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Reconciliation In PDP Must Be Based On Equity, Fairness, Justice -Wike …Apologises To Oshiomhole Over Past Political Comments

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Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) G-5 Governors would only be disposed to reconciliation based on equity, fairness and justice.
The Rivers State governor made the assertion at the inauguration of the Rumuepirikom Flyover, the 8th so far constructed and completed by his administration.
The project inauguration was performed by the former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, last Wednesday.
Wike pointed to how, prior to the crisis rocking the PDP, some members of the party were singing praises of him and colleagues that make up the G-5 Governors. But he noted that the same people have turned around to call them names because they are clamouring for equity, fairness and justice.
“I’m sure, those of them in my party, before, they cannot say anything without mentioning Wike. But now, because I said let the right thing be done, let agreement be agreement. Because I have said that, I have now become an enemy. These were people who were praising me morning, night, any day.
“But because we said, look, we had an agreement, do this, do that, and some people believe that they will not and we said it must be done. We stand for equity, fairness and justice. That is what the G-5 Governors will continue to preach. We have said we are not against reconciliation, but reconciliation must be based on equity, fairness and justice.”
Wike said politics is about interest and Rivers people must be sure of what they stand to benefit for any support they would have to give ahead of the 2023 general election.
“Politics now is about interest. You must tell me what the interest of Rivers State is. You must tell me what the interest of my community is. I will not join anybody who does not want my state to benefit. I will not support anybody who does not like my state.”
Wike drew attention to the place of integrity in leadership across strata and why leaders must be bonded by what they say and do.
“When once you have lost integrity, there is nothing you can offer again. And that is the problem we are having in this country where politicians will stand up and make a statement.
“And then, people are watching you to fulfill that statement, promise you have made and when you don’t, Nigerians will now say that is how politicians behave. I don’t agree to that.
“Individuals can behave that way, I will not behave that way. If I say something today, I will do it. If there is any reason I won’t do it, I have to come back to you and let you know this is the reason why. And that is what they call integrity.”
He called on leaders across strata and divide to promote unity among Nigerians.
According to him, the expected unity should be devoid of ethnicity, religion and party considerations but based on the fact that one is a Nigerian.
“We need a Nigeria that all of us can be proud of. And so, for us, all we are looking for is how Nigeria will progress. How people will have food on their table. It is not a about ethnicity, it is not about religion. It is not about party but how Nigeria will progress. That is where we stand.”
Wike decried situations most people are made to experience, which often make them to question their nationality as Nigerians.
He said, it was unfair for some Nigerians to lord it over others on an unequal stance, a feeling that negates unity and progress.
The governor also seized the opportunity to offer public apology to Oshiomhole over some political comments made against him and the governorship candidate that he supported in the last Edo State gubernatorial election.
“You know I came to Edo State to make sure your candidate didn’t win election. I was virtually in charge, everyday coming out on television to take you on, and I said you will not win, and you didn’t win.
“Well, that assignment has been done; we now know who is who. I want to tell my people, I sincerely apologise to you, and you know, each time you (we) learn.”
Wike said to be called a good leader; you must have integrity because good leadership requires honesty and transparency.
Commenting on the project, Wike noted how the people had cried over the inconveniences they had suffered while the construction work lasted.
But with the Rumuepirikom flyover now completed and inaugurated, Wike observed that people were happier that their sacrifice was worth it.
The governor thanked the people and residents of Rumuepirikom for their cooperation and understanding throughout the period of the construction in spite of the inconvenience.
“Before any good development comes to an area, there must be some kind of discomfort as sacrifice for that good thing to come. I thank my people for the support they gave Julius Berger during the period of the construction despite the inconvenience they experienced.
“We thank God that we are through with the project that we started last year around June/July. Today, we are celebrating; it is a thing of joy for the people of my community and those doing business here. We are not going to abandon any project we have started.
“Governance does not know party; governance does not know ethnicity or religion. Governance is for everybody; It doesn’t matter whether they voted for you or not. When you get power through the vehicle of your political party, you are obliged to carry everyone along the moment election is won and governance starts.
