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PDP Sweeps LG Polls In Rivers
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been declared the winner of the highest number of votes in 4,442 polling units, and 319 wards across the 23 local government areas in last Saturday’s LG polls in Rivers State.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Chairman, Justice George Omereji (rtd), while announcing the results of the LG Elections, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, declared PDP winner of all 23 chairmanship seats and all the 319 councillorship seats in the state.
Addressing journalists, party agents, independent observers and other stakeholders at the RSIEC office shortly after the announcement of the results of the LG polls, Omereji said the election was free and credible, adding that few challenges arising from distribution of materials and other logistics affected the polls.
He congratulated the winners of the elections and called on the losers to accept the results in good faith and eschew the politics of acrimony.
While giving a breakdown of the full results, Omereji said that Barrister Benjamin Eke of PDP won the Ahoada East chairmanship contest with 35,483 votes.
PDP also won the 13 wards of the LGA for the councillorship polls.
However, the APC that did not take part in the election got 84 votes.
In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, Hon. Job Vincent of PDP scored 52, 484 votes to win the race while SDP garnered 218 votes.
Omereji declared Dr. Chidi Lloyd of PDP winner of the Emohua chairmanship seat poll with 93,980 votes.
The party also cleared the 14 councillorship seats of the LGA.
The PDP’s Obinna Anyanwu also won the Etche chairmanship seat with 27, 883 votes. The party cleared the 18 seats of the wards.
Also, PDP’s Deekor confidence won the Gokana LGA chairmanship seat with 54,578 votes; PDP candidates also clinched all the 17 councillorship seats.
APC got two votes for the chairmanship election.
In Bonny LGA, David Irimagha of PDP won the chairmanship seat with 18,408 votes. PDP also swept all the 12 councillorship seats.
The Returning Officer for the elections in Bonny LGA, Dr Kenneth Miebaka, had announced the initial results at the Local Government Collation Centre at the Ibanise Hall at about 1am, yesterday.
He declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the polls having polled 18,408 votes to defeat the African Action Congress (AAC), which polled 443 votes and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) with 206 votes.
The PDP’s Onengiye George also won Asari-Toru chairmanship with 63,727 votes, and PDP won all the 13 wards’ councillorship seats. Accord Party scored 787 votes while Labour Party got 9 votes.
Mr. Rowland Sekibo of PDP won Akuku-Toru with 54, 883 votes for chairmanship, Accord 176 while APC got 1.
In Andoni, the Chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Erastus Awortu, emerged winner in the just-concluded council poll, having garnered the highest number of 107,658 votes.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Returning Officer, Mr Michael Blessed, made the declaration, last Saturday, shortly after results collation in Ngo, headquarters of the local government area.
The returning officer stated that the election was keenly contested and all the party agents were also on ground to monitor the process.
“The results are as follows: total votes cast was 115,776, total valid votes was 113,776 and invalid votes was 1,487.
“Results breakdown showed that Accord Party had 34 votes, ADP 741, AAC 26, ADC 287, APM 59 votes.
“Others are LP 4,207 votes, PDP 107,658 votes, SDP 247 and 471 votes for ZLP.
“From the results, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has the highest votes amounting to 107,658 votes and returned winner.
“I, Mr Michael Blessed, by the powers bestowed on me as the Returning Officer of Andoni Local Government Area has announced the results of the local government election, today, April 17, 2021,” he stated.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman-elect, Erastus Awortu, thanked the people for demonstrating confidence in him, and promised to honour the tenets of local government administration throughout his tenure.
In Degema LG, Omereji declared William Michael of PDP winner of the chairmanship seat with 21,223 votes; Accord 94 votes; SDP 247 votes; and Labour 913 votes.
In Oyigbo LGA, Okechukwu Akara of PDP was declared winner of the chairmanship election with 81,052; while SDP scored 31 votes.
In Ikwerre LGA, Engineer Samuel Nwanosike was re-elected chairman with 4,952
Labour Party scored 82 votes, SDP 388 votes, and APC 61.
The PDP candidate, Barrister George Ariolu, also won in Obio/Akpor LGA, with 287,347 votes.
Labour Party scored 122 votes and SDP got 705.
In Opobo/Nkoro LGA chairmanship elections, Enyiada Cookey-Gam of PDP won with 44,434 votes; while SDP got 456 votes.
In Eleme LGA, PDP polled 96,283 votes to win the election, with Accord Party scoring 671; and SDP 2,983 votes.
In Okrika LG Chairmanship contest, PDP’s Tobin Akuro candidate scored 23,890 votes to win the poll. Labour got 10; SDP 53; and APC 9 votes.
