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Court Cases: We’re Not Afraid Of Elections, Fubara Tells PDP’s Critics …PDP’ll Win Rivers, Woke Replies Abe

Published

2 weeks ago

July 29, 2022

The Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) sensitisation rally put together by the Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI) to enlighten the pubic on the importance of the PVCs, last Wednesday, held at County State School Field, Emiligbam, Abua Central, headquarters of Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, with the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sir Siminialayi Fubara, justifying the party’s strategies for the 2023 elections.
The rally, which attracted people from various walks of life, including the core of Abua political elite and stakeholders, featured gyration by GDI members across the 13 wards in the area.
The sensitisation programme also witnessed solidarity speeches by political leaders from Abua/Odual LGA and GDI President-General, Hon. Bright Amaewhule.
Fubara, urged GDI members, especially the people of Abua/Odual to continue to sensitise and educate their people on the need to register and collect their PVCs to enable them participate in the forthcoming general election.
While commending GDI for the massive mobilisation, Fubara urged them not to allow anybody to deceive them but advised them to guide their PVC jealously to avoid being stolen or misplaced.
Fubara noted that the mammoth crowd that graced the programme showed the importance Abua/Odual people attach to the exercise.
He said that though there exists a so-called “king Kong” in the area, the large turnout of people had conquered him.
Fubara urged those that are yet to get their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) to utilise the remaining days to ensure that they register and key into the SIM project to simplify governance in the local government area.
“The only thing you need to do is to secure your PVC. You should also ensure that those that have not registered should utilize the remaining days to do so.
“You should not be afraid, what happened in the previous election will not repeat itself. Just get your SIM, maintain SIM to simplify governance, to simplify Abua/Odual local government once you key into the SIM card.
“Make sure you secure your PVC. We know you get your PVC. Make sure you secure it. The only thing you need to do, which we are preaching is that you must make sure you secure your PVC. Make sure you secure your PVC.Also, make sure that people who have not registeredget registered”, he said.
Reacting to a report that PDP was afraid to contesting election with other political parties in the state which is why it has taken them to court, the PDP standard bearer said when election time comes, people would know which of the parties has large followership and support in the state, describing the statement as false.
Speaking at the rally, Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Amb Desmond Akawor, who is also the state PDP chairman, hailed the people of Abua/Odual for turning out enmasse for the rally.
Akawor, who was represented by the Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr Benibo George, expressed optimism that the massive turn-out was a clear statement that the people have been adequately mobilised and sensitised.
In his solidarity speech, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Engr Emeka Woke, told the people of Abua/Odual to make use of the time left to register and collect their PVCs.
Woke assured that the state government would not allow the ugly incident of 2019 general election to repeat itself in 2023.
“Let me assure you as a government that the ugly incident of 2019 general election where you mobilised yourself, prepare for the candidate of your choice and you were deprived because of the activities of some leaders who colluded with military officers to deprive you of participation in the electoral process. Let me assure you that that incident will never happen again in this local government again. We will do everything possible to ensure that nobody, not even the military will come and intimidate you in this area. So, be firm and be ready to face the task ahead”.
Woke declared that while Governor Nyesom Wike would not impose his successor on the Rivers people, evidence indicates that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would win the 2023 governorship poll.
He maintained that the massive infrastructure transformation and good governance Rivers has enjoyed under the Wike administration would make it difficult for any party to defeat the PDP candidates.
The chief of staff made the declaration while reacting to Senator Magnus Abe’s assertion that Rivers people and not Wike, will determine who would succeed him.
Speaking at the GDI sensitisation and mobilisation rally for the continuous Permanent Voters Card (PVC) registration exercise in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, he stressed that the PDP governorship candidate and his deputy would defeat other candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Woke applauded the people of Abua/Odual for their high level of enlightenment and readiness for the task ahead.