“I invite people from the other political divide to commission projects because there is no law that says I must invite only those in my party to commission projects. Today, our brother, Adams Oshiomhole is here with us, when he goes back, he will tell people that all those things I have been hearing about projects in Rivers State, I have gone there, I have seen and they are correct.
“What is important about leadership is integrity, once you have lost integrity, there is nothing you can offer anymore in leadership because it requires honesty and transparency to be seen as a good leader,” the governor said.
Wike instructed Julius Berger Nigeria PLC to return to the Rumuepirikom community and make sure all roads were reconstructed in the area.
Performing the inauguration, former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, noted with pleasure the belief by Wike that in a democracy, though political parties were needed to win elections, promises made to the people must be kept, and projects delivered as proof of governance.
“I think, Rivers people should be proud because, our people often say that prophets are not appreciated at home. Governor Wike has truly transformed this city.
“So, sir, the truth is that, I have heard anyone who is able to say with some measure of confidence that Governor Wike does not hide his position; and speaks whenever he feels he had something to say. You talk, you walk the talk!
“In politics, I can’t come to this place when we want the votes and begin to celebrate you. If I celebrate you like our President MuhammaduBuhari has celebrated you now, and you’re using the certificate to make the most potent campaign against my own party what can we say?”
Oshiomhole, who was also a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), commended Wike for using his time in office as governor of Rivers State to make a difference.
“Facts are very stubborn. So, I agree that even your worse critics will admit that Wike has made a difference. You made a difference not only in terms of projects but even your statement this afternoon. I join you in saying, because I had course to say that in Benin, when I was governor of Edo State, that how can a country be governed by people who cannot be trusted?
“When politicians make statements, make promises or even make agreements or even enact laws and the laws are not to be obeyed by themselves but to be obeyed by others, and when they default in their promise or standing, they say that is politics for you”.
Oshiomhole described r Wike as a courageous and visionary leader who matches words with actions.
He said Nigeria needs more people like Wike in positions of authority.
“I feel very privileged that you are inviting me at a time when I am not in a position of authority to do anything for anyone. I really thank Your Excellency for this recognition.
“Yes, we need political parties, and we need to contest elections. In doing so, when we make promises and the people give us the benefit of the doubt, when the election season is over, we should move away from politics to projects like Governor Wike is doing.
“That is why you were honoured by our president who is not very generous in praising people, he doesn’t have much qualification in terms of flattering, he doesn’t flatter, and he won’t give you recognition if you don’t merit it.
“I can reveal this: this is why it took him seven years before he conferred the first national honours in his administration. He told me when I was the national chairman of APC, we don’t throw honours away, and you have to give honour to those who really merit it.
“One or two years in office is not enough time for him to assess people. As you can see, you are one of the few that were honoured. I think it was yours in particular that was really celebrated by many based on your activities. In spite of your no flattering statements about his government, he still found you worthy of that honour as Mr Projects.
“Rivers people should be proud; Governor Wike has truly transformed this state. I haven’t heard anyone say with confidence that Governor Wike just boasts, and does not do anything. You talk, you walk the talk.
“Your Excellency you have made a difference not only in the area of projects but in governance in general. Nigeria needs more people like you in positions of authority,” Oshiomhole added.
Oshiomhole extolled the eloquence, brilliance and proficiency in construction terms and figures exhibited by the Rivers State commissioner for works.
“I must salute the brilliant young commissioner for works who took us on a tutorial of the project from A to Z. Your Excellency, I must confess, you have an intellectual as commissioner for works,” he stated.
Providing the project description earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Dr. George-Kelly, D. Alabo, said the flyover is 820 meters in length.
“This flyover project is 820m in length; it has two approach ramps on the north side and the south side of the overpass, 110m each. It has a width of 16.8m, 600mm walkways on both sides, and 600mm medians.
“We have a total of 108 beams, and 260 elastomeric bearings to ensure that movements due to compression are accommodated. We also have expansion joints at locations, expansion joints on the bridge, and expansion joints even on the retaining walls to take care of thermal expansivity.