The PDP also won the chairmanship seat in Khana LGA with 53,439 votes; Labour Party 15 votes; and SDP 309 votes.
In Ogu/Bolo LGA, the PDP chairmanship candidate won the poll with 34,721; SDP 121 votes; and Labour Party 11 votes.
In Tai LGA, PDP’s Friday Mbakpone scored 53, 423; SDP 268; and Labour 73 votes.
In PHALGA, PDP’s Allwel Ihunda polled 17,747 votes to emerge winner; while Labour Party got 552 votes; and APC137.
The incumbent chairmen and candidates of the PDP for Abua/Odual, Daniel .O. Daniel; his Ahoada West counterpart, Hon Hope Ikiriko; also won the contests in their LGAs.
Omereji, however, advised losers of the elections to accept the result and support the winner to provide good governance at the grassroots while encouraging the winners to carry everyone along.
The RSIEC boss used the opportunity to announce that the Certificate of Returns would be issued to the winners today at the Commission’s Office on Aba Road.
By: Nelson Chukwudi, with reports from Enoch Epelle & Beemene Taneh
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We’re Working To Improve Quality Of Life Of Rivers People -Fubara …As Taraba Gov Inaugurates 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja Roads Project
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the Okania-Ogbogoro Road junction, venue of the inauguration of the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja (and Mgbuoba) Roads project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday.
The road cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction, and was inaugurated by the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
Governor Fubara said that during the campaigns, he saw the roads in terrible condition, made a promise to fix them, and noted that that promise has been kept.
He emphasised that his administration will never be reckoned with abandoning of projects that it started, which is why he is particularly excited that the road has been fixed to ease the inconveniences suffered by the people.
The Governor said, “What we are doing here today is very simple: Promise made, promise fulfilled. I told you that whatever we are going to start, we are not going to leave it halfway. So, we have come here this afternoon to fulfill that promise.
“I am so excited, and I am so happy. I am leaving here with so much joy that we have done something that has so much impact, and importance in the lives of our people. So, I feel very fulfilled. Government is about the people. Government is knowing, understanding and seeing what you can do to make life easy for your people.
“We understand the situation of this road. Fortunately, I have a few friends who also live around here. So, there is nothing you will say that I don’t know. As a government, we will continue to do those things we know will make life easy for you.”
The Governor thanked members of the communities in the area for their support to his administration, and also for cooperating with the contractor to ensure completion of the project.
He assured the people that their request for the rehabilitation of the Community Secondary School and Health Centre, will be looked at and addressed immediately, saying, “Our government is a government that takes the interest of our people very seriously.
“There is no government without the people. It is only the people that keep the government going. So, what we will continue to do is to make sure that the problems and interest of our people are top on our list,” he assured.
Performing the inauguration, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, said roads are not just physical infrastructure but represent a commitment to facilitate ease of transportation, boost local commercial activities and improve quality of lives for the people of Rivers State.
Dr Kefas noted that Governor Fubara has provided the people good roads, and like other good roads, it will serve as an artery of development, further connecting communities, enhancing access to essential services while unlocking economic potentials.
He said, “By completing this project, Your Excellency has, once again, demonstrated the transformative impact of visionary leadership. When I was coming in with the Governor on a ride, I saw the joy, the happiness of the voiceless people who were abandoned and neglected in this area, coming out to wave and welcome us.
“It wasn’t a hired crowd. Everybody, those who couldn’t make it to this place, in front of their homes, they were waving at us, and I was telling the Governor: this is all about good governance. He listened to the people, and solved their problems. So, it shows that he is doing the right thing, and I want to thank you, my brother, for what you are doing for the good people, especially the poor people even in difficult times.”
Governor Kefas further said: “As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration and shared vision among us as Governors. Together, we can inspire our people, improve their lives, and create lasting legacies in our respective states.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, recalled that when it was flagged-off in May, 2024, the project was for a 5km stretch but was extended in October, to include Mgbaraja axis, increasing the length to 6.55km, explaining that the 10.3 meter wide, and 5km of drains road, has now linked Apara Kingdom to Nkpor Kingdom.
In his address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, described the road as a very significant route that was abandoned for years until Governor Fubara intervened and fixed it, promising that Obio/Akpor people will not take the gestures of the State Government under Governor Fubara for granted.
Speaking on behalf of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the firm that handled the project, Eric Shen, said they are happy to be part of the infrastructure development strides of Governor Fubara, stating that though the rains posed significant challenge, they have delivered quality road network to serve the connectivity needs of the people.
