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Rivers

LG Boss Commissions Upata Central Palace

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Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Council, Hon. Benjamin Israel Eke, has commissioned Upata Kingdom Central Palace, Edeoha Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
While commissioning the edifice, Eke thanked the monarch and the people of Upata Kingdom for conceiving what he called such a milestone achievement, urging them to, among other things, continue to remain focuses and love themselves.
Speaking at the event, Rivers State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Rt. Edison Ogelenye Ehie, pledged to stand by the people of Upata Kingdom at all times.
The lawmaker, who expressed happiness over the project, donated the sum of N1.5million to the kingdom, saying the project “is the first of its kind in the entire Orashi region”.
Earlier in his welcome address, Eze Igbu Upata III said, “at my coronation on 16th September 2017, I made a commitment to His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Governor of Rivers State, and people of Upata Kingdom, that a central palace where all administrative and quasi-traditional activities will be carried out will be built within five years of my rulership. Today, that commitment has been fulfilled.”
He said the erection of the ‘magnificent building’ has not only institutionalized chieftaincy and traditions of the kingdom, but would serve as the official residence of any king that would rule the kingdom from that day onward.
Otuwarikpo also used he occasion to thank the people of Upata kingdom, Corporate Organizations, Professional bodies, and spirited individuals for donating generously during the foundation laying ceremony of the project, adding that an honours list has been displayed inside the palace.
The monarch reeled out some of his achievements on the throne within five years of his administration, which include permanent resolution of protracted land disputes among the people of Ikata Community, which facilitated the return of the inhabitants after four years of displacement.
He also legitimatimized Chieftaincy structure in Upata Kingdom created in 1998, comprising Ede, Akpana, Owu, Ugbokor, Ikega and Odhio, which forms the six sub clans of Upata Kingdom among other laudable achievements.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Sir Samuel J. Egbe, said the strategic role of traditional rulers in the localities attracted government attention from colonial period till date, noting that the occasion was a watershed in the history of Upata kingdom and the people of Ekpeye in general.
“What you are about witnessing here today is one of the countless enviable credentials of a visionary leader, Eze Felix Otuwarikpo, who has uncommon desire to sustain and consolidate on the ideals of our forefathers,” Egbe said.
Highlights if the occasion saw tokens of different types and cash donations being iven by different groups and individuals that graced the occasion.
In attendance were high class traditional rulers across Nigeria, emirs, politicians, captains of industry, student unions, corporate organizations, and cultural troops.
Recall that the Upata group has been in the fore front of breaking and setting records in Ekpeye Kingdom
The first Eze Ekpeye Logbo came from the Kingdom, and they are said to be the first to see the early whitemen, in addition to being the first to build a Central Palace.

By: Agimo, Emenike Benson

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Rivers

IYC Demands Apology Over Arrest Of Soboma Jackrich

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The Elders Council of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has demanded for an apology from the security agencies over the recent invasion of the residence of Ambassador Soboma Jackrich where two of his aides were killed.
The council said this in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
Signed by Elder Afonya Horsefall, Chairman Ijaw Youth Elders Council, KalabariSekpangi, said the military, by the invasion has trampled on the inalienable rights of its leader.
According to the organisation, “the wanton destruction of his property and the killing of aides is repugnant to natural justice and must be restituted.
It stressed the need for the security agencies to be professional in their approach to security, adding that every action of the security agencies must be within the ambit of the law.
The group described Ambassador Soboma Jackrich as a prominent Ijaw leader who has contributed immensely towards the development of the Niger Delta and the relative peace in the region.
The IYC also called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to come to the aide of the Niger Delta people by ensuring security and development in the region.