“Sub-structurally, we have 200mm thickness of soil cement stabilisation after soil replacement. We have 200mm thickness of stone base, and we have pavement of 100mm thick; 50mm binder course and 50mm wearing course,” the commissioner added.
He stated that the flyover was designed to last, would reduce time spent in traffic; improve the socio-economics dynamics within the benefitting communities in addition to the enhanced value of property in the area.

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Group Doles out N13m To Market Women In Isiama 

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The peaceful Town of Isiama in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State was at the weekend agog with activities following the donation of over N13million to market women by Engr. Justus Ngerebara in partnership with Fast Track Development Initiatives, a non-governmental organization, as part of its first phase empowerment programme.
According to Justus Ngerebara, who is also the Executive Director of the organization, the women, numbering 108, will receive various sums based on their business proposal.
He stated that the organization will carry out an annual review of the performances of the beneficiaries, with a view to rewarding those who put the money into good use.
According to him, the initiative was a collaborative effort between himself and his wife, Dr. Unyime Ngerebara, in partnership with Fast Track Development Initiative (FDI), an organization committed to youth capacity building and community development.
He said the family believe deeply in the transformative power of women’s empowerment as a catalyst for economic growth, especially in rural communities.
“As the saying goes, when you empower a woman, you empower a community. This truth resonate strongly with us, knowing that empowered women uplift households and inspire generational change”, he stated.
Ngerebara described the programme as the beginning of more things to come and urged the beneficiaries to view the gesture “as a reflection of our deep love for the community and our commitment to easing the burdens of economic hardship.
“We encourage you to invest wisely, channel these resources into your business not frivolities.
“We will continue to follow up with each participant to monitor progress and Offer guidance.
“It is our goal to see thriving business, creative solutions to households hunger and a ripple effect of prosperity through Isiama.
“We also call on the men to stand beside their spouses, offering support and encouragement to ensure these resources are maximized for growth”, he said.
In an interview, Ngerebara said the second phase of the empowerment programme will start very soon, stressing that since inception the organization has done so much for the community.
He listed some of the programmes carried out by the group in the community to include the installation of solar powered lights, and solar powered water.
While declaring the event open, a former coymmissioner for Works in Rivers State, Engr. Sampson Ngerebara, described the event as the first of its kind in the community.
Engr. Ngerebara said the programme will go a long way to improve the conditions of not only the beneficiaries, but also the entire Isiama Community.
He also charged them against wasting the resources on frivolities, adding that their success will attract more of such empowerment programme to Isiama community
Giving a brief talk on women empowerment, a lecturer at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr. Awajimogobo Felix MacLean, warned the beneficiaries to justify the effort of the donor by avoiding wastages.
Dr. MacLean also urged them to be consistent in their line of business as well as avoid unnecessary competition.
She also stressed the need for them to network among themselves, while working out ways of helping the community to develop.
Guest of Honour at the occasion, Professor Uriah Oboada Alafonye, said Engr Justus Ngerebara, the initiator of the programme, has set a standard for present and future generations of leaders both in the community and the rest of Andoni to follow.
Prof Alafonye who is of the department of Arts Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, also appealed to the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity provided by the programme to reduce poverty in the community.
Speaking, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Hebron Mercy Fyneface, a crayfish seller and an interior designer, said it was the first time she was receiving such gesture from any organization or government.
She thanked Engr Justus Ngerebara for remembering the women of Isiama and urged others to emulate him.
By: John Bibor
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Fubara’s Return Excites NCSU … As Hope Rises For Civil Servants 

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The umbrella body of civil servants in Rivers State, the Nigeria Civil Service Union(NCSU) has expressed delight over the lifting of emergency rule in the State and the return to office of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof Ngozi Nma Odu and members of the State House of Assembly, saying, the development portends good omen for workers, the people and the State.