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We’ll Implement Judicial Commission’s Report On Arson, Killings -Fubara …Says Such Violence Must Stop In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of implementing the recommendations of the report submitted to him by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Arson, Killings, and Wanton Destruction of Property at some local government council headquarters on or around Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance when the seven-member commission, led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, submitted four volumes of reports of their investigation and recommendations to him at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor declared that his administration will neither tolerate nor allow such level of violence in the State anymore because it is not profitable or productive.
He said, “We are not going to be part of any system that would encourage any destruction in this State. And for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote and immediate causes of this problem.
“And I believe that the recommendations of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.”
Governor Fubara said: “We are going to take it to the next stage. The report will be presented to the Executive Council, and there, we will surely come out with the White Paper and with the White Paper. I can assure you, we are going to follow it to the end.
“Nobody is above the law, including me. So, provided what we are doing is within the confines of the law, we will do it with the help of every one.”
Governor Fubara recalled how, before 2014, a group of persons had ran wide recklessly in the State, burning down court buildings.
He noted that it is such persons, who had recently surfaced with their destructive tendencies, and have extended the violence to local government councils, killing people and destroying government property.
Governor Fubara wondered why somebody will spend so much money to build a structure intended to last as legacy of the administration but would eventually be part of its destruction in the name of politics.
Governor Fubara clarified that he has never been part of such destructive politics that continue to set the State backwards and frustrate progressive development strides.
Governor Fubara said: “I make bold to say it, I have never been and will never be a party to anything that will bring shame, disgrace, destruction to our dear State.
“It is our State. If it is well with us, it will be well with everybody. As a matter of fact, why should I encourage destruction, when I know that when you finish spoiling things, you still need money to rebuild them.
“I am an accountant, I know the importance of how we can manage money. Rather than spoil, you should use that money to do a new thing for the State.”
Governor Fubara vowed: “So, I am going to ensure that we put a stop to that level of violence or such unreasonable violence. I call it unreasonable violence because it doesn’t mean anything in politics.
“Politics is a business of interest. There is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. Some persons who were not even in our support, today, they are here following us because their interest is the most important thing.
“Likewise tomorrow, if the interest changes, they will also go their different ways. So, why burn down the house?”
Governor Fubara thanked members of the commission for being bold, focused, and accomplishing their task with determination in the face of physical and legal threats.
In her presentation, Chairman of the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, said they had put their findings into four volumes, including the recommendations.
Justice Minakiri explained: “We have here four volumes of the report. We have the memoranda, which is the memoranda we got after we made our publications.
“We also have the exhibits that came with the memoranda. We have the proceedings and the records. At the end of the day, we came up with the main report.”
Justice Minakiri advised that the recommendations of the report should be studied and implemented so that people can be deterred from such callous acts and the sought-after peace secured for the State.
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We Are Eager To Showcase The Best Of Rivers State -Fubara …Declares Federation Of Public Service Games Open
The Rivers State Government says it is committed to providing a memorable experience for all delegates participating in the Federation of Public Service Games(FEPSGA) hosted by the State Government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the opening Ceremony of the 43rd Edition, Public Service Games, titled ”Simplified Rivers 2024″, at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara said “Our hospitality is renowned and we are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment, we have everything in place to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.”
Governor Fubara said to ensure the success of the games his Administration has put in place comprehensive plans and preparations with four venues approved for the events which include the Sharks Stadium, Alfred Diette -Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt Club and the University of Port Harcourt.
The State Chief Executive urged participants to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals, stressing that it is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity.
According to him, we envision a public service that is more productive, more efficient and more effective, a future where public servants are empowered to deliver exceptional results driven by a culture of excellence, innovation and teamwork.
The Governor reiterated that while a healthy mind and body are essential for high productivity, regular physical activity boosts our mood, increases energy levels and enhances our cognitive function. We are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment.
In her address Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who spoke through Dr.(Mrs) Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Interior Commended Governor Fubara for hosting this year’s event, and for his dedication to promoting sports and fostering unity in the country.
She noted that the event which serves as a platform for furthering unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship amongst public servants, was a celebration of their shared commitment to excellence, resilience and service to the nation.
Also speaking the National President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Comrade Amaebi Aloku, said Rivers State got the nod to host the annual event because the Federation was pleased with the vision of Governor Fubara in identifying with the needs of the Civil Servants in the State, in terms of their welfare and being one of the first State to implement the new minimum wage and even taking it above what was approved by the national.
Earlier the Head of Service Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke had welcomed all participants to the State and expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving and making available the resources to host the games, noting that it was an opportunity to interact with all Civil Servants across the nation.
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