He, however, assured that the ugly incident which deprived them of exercising their franchise in 2019, will not repeat itself as the government will do everything humanly possible to ensure that nobody intimidates them.
Woke said: “Let me assure you as a government, that the ugly incidence of 2019 general election where you mobilised yourselves, prepared to vote for the candidate of your choice, but you were deprived because of the activities of some miscreants who collided with military officers to deprive you of participating in the electoral process, will never happen again in this local government area.
“We will do everything humanly possible to ensure that nobody will come and intimidate you in Abua/Odual local government, not even any military officer will come and intimidate you again. So, be firm and be ready to face the task ahead.”
“Distinguished Senator Magnus Abe was quoted to have said that Rivers people will elect our governor and not Wike. I agree in toto with distinguished Senator Magnus Abe because Wike will not impose any governor on Rivers people. It is the duty of the Rivers people to elect their governor,” Woke stated.
“But, it is also important to state that in making that choice, there are some basic empirical factors that will be considered in making that choice. Just a few days ago, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the names of candidates of parties and their deputies.
“In Rivers State, 17 names. It means that out of the 18 registered political parties, it’s only one party, PRP, according to the publication made by the Independent National Electoral Commission, that had no candidate.
“What it means is that Rivers people have 17 persons to choose from who is going to govern them. And from the published names there, I have not seen anyone in that list that will match the calibre and capacity of the candidate and the deputy governorship candidate of the PDP.
“The standard bearer of the PDP, very intelligent, apt, very calculative, a well-known technocrat and a seamless man.”
Woke said ‘Team Wike’ has since 2015 till date fulfilled its social contract with the Rivers people, unlike others who made promises, but reneged on them.
The chief of staff opined that while there are several political groups in the state, “Team Wike” has consistently lived up to expectations in terms of delivery on electioneering promises.
He cited the Kpobie-Bodo road project awarded by the previous administration and abandoned by the contractor and the Saakpenwa-Bori Road, which the second phase, from the Bori-Kono waterside, is ongoing.
“In Rivers State, there are two teams. New Rivers Team, which is Team Wike and the others. Even with the political development of a few days ago, it appears that one other team is trying to metamorphose into another team. But, the important thing is that Team Wike has come to tell Rivers people between 2015 and 2019 that this is what I will do and Team Wike has delivered on the promises.
“In campaigning in 2015, 2019 Team Wike went to Ogoni land, precisely in Gokana and saw an abandoned project, Kpobie/Bodo road awarded by the previous administration to a contractor who abandoned it. Governor Wike promised that he was going to complete the road. He did not only dualise the road, he beautified the road with street lights. That is Team A Rivers.
“Again, Governor Wike saw the need to dualise the Saakpenwa-Bori road because of the economic importance of the Ogoni axis of the state, the need to improve the security of that area, and the need to attract companies to that area in order to create employment. He did not only promise, he dualised the Saakpenwa-Bori Road and today, he is taking that road from Bori to Kono waterside.”
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Contact and Mobilisation of BFO Support Group, Comrade John Davidson, said the group was committed to the campaign being initiated by the GDI.
He thanked state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike as well as the leadership of the party in the state for mobilising grassroots support for the PDP candidates, especially the PDP governorship candidate, Sir Sim Fubara, who he described as a humane and humble politician that will build on the good works of the governor.
“As core loyalists of our principal, Bro. Felix Amaechi Obuah, who has shown us the way, we are stressing out commitment to the party and all its aspirants. There is no room for failure hence our desire to ensuring the success of this campaign initiated by the Grassroot Democratic Initiative (GDI)”.
Other dignitaries, who stormed the successful event are, Chairman of Ogba/Ebgema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Vincent Job, Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Area, Daniel O. Daniel, former Executive Director, Finance and Administration of NDDC, Dr Ogiri; as well as the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, who the group hailed for mobilising materials and resources for the success of the sensitisation campaign.

