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Wike Urges LG Chairmen, Youths To Fish Out IPOB Members
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has charged the 23 local government council chairmen, and youth leaders in the state to fish out members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the state.
The governor has also warned that any council chairman that allows IPOB to hold processions and hoist its flag within their jurisdiction in Rivers State, risk sack.
He made these assertions during a meeting with all the 23 local government chairmen, Community Development Committees (CDCs) and youth leaders at Government House, in Port Harcourt, last Monday.
The governor described Rivers State as the most accommodating state for all Nigerians.
To buttress this, Wike stated that there has never been any historical incident of different ethnic groups clashing and killing each other in the state as has been witnessed in other parts of the country.
“We can never be against any ethnic group. We can never do that.We have lived in harmony with the Igbos, the Hausas, and the Edo people. Everybody that comes to this state; we have lived in harmony with. And so, Nigerians must commend Rivers State as a place where you have never had problem between this group and that group”, he said.
Wike, however, maintained that while the people of Rivers State believe in the unity of the country, they would not allow criminals under the aegis of a terrorist group called IPOB to continue to threaten the stability of the state.
“There is one terrorist group they call IPOB. I did not declare them terrorist group. The court declared them terrorist group! Not me. The Federal Government declared them a terrorist group. IPOB cannot use Rivers State to be a place where they will be launching attacks. If you allow that, your future, your children’s future is gone”, he said.
Infuriated by IPOB’s effontery to hoist its flag in Oyigbo, the governor directed the council chairman to ensure there was no occurrence of this treasonous act again.
“Go to Oyigbo, and see what they have done. Destroyed the court! What did the court do? See the soldiers they killed and burnt! See the policemen they killed and burnt, and then, you say people should sit and fold their arms?”
The governor, while calling for vigilance on the part of Rivers people, however, warned sternly that IPOB members should not delude themselves because Rivers State cannot be colonised or annexed by any group, particularly, while he is still the incumbent governor of the state.
He asserted that Rivers State can never be annexed to any state, to any zone.
According to him, Rivers State is Niger Delta, and will remain in Niger Delta.
He explained that while every Nigerian was allowed to reside in Rivers State, those who wish to do so must live in peace with the people of the state.
“Igbos are living and doing their businesses here, and they will continue to live and do their businesses here. We support that.
“But that terrorist group called IPOB cannot determine what happens in our state. It will never happen, and we must not allow it to happen”.
Wike charged all chairmen of councils, youth leaders, CDCs to go into their various communities and identify all those IPOB members.
He emphasised that nobody of Igbos extraction legitimately residing and doing business in the state must be harassed.
“But there are criminal elements that we must not allow, and the criminal elements are those who said they are IPOB members. The Federal Government has proscribed them, and I have banned them from operating in this state”, he said.
He called on the people to defend the territory of Rivers State and ensure that no part of the state is annexed by a criminal organisation or terrorist gang.
“We cannot allow it. All our vigilante groups must be encouraged. Everybody must be at alert. Work with the security agencies to make sure nothing called IPOB exists in this state. No procession. Not even a meeting anywhere. Identify where they hold meetings, and report them accordingly”, he directed.
In his remarks, the Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Ohia Prince Obi, lauded the governor for interfacing with the youths as this would give them a sense of belonging in the affairs of the state.
The Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, Comrade Chijoke Ihunwo’s appeal to Governor Nyesom Wike for clemency for wanted Stanley Mgbere, who led IPOB members to attack the palace of the King of Onne, was rejected.
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, congratulated Governor ChukwumaSoludo on his re-election, calling the result “an affirmation of visionary leadership” and promising closer federal–state collaboration with Anambra.
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Soludo the winner of Saturday’s off-cycle poll after he swept all 21 Local Government areas.
In a statement he signed and released yesterday, Tinubu praised voters, security agencies and INEC for a peaceful exercise and urged the governor to be “magnanimous in victory.”
He also commended the new INEC chairman, Prof. JoashAmupitan and charged the commission to sustain higher standards in future polls.
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He wrote, “I must also congratulate the people of Anambra State, the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission on the peaceful and successful conduct of the governorship election.
“Professor Soludo’s re-election is a testament to his visionary leadership and the significant progress the state has made under his guidance.
“Governor Soludo, the Solution, has demonstrated that indeed knowledge is power and that academic principles can be applied in serving the people, undergirding accountability, transparency and prudent management of people and resources.”
Tinubu reminisced on his visit to Anambra State in May, where he inaugurated some projects executed by the Soludo administration.
During the visit, he highlighted the good thinking behind the landmark projects being embarked upon by the governor, whom he called “Mr Solution.”
“That experience is indeed remarkable and will remain indelible in my mind,” he stated.
