Politics
Sultan Of Sokoto Hails Gov Wike
After the marathon inauguration of people-oriented projects in the state for the past three weeks, Government House Port Harcourt recorded low activities last week.
However, as commendations continue to pour in over Governor Nyesom Wike’s good governance, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, last week praised the governor for his developmental strides in the state.
According to the Caliphate, the massive infrastructure of the Governor’s administration is an eloquent justification of the ‘ Mr Project ‘ title given to Wike by Nigerian Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbanjo.
Abubakar made the commendation, Wednesday, when the Rivers State Governor visited Sokoto State to commiserate with his Sokoto State counterpart, Rt Hon Aminu Tambuwal over the unfortunate fire that gutted Sokoto Central Market.
Governor Wike took advantage of the consolidatory visit to also visit the palace of the Sultan to commiserate with him over the demise of his younger brother, Hon Abdulkadir Jeli Abubakar, who was Sokoto State Commissioner for Home Affairs.
The Sultan said: “ I commend you and congratulate you for all what you have been doing for Rivers State in particular, because we have seen a lot of infrastructure being put in place and that is why they call you Mr Project in Rivers.
“ You have just some few more years, please do much more, so that nobody will beat you when he takes over from you”.
He described Governor Wike’s consolidatory visit and pledge to support Sokoto State over the unfortunate fire that gutted the market as a demonstration of what Nigeria is and should be.
The Sultan who acknowledged the age-long relationship between Sokoto and Rivers State, lauded Governor Wike for his wisdom in sustaining it.
The Rivers State Governor, after being conducted round the destroyed market, said he was saddened by the devastating fire that razed over 60 per cent of the shops there.
Governor Wike said: “ When I got the information last night, I was touched and I said, as brothers what affects you affects us. What affects Sokoto, affects Rivers State”.
He pledged that the governmen of Rivers State will support Sokoto State with the sum of N500 million to rebuild the market and ameliorate the plight of the traders.
Governor Tambuwal commended Governor Wike for his show of love and thanked the people of Rivers State for their kind gesture.
In a bid to check the current increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, in the second wave of the pandemic, Governor Wike, last week, directed all civil servants on salary Grade Level 01 to 13 , except those on essential duties, to stay away from duty with effect from last Wednesday, 20th January, 2021 till further notice.
Officers from grade level 14 and above were by this notice, directed to be on duty and assume full responsibilities, for their offices till further notice.
According to the directive, all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of extra ministerial offices were expected to ensure compliance with the directive and observe strictly all COVID-19 protocols.
Also last week, Governor Wike commiserated with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Emmanuel Udom over the death of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) chairman, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd) and the state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) , Udo Ekpenyong.
Governor Wike who described the death of both the PDP Chairman in the state and the PANDEF chairman as painful, urged the Governor and People of Akwa Ibom State to take solace in God.
By: Chris Oluoh
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
-
Niger Delta3 days agoPDP Declares Edo Airline’s Plan As Misplaced Priority
-
Sports3 days agoSimba open Nwabali talks
-
Nation3 days agoHoS Hails Fubara Over Provision of Accommodation for Permanent Secretaries
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
Stakeholders Task INC Aspirants On Dev … As ELECO Promises Transparent, Credible Polls
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
Students Protest Non-indigene Appointment As Rector in C’River
-
News5 days agoDon Lauds RSG, NECA On Job Fair
-
Oil & Energy3 days agoNUPRC Unveils Three-pillar Transformative Vision, Pledges Efficiency, Partnership
-
Rivers3 days ago
Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers