Featured
Court Cases: We’re Not Afraid Of Elections, Fubara Tells PDP’s Critics …PDP’ll Win Rivers, Woke Replies Abe
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
Featured
I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has assured that the payment of the newly increased monthly allowance of N77,000 to corps members will begin in March.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu.
Nafiu made the announcement while interacting with corps members at the NYSC Zonal Offices in Wuse and Garki, Federal Capital Territory.
He assured the corps members that both the scheme and the Federal Government were committed to their welfare and would continue prioritising their well-being.
“With effect from March, you are going to receive N77,000 as your monthly allowance.
“NYSC is good at record-keeping, and I can assure you that your money will be paid. The nation and the scheme appreciate you,” Nafiu said.
He thanked the corps members for their selfless service and encouraged them to remain calm, dedicated, focused, and disciplined.
Nafiu also emphasised the significance of the NYSC scheme, stating that it was an initiative that built bridges and exposed graduates to cultural values beyond their places of birth.
The Director-General further stated that the NYSC management would continue to instill virtues such as patriotism, discipline, self-restraint, good morals, leadership qualities, and teamwork in future batches.
It will be recalled that the Federal Government approved the increase in corps members’ monthly allowance to N77,000 in September 2024, with the new allowance taking effect from July 2024.
Prior to this increase, corps members received a monthly allowance of N33,000. The raise aligns with the enactment of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.