By: Nelson Chukwudi

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Wike Bemoans Lack Of Effective Wike Bemoans Lack Of Effective

Published

2 days ago

August 10, 2022

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has again decried the dearth of effective political leadership in Nigeria.
Such effective leadership, when identified, Wike said, should place service above self and work to secure enduring development for the people and the country.
Wike made the observation at the inauguration of the dualised Ogbunuabali-Eastern Bypass Road that was performed by the former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, yesterday.
The governor noted how wrong it is for people to think that leadership is a function of political party, when it is actually about the mind-set of the individual.
“Leadership is not about party, leadership is about individual. Party is only a vehicle to actualise your ambition, to be able to tell your people I have this capacity, I have this quality to render services to you. If take me away today from PDP to another party, I will still perform. So, it is not because I’m in PDP that I’m performing.
“It is because I have that passion for my people. It is because I have the commitment to serve my people. Take me to YPP, allow me to become whatever I will become there, I will perform. Take me to any party, I will perform. So, it is not party that makes you to perform.”
Wike stated that his undying love, passion and commitment to render effective service to Rivers people have sufficiently differentiated him from other politicians.
That is why, he asserted, there was a sustained commitment to add value to life, impact change with the infrastructure revolution and make the state better.
Wike said while others had used the economic hardship as excuse not to render leadership and service to their people, he found a more rewarding way to sustain the delivery of projects in Rivers.
He took a swipe at certain misguided politicians of the state extraction who misconceived his assertion on Monday that he was in charge of the state.
“Because some people went to school late, they don’t understand when somebody says I am in charge of this state. I never said I am in charge of votes in this state. But I know I can talk to my people and my people will listen to me. Some people say, I have only one vote, I agree. I can’t vote two times. I will only vote once. But because of the services I have rendered to the people of this state, the state will listen to me.
“Someone called me last night and said people are complaining that Nigerian economy is dying, the hardship is becoming too much, but every day we are commissioning projects and flagging-off new ones in Rivers State, am I not in this same Nigeria? I told him that the amount of money you have is not important, what is important is your passion to serve and your love for your people because leadership is about the passion to serve your people.
“If you are committed to the job and you love your people, no matter the small money you are getting, you would be able to do something for people to see and appreciate.
The governor took a swipe at some politicians in Rivers State who he described as scavengers for their inability to use their closeness to the seat of power to attract government projects and programmes to their people.
“Some people claimed that they are close to those in government, there is nothing wrong in being close those in authority, but the question is, what have your people benefited from your closeness to those in government? Let them tell us.
“May God forgive me that I will be close to a president or vice president and my people cannot boast of anything to show for it, I don’t want to be close to any president or vice president that my people would not benefit from,” the governor stated.
The governor stated that he had remained a consistent politician, not playing double game, and urged Rivers people to be happy that they have a governor who will always defend the state.
Wike thanked the people of Ogbunuabali for their cooperation while the project lasted even if they had initially rejected it.
He used the occasion to lift the ban on youths’ activities in Ogbunuabali community, and announced the release of N2billion he promised the community.
In inaugurating the Ogbunuabali-Eastern Bypass Road, former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Wamakko noted with delight the leadership capacity that Wike has demonstrated in serving Rivers people.
Wamakko said any well-meaning government should serve to satisfy the yearnings and aspirations of the governed.
“I want to thank you for giving me the honour to be part of your success story, may God encourage you to do more.
“When you asked me to come and commission this project, it was really a welcome development for my community and the people I represent because to me, leadership is about meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the people you govern, and that you have done very well, I commend you for that,” the senator said.
He noted that as a talk and do governor, Wike has done adequately well for his people.
On his part, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr Dakorinama George-Kelly said the Ogbunuabali-Eastern Bypass Road was a single carriage way of 7.3meters wide but it was totally scarified and completely rebuilt.
Today, he noted, the 2.19km long road which has been dualised, has 4.38km width on each side of the lane, 650meters median on the Ogbunuabali axis, 1.5meters median on the Eastern By-pass axis and has 4.38km of drainage length.
“The total length of Ogbunabali dualized road with extension to Eastern Bypass is 2.19km with drainages on both sides up to 4.38km.
“On the Ogbunabali axis, we have median stripe of 750m and at the Eastern Bypass axis we have median strip of 1.5m.
“Sub-structurally, this road was a single carriageway, it was totally rebuilt. 6mm thickness of sand-filling was done, 150mm thickness of cement soil stabilisation was done, and 150mm thickness of stone base was done.
“This road project was completed within the specified time and quality”, the commissioner said.
In his address, the South-South Regional Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Juergen Fischer, said they started with the first project of the Wike’s administration, operation zero potholes which culminated into the ongoing urban renewal programme.
According to him, they were delighted working with Wike to achieve his development dreams for Rivers, and thanked him for the opportunity.

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Be Obedient To God’s Instructions, Oyedepo Tells Congregants

Published

4 days ago

August 8, 2022

The Tide

Wife of the Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church (LFC) Worldwide, Pastor Faith Oyedepo, has urged winners to be obedient in the affairs of the Kingdom (of God).
On his part, the husband, Bishop David Oyedepo, said obedience was better than sacrifice.
The couple spoke at this at the church’s monthly leadership conference at the weekend.
Oyedepo’s wife, while citing Isaiah 1:19-20, stressed the need for Christians to be obedient to spiritual instructions to enjoy the good of the land.
She said: “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it” (Isa. 1:19-20).
She urged the church to pray for God’s Spirit to serve and be obedient.
In his sermon, Bishop David Oyedepo, while unravelling the mystery of the covenant of obedience, said: “To be obedient is better than sacrifice. Obedience may be costly but the end result is always priceless.
“When you live your life as a seed, its impact lives for generations after you”.

