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No Going Back On Amotekun, S’West Govs, Yoruba Leaders Insist
The Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu, yesterday, assured that there was no going back on the implementation of the security outfit codenamed Amotekun in the region.
He was quick to dismiss the fear that it would be used for the purpose of ethnic persecution.
Akeredolu said this at the public hearing on the bill organised by the Ondo State House of Assembly held in Akure, the state capital.
“There is no going back. We are not going to compromise the security of our people. We have put our hands on the plough there is no retreating. Let me disabuse the mind of the people it will not be used for the purpose of ethnic persecution.
“We have cleared the grey areas with the security agencies. So, we are now good to go with Amotekun.
“There are those that are in support of Amotekun and some not in support. But those in support will triumph.
The Amotekun issue is not the initiative of just one state but it involved all the six states of the South-West which included collaborations of the AGs and speakers.
Other stakeholders at the public hearing include, the Afenifere represented by its National Secretary, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, who lauded the six governors for the initiative by putting aside politics in the interest of the safety of the people of the region.
Afenifere said that the Yoruba region went through terrible experiences in the hands of herdsmen citing the kidnap of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae and the gruesome murder of the daughter of its National Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Mrs Funke Olakunri.
He said that restructuring was the answer to the myriad of problems bedevilling the country.
The group asked the personnel to be fair a firm while dispensing justice.
In his submission, the former SGF, said that Nigeria is not safer with the present security architecture, noted that “Amotekun is the arrival of Yoruba freedom. What we want is our safety in our region.
Falae said, “Yoruba cannot secede from Nigeria we have suffered to make Nigeria what it is today. We have invested time and resources in Nigeria.
“Amotekun is a free opportunity to free ourselves. Our freedom is what we won’t compromise. Amotekun arrival represents the freedom of Yorubas from oppression within the Nigerian nation. Amotekun should bury such thought as the move was not part of plans for the Yorubas to secede from Nigeria”.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers in the state, the Olubaka of Okaland, Oba Adebori Adeleye said that Amotekun should have power to arrest and prosecute offenders.
The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon Bamidele Oloyelogun, said the safety of the people in the region was paramount to the governors hence the initiative.
He added that lives are being wasted on daily basis and this has to stop.
Oleyelogun assured that all inputs made at the public hearing will be taken into consideration when harmonizing the Ondo State position with the other five South-West states.
Happy Birthday Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON
Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory
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We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring good healthcare for the people of Rivers State.
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?Governor Fubara stated this when he played host to the Country Director of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her management team in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
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?The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, said he would continue to provide the necessary facilities in order to ensure accessible and good health care for all Rivers people.
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?”We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.
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?”We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society. We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he said.
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?The Country Director for UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, assured Governor Fubara of UNICEF’s support to the programmes of the State Government. She appealed that health facilities such as the Oxygen Plant at Eleme Local Government Ares and the New Born Care Units be solarized.
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?”Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.
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?”I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she added.
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