prosperous country”, he said.
Representative of the Nigerian Legion, Borah Thompson thanked the Rivers State Governor for his commitment to the welfare of fallen heroes and war veterans.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that Sixty (60) percent of appointments during his second term would be reserved for the youths.
Speaking during a meeting with youth leaders from all the wards of Rivers State at the Rivers State PDP Campaign Office, Governor Wike said that his second term would be used to groom youths for leadership positions.
He said: “When we return for our second term in office, the youths will take 60 percent of appointments. The elders have had their day during the first term. The second term will be for the youths.
“We will groom youths who will take our state to a higher level”.
The governor added that youths will play a key role in ensuring the victory of the PDP in the forthcoming general election. He said Rivers youths should stand up to defend their votes every step of the way.
He noted that the PDP Campaign will focus on reaching everybody at the grassroots, hence the declaration that every politician must deliver his/her polling unit.
“I have said no more leader at the Local Government and ward level because we are taking power to the units. Everyone should take responsibility for his/her unit”, he said.
The governor urged the youths to protect their permanent voters cards as the APC has set up a committee to steal the PVCs.
He added that during his second term, his administration will expand women and youth empowerment opportunities across the State
Governor Wike called on the youths to work for the victory of Atiku Abubakar at the polls, saying that the state stands to benefit nothing from the Buhari administration.
He noted that the key position of the Minister of Transportation in the Buhari administration has been of no benefit to Rivers State.
The governor said the marginalization of Rivers State would worsen should Buhari get a second term.
He reminded them that as a Minister during the Jonathan administration, he attracted key projects to Rivers State, despite having issues with the Amaechi administration at the time. He said that Amaechi has no reason not to attract projects to the state.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.