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2023 Presidency: I’ve Capacity To Salvage Nigeria -Wike …Seeks IBB, Abdulsalami’s Support In Niger …As Bode George, Lagos PDP Back Rivers Gov
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that he has the capacity and energy required to serve and salvage Nigeria as its president come 2023.
Wike made the declaration at Gombe State, yesterday, when he visited leaders and faithful of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as part of ongoing consultation ahead of the party’s presidential primary election.
Also, the Rivers State governor, last Monday, held a closed door consultative meeting on his 2023 presidential bid with two former military heads of state, Gen Ibrahim Babangida; and Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar; in Minna, Niger State capital.
This is as support for the presidential aspiration of Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, continues to grow following his endorsement by former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, and the Lagos State Chapter of the party.
Addressing stakeholders at the PDP secretariat in Gombe, the state capital, the governor urged them not to waste their votes as delegates at the party’s presidential convention on candidates who cannot win the 2023 general election.
“If you want PDP to win election in 2023 I have made myself available. Give me the ticket, let me go and take the power for you. We are talking about who can take this power from All Progressives Congress (APC). That person is me.”
Wike pointed out that people were free to visit Rivers State to see what his administration has done out of love and passion for the upliftment of the socioeconomic status of the people.
The governor stated the need to rescue Nigeria from dying and it required men of courage who love this country to do the work.
“We need to salvage this country. Let us not pretend about it. Insecurity does not know religion. Insecurity does not know ethnicity. Poverty does not know ethnicity. Poverty does not know religion.
“The people who come to kill us, do they look at who is a Christian? Do they look at who is a Moslem? Do they know who is Hausa-Fulani? Do they know who is Igbo? We are dying.
“So, it is not for sentiment. It is not for people to come and tell you, look, it must come from here, no, no. It is for those who have the capacity. If given the opportunity, I will replicate what I’ve done in Rivers State as President of Nigeria.”
Speaking further, Wike berated the APC-led Federal Government for the many lies they kept telling Nigeria concerning improving the agricultural fortune of the country.
Wike said the incoming PDP government will not tell Nigerians lies, make excuses for failure but will work to genuinely improve the life of Nigerians across the country.
“They said they have given over N300billion for agriculture. I have no problem with that. Even if they have spent N1trillion, where is the food?
“I don’t want people going to buy rice and doing pyramid. I want to see to it that agriculture is working.”
Wike noted that APC leaders have accepted that their government has failed and it sets the coast for PDP to reclaim the power and country back to Nigerians.
The governor said the insistence of some public office holders to hire mercenaries to fight bandits and terrorists overrunning the country was worrisome.
“And you have a president staying there, the security chiefs are there, and somebody is saying you must bring in mercenaries. You have seen it that the government has collapsed.
“I’m not the one who said so. Malam Nasir el-Rufai said the government has collapsed. Not me, not you, but APC has admitted that their government has collapsed. The Minster of Transportation said the government did not give him money that was why the bombing of the train happened.”
In his remark, the former Gombe State Governor, Dr Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, commended Wike for visiting the state to formally acquaint PDP stakeholders of his presidential ambition.
Dankwambo, who acknowledged Wike’s excellent performance in office, assured him of Gombe State’s support if he clinches the presidential ticket.
“Power comes from God. God gives power to whom He wants. He takes power from whom He wants. We will contribute to PDP to takeover power. But at the appropriate time, whoever emerges the candidate will sit down with Gombe people and discuss. We will negotiate. We will not be taken for granted this time around. We will work for you, we will work for whoever emerges as candidate of the party under our mutually agreed pact”.
On his part, Gombe State Chairman of PDP, General Abnor Kwaskwabe (rtd) said Wike was a man of integrity, an impeccable leader, a bridge builder, a unifier of men, and whose interest in politics is for public good.
“This is a man that has touched the lives of Nigerians across the six geo-political zones. This is the man when one of the Northern States had fire in their market; nobody came to their rescue except, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.”
Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Monday, held a closed door consultative meeting on his 2023 presidential bid with two former military heads of state, Gen Ibrahim Babangida; and Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar; in Minna, Niger State capital.