The President commended Soludo for bringing discipline, grace, brilliance, and a fresh perspective to governance in Anambra, saying, “Under him, Anambra is living up to its motto as the Light of the Nation.”
Assuring Soludo of his support, the President urged the former Central Bank Chief to be magnanimous in victory and to seek the cooperation of his opponents in the just-concluded elections.
He stated, “I assure Governor Soludo of my unwavering support, and I look forward to continued collaboration between Anambra and the Federal Government.
“The victory of the opposition All Grand Progressives Alliance in the election again demonstrates the vitality of our political system and the fact that victory for any progressive and hardworking leader can hardly be encumbered or denied.
Tinubu also thanked the new INEC Chairman, Amupitan, and his team for conducting what, according to him, observers have described as a credible election, “based on the reports I have received thus far.”
“I charge the commission with maintaining the standards and further improving its performance, so we can continue to strengthen and deepen our electoral system,” said Tinubu.
Soludo’s victory extends APGA’s two-decade dominance of Anambra politics and makes him the third governor in the state’s history-after Peter Obi and Willie Obiano-to win a second term.
Tinubu said he looks forward to “continued collaboration between Anambra and the Federal Government,” adding that Soludo has brought “discipline, grace and a fresh perspective” to governance in the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described the ongoing construction of the brand new 13.52-kilometre Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto Road as a bold and visionary effort by his administration to open up the coastal region for economic growth and harness the full potential of the state’s blue economy.
The Governor made this remark during an inspection visit to the project site in Andoni Local Government Area. The road, being constructed by Monier Construction Company (MCC), cuts through challenging coastal terrain and leads to a newly identified beachfront facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Governor Fubara explained that while the original plan was to construct a road leading to Oyorokoto Town and its popular beach, his administration decided to expand the project to create an entirely new route that would open access to another pristine beachfront.
“We are doing another inspection today. This particular one is a virgin road, 13.52 kilometres of a new pathway to the blue economy,” Governor Fubara stated.
“Initially, we were constructing a road to Oyorokoto Beach, one of the finest tourist centres in this area. But as we progressed, we discovered another beach directly facing the Atlantic Ocean. It became clear that we shouldn’t limit development to just one site. We want to harness this new beach front as part of our broader plan to develop the blue economy.”
The Governor emphasised that the project, once completed, will not only improve access to coastal communities but also stimulate tourism and economic activities, boosting revenue for Rivers State.
Describing the area’s difficult terrain as challenging, he commended the contractor for its dedication, and expressed confidence that the road would be completed and commissioned by March next year.
“You can see for yourself, it’s a brand-new road in a very difficult terrain, just like the one we saw yesterday. But I strongly believe we will overcome it. From what we’ve seen today, the contractor, MCC, is doing their best, and by next year, hopefully by March, we’ll have the cause to commission this project and give God all the glory,” the Governor affirmed.
Governor Fubara also visited Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area to assess the progress of work on the Epellema axis of the ongoing 5.2km Kalaibiama-Epellema road project featuring a 450-meter bridge.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road project, revealing that about 75 percent of the critical piling work has been completed.
Governor Fubara made this known while addressing journalists after an on-the-spot inspection of the 12.5-kilometre road project, which will connect the state capital to several Kalabari communities across the sea.
The Governor rode on a boat from a jetty at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area through the rivers and creeks on the project route during the inspection.
The project was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited, on May 15, 2024, with an initial 32-month completion timeline.
The Governor said the visit was aimed at verifying reports from the Ministry of Works regarding the project’s advancement. He commended the contractors for their dedication, and described the progress as “a true reflection of hard work and commitment to excellence.”
“The first phase of the project takes us to Bakana, and features four major river-crossing bridges and nearly five deck-on-pile structures. The terrain is difficult, and the engineering work required is complex. But to the glory of God, I can confirm that the reports I’ve been receiving are accurate. Almost 75% of the piling job, which is the most critical part of the project, has been achieved,” Governor Fubara said.
He emphasised that the Trans-Kalabari Road is one of the most technically demanding infrastructure projects in the state due to its challenging marine terrain but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver it on schedule.
Governor Fubara highlighted the strategic importance of the road in connecting the Kalabari Kingdom to Port Harcourt, and stimulating economic growth across riverine communities.
“This is a key project that will turn around the lives of the Kalabari people immediately it is concluded. By the grace of God, in the next six months, if we return here for inspection, we might be driving across the bridge,” he said.
Governor Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration remains focused on delivering transformative infrastructure projects that will improve lives and bring lasting development to rural communities.
“We have made a promise to our people to embark on projects that will change lives and bring development, and this is a testament to that commitment,” he added.
