News
‘Repeated Massacre Strengthens Calls For Restructured Nigeria’
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike says the age-long relationship between the people of Tiv Ethnic Nationality and the state emboldens them to support each other when the need arises.
The governor said based on that conviction, he visited to offer goodwill and support of other forms to the Benue State Government when there was massacre of Tiv farmers by herdsmen in that state.
Wike stated this when he received a delegation of Tiv people living in Rivers State under the aegis of Mdzough U. Tiv, who were led by Mr. Caleb Yashi to Government House, Port Harcourt.
The leadership of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation worldwide accompanied the delegation of the Tiv people to visit the governor.
The governor said that the people of both states also bear similar weight of the several shades of marginalisation meted against minority tribes in the country, which have continued to make the call for restructuring of the country.
“I felt that what affects you also affects us. So, when that massacre took place in Tiv land, we believed that anybody in Tiv land that dies, an Ikwerre person will have to commiserate with that particular family.
“That was why we decided to go and see my colleague and friend, the governor. Whatever we did that time, we believe it was because of the strong tie we have together.
“I know what my colleague, the current governor passed through. I thank God that Benue people rallied round him to give him the necessary support.
“Now, if you look back and remember what happened that period, you’ll know that there is no way you’ll not constantly say that this is the time to restructure this country”, Wike added.
The governor noted that the Tiv people have not caused any problem for the state government, and urged them to continue to live peacefully with people of their host communities.
“In this state, you have not caused any problem here. We know that the Tiv people are warriors, and very strong. But this is not the period of war. It is time of peace when everybody has to live together.
“Rivers State is a place that is very accommodating. We accept everybody to stay with us peacefully. It is only those who want to rename Rivers State that I have said, ‘I will not agree’.
“Nobody can rename Rivers State. As per living peacefully, we have good relationship with all ethnic nationalities that live in Rivers State,” the governor stressed.
Addressing the leadership of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, Wike urged them to continue to ensure that Ikwerre people work together always.
Wike said that contract for the dualisation of the Eastern Bypass Road has been awarded as part of the urban renewal programme, and advised the people of Ogbunuabali community to allow the work to extend to their road because of the overall benefit it would attract.
He noted that there was already resistance from the community, and appealed to the leadership of Ogbakor Ikwerre to talk to the people to accept the development that was much better than the rents they collect from the commercial stores.
In his remarks, the Leader of the Tiv delegation, Mr. Caleb Yashi, said the Ikwerre and the Tiv people have shared common friendship for years, which started when Governor Nyesom Wike was elected deputy national president of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) with a Benue man as the president then.
They further recalled that Wike showed enormous love when he visited Governor Samuel Ortom to commiserate with him when herdsmen killed Benue farmers.
On his part, the President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Orgsnisation Worldwide, Prof Emenike Wami, said they led the Tiv people to Government House to meet the governor because they considered him as a strong voice championing the cause of the minorities in Nigeria.
News
PDP Opobo/Nkoro Hails Fubara On Peace, Projects
Stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State have commended the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his disposition that has fostered peace in the State.
Rising from an expanded stakeholders meeting last Saturday in Opobo Town, the body in an eight-point communique signed by its Chairman, Hon. Benneth Daminabo, Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and LG party Chairman, Warisenibo Godwin Pepple commended the governor for linking Opobo/Nkoro LGA to the national grid.
In addition, it lauded the effort of the governor in pursuing the 50.15 kilometre Dual Carriage Ring Road, Elelenwo internal road, Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme and Andoni Road projects.
Despite the distractions, the stakeholders said they were impressed that the governor had equally done projects in health-the unveiling of Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Agric projects at Tai and Oyigbo and improving welfare of civil servants.
In their words, “members reaffirmed their unalloyed loyalty and implicit confidence in his administration.”
Condemning the unfriendly and discourteous utterances of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Tony Okocha in different fora in the State, the forum urged the duo to desist from such action in order not to heat up the polity.
The forum pledged to stand by the governor through, “thick and thin”, the stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of women, who through prayers for the government has impacted positively in the direction and posture of the governor.
Finally, the forum unanimously expressed gratitude to the Simplified Movement and other bodies that have thrown their weight behind the governor to ensure that the administration is stable and successful.
By: Kevin Nengia
News
‘Rivers People Are Now Breathing Fresh Air Under Fubara’
Aformer Caretaker Committee Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon Elamo Arogu, says under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the people of the State are now breathing fresh air.
Hon Arogu said Governor Fubara has given Rivers people hope, considering the impactful and people-oriented projects being carried out by his administration.
The former CTC chairman made the assertion during the Simplified Movement’s thanksgiving service and rally held in honour of Rivers State chief executive last Friday in Abua .
Arogu said under Governor Fubara, the Abua/Odual people have the confidence that the dividends of democracy will definitely get to them.
He noted that the Governor has the strong will to change the narrative in Rivers State, being the reason he is receiving massive support across the State.
“The people of Abua/Odual are strongly behind him. Our doors ate open for everyone because there is government in place to attend to the needs of the people. I believe that he will develop Abua/Odual and other Rivers council areas, hence, the massive support. This government is business- oriented and we are ready to encourage him succeed and invest in our land. The issue of a bank; road networks and other necessities of life bordering on development as demanded by the people will be considered by Governor Fubara”, he said.
He called on the opposition to team up with Governor Fubara to build a stronger, united and viable Rivers State.
He maintained that ward nine under his leadership is Simplified.
News
Rivers State University Cooperative Society Elects New Leaders
The United Port Harcourt Peoples Cooperative Investment & Credit Society Limited, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, has elected new leaders to pilot the affairs of the cooperative for the next two years.
They are Pastor Dr. Barine Aeba (President); Dr. Gift N. Nkweke (Vice-President), Dr. Kenneth Chima Adiele (General Secretary), Victor G. Banigo (Assistant General Secretary),
Rose Yeyeda Nwosu (Treasurer), Adaku Nwogu (Financial Secretary) and Stella Ereba (Public Relations Officer).
Inaugurating the new Management Committee after a keenly contested election held recently at the University Amphitheatre, the Director of Cooperatives in Rivers State, Dr. Elizabeth Chidi-Wike, congratulated the seven-member Executive for emerging winners at the election, charging them to uphold the bye laws of the Cooperative Society and hold regular congress meetings.
Dr. Chidi-Wike used the forum to commend the outgone Management Committee for reviving the Cooperative and placing it on an enviable pedestrial.
In her remarks, the Acting Registrar of the University, Mrs. Ibimonia Sotonye Harry applauded Cooperative members for keeping faith with the Cooperative Society, stressing that the goal of the society in helping members save for retirement cannot be over emphasised.
In his valedictory speech, the outgone President, Dr. Mie-Idala Jones Amachree expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of his four-year tenure, thanking his fellow Management Committee members who gave him the needed support that transformed the Cooperative Society.
In his acceptance address, the President, Pastor (Dr.) Barine Aeba thanked the university management for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the election, pledging that he will fulfill all his campaign promises.
A total of 165 Cooperative members participated in the electoral exercise which was conducted by an Electoral Committee led by Engr. (Dr.) Joseph D. Enoch.
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