The Rivers State Chairman of NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, who gave the indication in an interview in Port Harcourt, said the return of the Governor to office portends good omen and better days for civil servants in particular, stressing that the union heartily welcomes the Governor back to office, to resume his good works in the State, after six months of the emergency rule, as well as his deputy and members of the House of Assembly.
He noted that civil servants in the State are not only elated over the development but are also full of hope that the Governor would start from where he stopped in attending to their welfare needs.
He contended that the political crisis that recently engulfed the State and the six-month emergency rule had for over one year pulled the State backwards, but expressed delight that a permanent solution has been found to stem further political upheavals in the State, and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making this possible; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and leader of the State, Chief Nyesom Wike; Governor Fubara; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule; members of the House; and other stakeholders for agreeing to amicably resolve all contending issues.
The labour leader said this is the right time for all political gladiators in the State to bury the hatchet, work together and embrace peace and genuine reconciliation in the overall interest of the State.
He described as too hasty the resolution of the House, mandating the Governor to present a supplementary budget to it, and pleaded with members of the House to be calm, to tread with caution, and harmoniously work with the Governor.
He said the return of democratic governance in the State would fast-track progress and development in the State, and enjoined the people of the State, particularly civil servants to continue to give their support and cooperation to the Fubara administration.
Osumah expressed optimism that Governor Fubara would give prompt attention to challenges facing civil servants in the State, being a former civil servant himself, stressing that the workers truly have hope, now that the Governor has returned to office, and knowing the kind of Governor he is.
According to him, he is going to look into the controversial and contentious contributory pension scheme; rehabilitation of the State Secretariat Complex; recruitment into the state civil service; extension of service and retirement years for civil servants; provision of vehicles to industrial unions; as well as provision of befitting staff quarters for civil servants; among others.
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NDDC Organizes ADR Capacity Building for Staff

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has organized a one-day sensitization program for its personnel on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) approaches to promote workplace compliance on transparency and due process.
The workshop, themed “Promoting Transparency and Due Process in the Workplace using ADR Approaches in Building a Culture of Accountability and Integrity,” aimed to equip staff with the skills to resolve disputes effectively.
Declaring the event open on thursday in port Harcourt,The NDDC Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized the importance of using ADR mechanisms to resolve conflicts in the workplace.
Dr. Ogbuku  represented by his chief of staff,Rev Omeya Oworibo,noted that ADR approaches can encourage a culture of honesty, fairness, transparency, trust, and reduce conflicts among staff, ultimately promoting efficiency and productivity.
He averred that those disputes and quarrels if not proper resolved can derail the vision and objectives of the commission to the people, noting that the commission must as a team and unity as service provider in order to render a profitable service delivery to the people.
 “ADR approach will encourage culture of honesty,fairness, transparency ,trust  and reduce back bitting and the workforce, noting that such tendency would in turns promote efficiency and increase results in workplace.
 when integrity and honesty becomes the operandi of an organisation and employees begins to trust that their matters will be handled with fairness it will breed team work and increase in productivity.”he stated
He commended the department of DCR for organising the workshop and urged the participants to make good use of the opportunity and imbibe the culture of tolerance, integrity and teamwork in workplace.
Also speaking,the NDDC acting director of DCR ,Mr Godwin Ayewumi Ogedegbe noted that the theme of the captures the core of what the commission seeks to achieve a workplace where every action is expected to be guided by openness, fairness, and a steadfastness commitment to due process, where conflicts are not merely resolved, but prevented through structured,principled processes , and where accountability and integrity are not aspirational ideals but every day practice.
In his  keynote presentation on the theme “workplace Ethics and alternative Dispute Resolution Correlation,
Prof. Sylvester Odion Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, delivered a keynote presentation on “Workplace Ethics and Alternative Dispute Resolution Correlation.” He stressed the importance of due process, transparency, integrity, and accountability in the workplace, noting that these values are essential for productivity and organizational goals.
The workshop aimed to promote a culture of accountability and integrity in the NDDC workplace. By equipping staff with ADR skills and promoting transparency and due process, the commission can build a more efficient and productive work environment.
By: Akujobi Amadi
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