By: John Bibor

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Rivers

Fubara Has Demystified Governance-Elder Statesman

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As Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration is set to mark itsone year anniversary, an elder statesman, Sir Fubara Hart, says governance in Rivers State under the governor has been demystified.
Hart, two-time House of Representatives aspirant, therefore, called on Rivers people to rally round the Governor in show of support to achieve the desired objective.
Hart, in an interview in Port Harcourt, said under Governor Fubara, infrastructural development and human capital development are given .maximum attention they deserve for the wellbeing of the citizenry.
He said available evidences abound in the State, judging from the thanksgiving rallies organised by the Simplified Movement, saying it is a strong indication that Rivers people are pleased with the wave of development in the State.
He noted that the spread of projects across the nooks and crannies of the State, unlike in the past, has endeared the Governor to the people who are celebrating him.
Hart said under Governor Fubara, Rivers, people can feel a sense of belonging, as governance is being given a human face through the distribution of social amenities across the board.
He maintained that it would be appropriate to support Governor Fubara, rather than distracting him, saying Governor Fubara has shown his determination to change the fortunes of the people, especially the unreached, among the populace .
“In the past, it wasn’t like this, a scenario where one man divided and cornered the wealth of the people is over. Rivers people are pleased, being carried along and being allowed to contribute to the growth of the State.
The multi-billion naira Port Harcourt Ring Road; Trans-Kalabari road project; the low cost housing units; Songhai farm rehabilitation; and job creation can be described as the monumental achievements Governor Fubara has recorded.
“Gone are the days projects are sited in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area alone. Rivers people can now see projects in all parts of the State. We appeal to detractors to allow Governor Fubara serve his people, give him maximum cooperation as it was given to Wike and others who had ruled the State. Others ruled for eight years, so nothing will stop our own.
Governor Fubara is one of the best things that has happened to Rivers State, as his peaceful disposition, accessibility and open-door policy are hallmark of leadership. He came for Rivers people, as seen in his actions and conduct. Anyone fighting him is an enemy of Rivers people and should be jettisoned,” he said.
Hart said the former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili was right by endorsing Governor Fubara as the political leader of the State as provided in the PDP Constitution.
The PDP meant well by enshrining it in his Constitution, which the All Progressives Congress (APC) borrowed to implement.
The elderstatesman, therefore, appealed to all PDP members to respect the party’s Constitution as it is supreme.
He urged the 27 lawmakers led by Hon Martin Amaewhule to know that they are no longer lawmakers in the eyes of the law as any law made by them cannot stand.
While urging them to desist from being used by one selfish politician to destablise the peace existing in the State, Hart pleaded with the Governor to remember Bonny Local Government Area in the award of road projects, as Bonny internal roads are begging for attention.

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Rivers

Monarch Lauds Fubara Over Solicitor-General’s Appointment

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The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, King Leslie Eke, has praised the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara over the appointment of Mrs Ibiwari Charity Clapton-Ogolo as Permanent Secretary and Solicitor- General of the State.
Eke  said this at a press briefing to mark his birthday at his palace in Woji in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
He said Clapton-Ogolo being a seasoned lawyer will do as expected in an attempt to project and defend the interest of the people.
According to him, such opportunity will also reduce the work-load on the office of the Attorney -General of the State.
The traditional ruler also said the appointment will aid in prompt delivery of justice in the State.
The appointment, he noted, has further demonstrated the Governor’s strength in governance of the State and not weakness as argued in some quarters.
He said those who are not in tune with the modern ways of governance will always be at the sea at each step taken by Governor Fubara.
The Governor, he further explained, is full of wisdom and is prepared to better the lots of Rivers people.
“I am at home with the Governor’s leadership style. He is calculative and he always hits the nail on the head. Well, people are free to say anything they like, but for me, the Governor is a goal getter”, he said.
He re-emphasised the intention of the entire Evo Kingdom’s undiluted support for the present administration as he prayed God to continue to guide and direct the Governor aright in order to enable him deliver credibly on the mandate given him.
It would be recalled that the State has for some time operated with only the office of the Attorney-General of the State until the recent appointment of the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General of State by Governor Fubara.

By: King Onunwor

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