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You’re Elders Without Honour, PDP Blasts Ada-George, Graham-Douglas, Others …Enemies Of State Struggling To Disrupt Collation Process -Wike

Published

7 years ago

March 22, 2019

The Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council has taken a swipe at the publication on Page 46 of The Nation Newspaper of Wednesday, March 20, 2018, titled, “Rivers State Electoral Crisis: Need To Urgently Stop Looming Insecurity And Disaster”, credited to some All Progressives Congress (APC) members under the name of “Concerned Leaders and Elders of Rivers State”, describing them as ‘leaders without honour’.
In a statement issued, in Port Harcourt, on behalf of the council, last Wednesday, the Director of Information and Communications, Barrister Emma Okah, noted that the concerned elders failed the state at a time the people needed them most, to stand up for truth and leave enduring legacies that future generations would be proud of.
According to the statement, “Rivers people faced peculiar violence inflicted upon them by the APC during the 2019 elections, and any Rivers person who does not see this unfortunate turn of events orchestrated to deny Rivers people the opportunity to freely choose their leaders is an enemy of Rivers State and cannot profess love no matter how beautifully couched”.
Okah said the concerned elders, without shame, are now appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to salvage them by appointing a governor for them after they failed to win election for the President and their beleaguered governorship candidate.
“Credible elders and leaders live beyond themselves and stand up to be counted in moments of truth. While the leadership of APC in the state was running hostile agenda against the state government and demarketing the state, these elders threw away their honour and looked the other way.
“They saw nothing; said nothing; and heard nothing. While one man was busy tearing the state APC apart, did these elders ask for peace and reconciliation of the warring factions? While a section of the APC was disobeying court orders and shutting down courts in Port Harcourt, did these elders speak up?
“As if that was not enough, while the problems of the APC in the state raged, did these elders advise against the subsequent adoption of a hitherto unknown party and governorship candidate to match the political war chest of Governor Nyesom Wike?”, Okah queried, pointing out that the president wants to be a statesman and will not allow himself to subvert the INEC and appoint an unknown governor who did not win one unit in the election to make the concerned dishonourable elders happy.
“Concerning the role of the Army and F-SARS, and loss of innocent persons who died as a result of Army and F-SARS’ undue interference during the elections, it is a calamity that the concerned elders justified the excesses of these coercive institutions despite the havoc their involvement has caused in terms of human casualties in Rivers State.
“We are amused that the concerned elders are only extending condolences to the families of those killed during the elections weeks after their death and when the APC plot to impose a governor on the people failed. How else can anyone describe hypocrisy and shedding of crocodile tears by concerned elders and leaders?”
On the state of the governorship election in Rivers State, “The council is embarrassed by the demand of the APC leaders whose party was not in the ballot that the President should stop INEC from carrying out its constitutional duty regarding Rivers State Governorship and remaining House of Assembly elections.
“It is ironical that while the concerned elders and leaders are cleverly unable to explain to Mr President why they lost in the Presidential election despite the money and institutional support given to the APC in the state, they have now found a voice in the governorship election by supervising and glibly judging which INEC officer did his job well and those that did not.
“The PDP Campaign Council needs to remind the concerned elders that elections in Rivers State took place in the polling units and results generated from there were aggregated and found their way to the State Collation Centre. Nobody can change the unit results and forcing the INEC to change it by the elders will be like crying over spilt milk.
“We advise the elders to be honourable and face the truth at all times as nothing can change the course of destiny as God has designed it for Rivers State,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conclude the collation process for Rivers and Bauchi states, saying that the losers can approach the election tribunal to seek redress.
Speaking during a solidarity visit to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday, PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, said it was illegal for anyone to stop an election midway.
Wike said: “I call on the INEC chairman not to drag the country into crisis because of inconclusive elections. This manoeuvre is not good for the nation’s democracy.
“He should go ahead and conclude the process of elections in Rivers and Bauchi states. We should move ahead. Those aggrieved should approach the tribunal”.
The PDP national chairman said that leadership of the party are with the Rivers State governor.
“We are here to say that we stand with you. We have prayed with you in private and we are standing with you at this crucial and trying moment. We ask God almighty to ensure that you cross this red sea”, he said.
The National Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Tsauri said that the military should concentrate on the protecting the nation’s territorial integrity instead of getting involved in election matters.
He said that the negative involvement of the military in the Rivers State governorship election was a threat to nation’s democracy.
“The military should protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria. They should not be involved in electoral matters. The involvement of the military in the governorship election of Rivers State is an attempt to truncate the nation’s democracy”, he said.
He called on INEC, security agencies and the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government to work within the law at all times.
The PDP national secretary said INEC should do what is right regarding the Governorship and State Assembly elections in Rivers State by declaring the results.
He described Wike as a pillar of the party, who worked for the PDP when it mattered most.
“We are here to identify with you. If we talk of PDP, Rivers State is the first to be mentioned and you are the pillar of the party. We are confident that justice will be done. God is with you and the people of Rivers State are with you”, he said.
He noted that the people of Rivers State voted overwhelmingly for Rivers State governor because of his excellent works.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike said that the enemies of the state were struggling to stop the collation and declaration of the governorship election.
He said that the police were now inviting electoral and collation officers to intimidate them over collated results in the governorship election.
The governor said: “The police are trying to intimidate collation and electoral officers by inviting them for one offence or the other so as to impinge on the collation process.
“Imagine where the police are inviting the entire returning officers, the entire electoral officers and entire electoral officers because allegations have been made against the INEC officials. This is just to let the entire world see what we are talking about”.
The governor said that the enemies of the state continue to roll out strategies to destroy the governorship election collation process.
“They go by this strategy, if it fails, they go by the other strategy. They brought the Army, it failed. They have gone to the court and now they want to use the police”.
Wike said that the good people of Rivers State will overcome all the challenges thrown at the state by the system.
“Like I said, this victory will be the best. It will be the sweetest amongst all the states. That is what I see coming. There is no election that will be held in this state and another party will win.
“Not to talk about a party that is not on ground. They have failed and that is the truth of the matter”, he said.
Wike said the political situation in Rivers State has exposed the negative aspects of the system.
“In the end, PDP will emerge victorious in this state. It is a victory that can be delayed, but not denied.
“This morning, the other political party went to court to stop collation. As God will have it, the court did not grant them their request.
“You see how funny it is. The candidate of AAC said he won the election. The same candidate has gone to court to stop collation and seek for the cancellation of an election, he claimed that he won”, he said.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

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Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed

Published

2 weeks ago

November 14, 2025

The Tide

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.

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Fubara Pledges Cleaner Gateway To PH City …Visits New Dumpsite At Igwuruta

Published

1 month ago

October 24, 2025

The Tide

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.

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Fubara Tasks New SSG On Honour, Service, Protection Of Rivers Interest

Published

1 month ago

October 17, 2025

The Tide

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.