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RSG Unveils, Flags Off 15 Key Projects In 15 Days …Kick-Starts Two New Flyovers, Azikiwe-Illoabuchi Road Dualisation …Opens Orochiri-Worukwo Flyover, Ogbunabali-Eastern Bypass Road, Two Others For Use

Published

4 days ago

August 8, 2022

The Tide

Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital and other urban centres will witness major activities from today, as the state government begins another round of strategic infrastructure projects’ commissioning and flag off across the state, with the unveiling for public use of the Orochiri/Worukwo (Waterlines) Flyover in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at 11am.
Similarly, the Governor Nyesom Wike-led government will inaugurate the Ogbunabali-Eastern Bypass Road, also in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, tomorrow.
According to a schedule of events made available to The Tide by the government, last Friday, the former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aliyu Wamakko will perform the ceremony at Ogbunabali Junction.
Also to be commissioned on August 11, by the Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. M.K, Fadah, is the 5,000-capacity NYSC Auditorium; while the new State House of Assembly Quarters will be inaugurated by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila on August 12.
However, on Wednesday, August 10, the former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, will flag off the dualisation of Azikiwe-Iloabuchi Road in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.
Between August 16 and 26, 10 more projects would either be commissioned or inaugurated across the state.
These include the Government VIP Lounge at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, in Ikwerre Local Government Area on August 16; unveiling of the remodelled Waterlines Building on Port Harcourt/Aba Express Road by Waterlines Junction in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area on Wednesday, August 17; flag off of the construction of the 11th flyover at Ikwerre Road by Rumuokwuta/Rumuola Junctions in Obio/Akpor LGA on Thursday, August 18; and the flag off of the 12th flyover at Mgbuoba-Ozuoba/Ada-George Road by Location Junction in Obio/Akpor LGA on Friday, August 19.
Other landmark projects lined up for special commissioning or flag off are the construction of Omagwa internal roads on Saturday, August 20; and flag off of Igwuruta internal roads on Monday, August 22, both in Ikwerre Local Government Area; as well as unveiling of land reclamation, shore protection, road network, drains, power station and water reticulation, and housing complex at Ogbum-Nu-Abali sandfill, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area on Tuesday, August 23.
The rest are the unveiling of a police station at Ogum-Nu-Abali sandfill-Eastern Bye-pass area on Wednesday, August 24; Eneka internal roads in Obio/Akpor on Thursday, August 25; as well as Community Secondary School, Obuama (Harry’s Town) in Degema Local Government Area, Friday, August 26.
Meanwhile, a statement by the Special Assistant (Media and Documentation) to the state Commissioner for Works, Dornubari Kiinee, last Saturday, indicated that following plans to commission the Orochiri/Worukwo (Waterlines) Flyover, both ends of the flyover had been consequently closed on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 12 noon to enable the ministry prepare for the commissioning ceremony.
The statement explained that “Vehicular movement from Garrison will be diverted through Oroworukwo; traffic from Hotel Presidential Junction will be diverted through GRA Junction. The flyover will be opened for use immediately after the ceremony on Monday”.
The statement further said that “The Ogbunuabali axis will be temporarily closed and traffic diverted accordingly until after the ceremony” on Tuesday.
Kiinee said that, “Furthermore, the dualisation of Azikiwe-Iloabuchi Road will be flagged-off on Wednesday, 10 August, 2022 by former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko. That road will be closed also and traffic diverted to neighbouring streets for the period of six months”.
According to the statement, “As preparation for the commencement of the construction of the 11th and 12th flyovers reaches its final stage, the Commissioner for Works, Rivers State, Dr. George-Kelly Dax Alabo, wishes to use this medium to inform residents of Rivers State, particularly motorists plying Ikwerre Road and NTA Road that there will be road closures around the axis of Rumuokwuta/Rumuola Junction, and Location Junction by Ada-George, where these projects are to be sited.
“This new development will last for the period of 10 months, which is the stipulated duration of the construction work.
“Motorists are kindly advised to use alternative routes to be outlined thus: Vehicles coming from NTA axis will pass through Farm Road to Ben Wosley along Ada-George Road, or through Ohakwe Street.
“As for Rumuokwuta/Rumuola flyover project, traffic will be diverted to Psychiatric Road; those coming from Wimpy Junction will be diverted to Road 1 through Kala Police Station”.
The commissioner appealed to the people of Rivers State to show understanding and patience with the state government, whilst the meaningful projects are flagged-off and commissioned in record time for traffic decongestion in the metropolis.