Wike was accompanied on the strategic visit by some of his colleague governors including those of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde; Enugu State, Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu; former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam; Senator Suleiman Nazif; and Senator Olaka Nwogu.
Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, and Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu spoke to journalists after the meeting.
In his remarks, Ikpeazu said the delegation was in Minna to consult with the former heads of state in the build up to the 2023 general election.
“I have come with my colleagues, the governors of Rivers, Enugu, and Oyo; some members of the National Assembly and other stakeholders.
“First, to consult with the former heads of state, and discuss national issues: economic development, security, and unity of our country.
“And also, to commend them for their support for the unity of this country. And the discussions went very well; and we will advance it from there.”
On what response they got from Babangida, Ikpeazu said the former military president expressed strong concerns about the need for younger Nigerians to be courageous in taking up the challenge of providing leadership to the country.
“He expressed concerns and said that he expects the younger generation to take up the gauntlet and rescue Nigeria.”
Wike and his entourage also paid a courtesy call on the Niger State Governor, Hon Abubakar Bello at the Government House, Minna.
However, as support for the presidential aspiration of Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, continues to grow following his endorsement by former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, and the Lagos State Chapter of the party.
Wike received the nod of the influential party stakeholders following a closed-door meeting he had with the Lagos leaders of the party and other South-West bigwigs at the Ikoyi office of Chief Bode George, last Sunday.
Present at the meeting were the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde; former governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam; leaders of the party from the South-West, including the Deputy National Vice-Chairman, South-West, Soji Adagunodo, among others.
Expressing support for Wike’s emergence as PDP presidential flagbearer for the 2023 election, Chief Bode George, said the current Rivers governor possessed integrity and youthful energy to lead the country out of its present mess.
George, who was the host, thanked the members of the party in the state for coming to receive the delegation, stressing that Wike had told them in clear terms that he had the capacity to turn the country around for the better.
The former deputy national chairman of the PDP said the governor had the strength, capacity and integrity to rule the country.
He noted that Nigerians needed a bright person who “will take us out of the doldrums and lead us to where we should be.”
George said: “When it comes to integrity, when it comes to politics, when it comes to being absolutely resourceful, Wike is there.
“I must thank you for honouring our brother. We have heard him; he has told us a clear intention. When it comes to integrity, when it comes to politics, when it comes to being absolutely resourceful, he is there.
“He also has on his side that youthful depth that he can run from here to that gate in two seconds, I can’t do that anymore. It’s like army generals we don’t retire, we only fade away. But we need a bright young person who will take us from where we are all in now and bring a fresh breath to this country,” he said.
The Atona Odua of Yorubaland, who eventually secured a yes voice vote, pledged the backing of the Lagos State chapter of PDP.
“We welcome you; we are ready to support you in Lagos. Am I saying the right thing? Those in favour, say aye! Those against say nah!,” he said.
While stating his mission, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, said Nigeria should not be allowed to continue to slide as something must be done to rescue her, assuring that he is focussed and possesses the capacity and integrity to rule the country.
This was just as he vowed to take power back from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the main opposition party in 2023.
Wike restated his plans to reclaim presidential powers for the PDP and arrest the rapid decline of the country.
He said: “We cannot continue to let the country continue its disturbing slide into poverty and negative social-economic outcomes. Something has to be done.
“The challenges facing Nigeria today require a leader that is focused, competent, and courageous. And I can tell you that I have both the capacity and courage to confront and manage these challenges to make things better for this country.”
Wike said he should be given the opportunity to fly the party’s flag for the presidency, come 2023.
“I have spoken to the elders and leaders, and I hope they will get across to you what I said to them.
“Most importantly, we cannot continue to let the country go the way it is sliding, something has to be done.
“Today’s requirement of a leader must focus on capacity, courageous. I can tell you that I have the courage. I am not afraid of nobody. I have the capacity to make things better for this country.
“All I have said to you as elders is: give me the opportunity to represent PDP in the fight for 2023,” he said.
“What I am going to do is we are going to take back the power; we are not begging. They will be ready, and we are ready. The power belongs to us, and we must go and take it back,” he added.
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Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.
Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.
He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.
Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.
“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.
The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.
Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.
He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.
“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.
“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.
Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.
He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.
The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.
He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.
“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.
Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.
He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.
Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.
“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.