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PDP G5 Bonded To Save Nigeria, Wike Declares …As All Govs Get Honorary Citizens Of Benue Award
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said that nobody can break the ranks of the five governors (G5) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who have continued to insist that Dr. Iyorchia Ayu resigns his position as the national chairman of the party.
Wike noted that because the G5 had remained dogged on their demand, people had made several efforts to break their ranks but cannot succeed.
The Rivers State governor spoke at the new Banquet Hall of Benue State Government House, Makurdi, during a dinner organised in honour of the G5 by Governor Samuel Ortom, last Sunday’s night.
Wike asserted that those efforts were failing because the five governors were bonded to save Nigeria.
“And if you look at us here, the way we are, people have tried to see how they can break us, but they cannot. We are bonded to save Nigeria.
“That is why when you see all of us, we are impenetrable. Nobody can divide us. They have tried everything in this world to divide us, but no way.
“The way we operate; I will talk, we have people who don’t talk. You may be underrating them. By the time they will shock you, you will think it is Wike, it is not Wike you are seeing.”
It was an evening of display of the rich culture of the Benue people in which Ortom proclaimed, bestowing Honorary Citizen’s Status on Governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers; Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia; Seyi Makinde of Oyo; and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.
Wike said Nigerians were expecting the PDP to rescue the country, but it appeared that the leadership of the party was not showing serious commitment to that course.
He stated that inclusivity remains a precursor for peace and unity, because it would allow everybody to have equal sense of stake both in the party and to work together for the desired electoral victory.
“Agreement is agreement. Respect agreement, so that there will be peace, there will be unity. What we are asking for is inclusivity; include everybody.
“We are not talking about presidential candidate. We have finished that one. We have a presidential candidate, we have a vice presidential candidate.
“But that one that will go to the other people, give them so that everybody will move forward. That is what we are saying, nothing more.”
Concerning the 25 buses donated to Benue State PDP for their campaigns, Wike corrected and gave clearer perspective to it.
Wike explained that the buses were part of the bulk of vehicles his team acquired for his presidential campaigns, if he had won the primary.
But since that ambition did not materialise, Wike said, the team decided that the vehicles should be shared among those who supported the course.
The buses, he noted, would help in easing their efforts as they re-enact the winning position of the party.
“So, Ortom saying I gave you people vehicles, it is not correct. They are the vehicles that our team bought that time because of the (presidential primary) election, we would have won it, but to God be the glory.”
Wike said they were in Benue State to show solidarity to Ortom, who he described as a good man.
The Rivers State governor thanked the government and people of Benue for bestowing on them the honorary citizen’s status of the state.
Wike said the G5 constitutes a people who have show leadership in their various states, and on issues of national concern, taken the risk to speak the truth, maintained integrity, and were consistent.
“I thank all of you for this honour you’ve done to all of us, the integrity governors. The governors who can come up, and tell you black is black, yes is yes. We don’t bend; we say it as it is.
“Leadership is taking risk. Leadership is about integrity, and discipline.”
He further added, “Governor Ortom, what we have come here to do today is to give you solidarity for tomorrow’s (Monday) campaign, to tell the people of Benue, we are with Ortom.”
In his speech, the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, acknowledged that as an Eagle of Tiv land, Wike was the first to stand by them, spoke truth to power, and gave support when the Fulani bandits killed Benue people.
“Many have wondered why I have chosen to swim with Governor Wike. Many have wondered why I have chosen to work with him in darkness and in the midst of storms and threats, and also trial and brimstone.
“This is a man who stood with us during our trying times and came out, did not fear about threats of the Federal Government or federal might, but came out and said: look, if you kill Ortom, you have killed Nigeria.
“They call it farmers/herders fight. We say it’s all lies; Fulani is coming to invade us. Wike came out, brought stakeholders from Rivers State, and they came here. Wike offered us solidarity, and in faith with Benue people and gave his commitment.”
Ortom revealed that the monetary support Wike gave was a demonstration of his love for Benue people.
“As if that was going to be the end, he (Wike) committed money, then, it was N250million. I remember High Level Main Market got burnt, Governor Wike heard about it, we did not make any demand, Wike came and donated N200million.
“I remember when Katsina-Ala Market got burnt; Governor Wike came and donated another N200million. Subsequently, the money he has committed is over N700million for our IDPs. Is he not a friend enough that we should work with?
“We have never had it so good. He was the same person who was able to convince our colleague and brother from Akwa Ibom State, who also donated N200million. Then, the governor of Taraba State donated N100million to our IDPs.”
Ortom also clarified that the Rivers State governor was not against Ayu as a person, but added that he was standing for what was true, fair, and just in the PDP.
“I was the chairman of the zoning committee. The National Working Committee (NEC) did not make me chairman, it was the group of those who were nominated that made me chairman.
“It was agreed in that meeting that since people have bought forms, let us allow everybody to contest, but that once a presidential candidate comes from the North, the chairman will go to the South. That was the arrangement.
“I want you to know that Governor Wike is not against Benue State. He is not against the national chairman being from here (Benue) because he is a title holder from Benue State.
“He (Wike) is not against it, but he is just standing for the truth. Agreement is agreement, and it is important we keep to the agreement. If you don’t keep to agreement, then, you are creating problems.”
Ortom explained that the G5 had all agreed to work together for the good of Nigeria, and to deliver it from the basement bad leadership had plunged it.
“They (G5) have stood with us. They have supported us. They are here tonight. Tomorrow, we are launching our campaign. That shows love.
“I want to thank them for standing for justice. I want to thank them for standing for equity. I want to thank them for standing for fairness. That is all that we need!
“We are where we are today because we have refused to respect the rule of law and respect justice, equity and fineness for all.
“As a mark of honour tonight for our very distinguished personalities, by the powers conferred on me as the Governor of Benue State, I have given these four governors, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State; Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Honorary Citizens of Benue State.”
News
PDP Opobo/Nkoro Hails Fubara On Peace, Projects
Stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State have commended the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his disposition that has fostered peace in the State.
Rising from an expanded stakeholders meeting last Saturday in Opobo Town, the body in an eight-point communique signed by its Chairman, Hon. Benneth Daminabo, Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and LG party Chairman, Warisenibo Godwin Pepple commended the governor for linking Opobo/Nkoro LGA to the national grid.
In addition, it lauded the effort of the governor in pursuing the 50.15 kilometre Dual Carriage Ring Road, Elelenwo internal road, Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme and Andoni Road projects.
Despite the distractions, the stakeholders said they were impressed that the governor had equally done projects in health-the unveiling of Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Agric projects at Tai and Oyigbo and improving welfare of civil servants.
In their words, “members reaffirmed their unalloyed loyalty and implicit confidence in his administration.”
Condemning the unfriendly and discourteous utterances of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Tony Okocha in different fora in the State, the forum urged the duo to desist from such action in order not to heat up the polity.
The forum pledged to stand by the governor through, “thick and thin”, the stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of women, who through prayers for the government has impacted positively in the direction and posture of the governor.
Finally, the forum unanimously expressed gratitude to the Simplified Movement and other bodies that have thrown their weight behind the governor to ensure that the administration is stable and successful.
By: Kevin Nengia
News
‘Rivers People Are Now Breathing Fresh Air Under Fubara’
Aformer Caretaker Committee Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon Elamo Arogu, says under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the people of the State are now breathing fresh air.
Hon Arogu said Governor Fubara has given Rivers people hope, considering the impactful and people-oriented projects being carried out by his administration.
The former CTC chairman made the assertion during the Simplified Movement’s thanksgiving service and rally held in honour of Rivers State chief executive last Friday in Abua .
Arogu said under Governor Fubara, the Abua/Odual people have the confidence that the dividends of democracy will definitely get to them.
He noted that the Governor has the strong will to change the narrative in Rivers State, being the reason he is receiving massive support across the State.
“The people of Abua/Odual are strongly behind him. Our doors ate open for everyone because there is government in place to attend to the needs of the people. I believe that he will develop Abua/Odual and other Rivers council areas, hence, the massive support. This government is business- oriented and we are ready to encourage him succeed and invest in our land. The issue of a bank; road networks and other necessities of life bordering on development as demanded by the people will be considered by Governor Fubara”, he said.
He called on the opposition to team up with Governor Fubara to build a stronger, united and viable Rivers State.
He maintained that ward nine under his leadership is Simplified.
News
Rivers State University Cooperative Society Elects New Leaders
The United Port Harcourt Peoples Cooperative Investment & Credit Society Limited, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, has elected new leaders to pilot the affairs of the cooperative for the next two years.
They are Pastor Dr. Barine Aeba (President); Dr. Gift N. Nkweke (Vice-President), Dr. Kenneth Chima Adiele (General Secretary), Victor G. Banigo (Assistant General Secretary),
Rose Yeyeda Nwosu (Treasurer), Adaku Nwogu (Financial Secretary) and Stella Ereba (Public Relations Officer).
Inaugurating the new Management Committee after a keenly contested election held recently at the University Amphitheatre, the Director of Cooperatives in Rivers State, Dr. Elizabeth Chidi-Wike, congratulated the seven-member Executive for emerging winners at the election, charging them to uphold the bye laws of the Cooperative Society and hold regular congress meetings.
Dr. Chidi-Wike used the forum to commend the outgone Management Committee for reviving the Cooperative and placing it on an enviable pedestrial.
In her remarks, the Acting Registrar of the University, Mrs. Ibimonia Sotonye Harry applauded Cooperative members for keeping faith with the Cooperative Society, stressing that the goal of the society in helping members save for retirement cannot be over emphasised.
In his valedictory speech, the outgone President, Dr. Mie-Idala Jones Amachree expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of his four-year tenure, thanking his fellow Management Committee members who gave him the needed support that transformed the Cooperative Society.
In his acceptance address, the President, Pastor (Dr.) Barine Aeba thanked the university management for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the election, pledging that he will fulfill all his campaign promises.
A total of 165 Cooperative members participated in the electoral exercise which was conducted by an Electoral Committee led by Engr. (Dr.) Joseph D. Enoch.
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