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Reconciliation In PDP Must Be Based On Equity, Fairness, Justice -Wike …Apologises To Oshiomhole Over Past Political Comments
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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Don’t Panic, We’ll Protect Rivers Interest -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has told the people of the State not to panic and be rest assured of the determination of his administration to protect lives and property of residents while improving the collective aspirations of the people.
Fubara gave the assurance when he addressed members of the Family Support Group, who were on solidarity visit to Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday to declare their unalloyed support to his administration.
Family Support Group is an assemblage of well-meaning Rivers youths, men and women drawn from the three Senatorial Districts and 23 local government areas, with the core aim of protecting, promoting and defending the interests of Rivers State.
The governor, who was represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, said that the government is for the youths, women, men and every well-meaning Nigerian who wish the State well.
He assured that his administration would not disappoint their expectations, but would deliver good governance and quality services across all sectors.
Fubara said it was gratifying to see ebullient youths showing undying interest in government, and were also willing to defend their votes, and see him completing his tenure without interruption.
The governor explained that so many development projects had been completed and opened for public use with many others like the Port Harcourt Ring Road still actively ongoing.
He specifically noted the readiness of the administration to flag off construction of phase two of the real Trans-Kalabari Road from Port Harcourt through Tombia to other communities; and the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
“The whole land of Rivers State stands in affirmation that we won the election fairly, and deserve to serve out our full tenure. There is not going to be anything that will cut short the popular mandate that you all gave to this Administration.
“Just about within weeks of assuming office, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, flagged-off the Port Harcourt Ring Road project that will transverse six local governments. It will be completed within 36 months, but I think it will be completed before the time, because the progress of work we have seen is beyond what we were thinking.
“The Trans-Kalabari Road, very soon, the official main Trans-Kalabari Road will start, and will begin from Port Harcourt. That road, a lot of plans have been done, very soon, you will see contractors on site, and Rivers State will be opened.
“Just yesterday, you heard in the news also that the Governor has commenced the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road. That road was initially done with one lane, but now, he is going to dualise it. The Government has already awarded the contract”, he said.
Fubara emphasised that his administration is pro-youth and pro-human beings, and determined to maintain that level of empathy and inclusivity that offers succour to the people.
“I, therefore, want to thank you for the promise you have made, and I want you to remain unshakable. Keep your word of defending him at all times.
“When you hear anything outside, be bold, defend the Governor, and tell the people the things you know about him. Tell them what you know he has done to develop the State and the people”, he stated.
In his address, the President General of Family Support Group, Mr Henry Abraham, recalled that during the 2023 elections, they were encouraged to vote and defend their votes because the process was violence-free and credible.
“When we defend our votes, we will also defend the man we voted for. We are Family Support Group, Rivers State belongs to all of us. Rivers State is not a personal estate of one man, it’s for all Rivers people.
“Sir Siminalayi Fubara, stand firm. Family Support Group is with you. All the wards’ coordinators are with you. All the wards’ executives are with you. All the LGA coordinators are with you. All the officers of the National Executive Committee are with you. All our leaders are with you, and the PDP is with you,” he assured.
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11 GDI Coordinators Declare Support For Fubara
The support base for the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, swelled up on Wednesday when 11 Ward Coordinators of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), in Ahoada-East Local Government Area of the State pledged unalloyed support and loyalty to his administration.
Ahoada East, which is the local government area of the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr Edison Ehie, has a total of 13 electoral wards.
The 11 GDI Coordinators, who were in Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday on solidarity visit, said that they have now realised that they had been deceived and misled in the past few months, and decided to retrace their steps, and join the mass of Rivers people to defend and protect their votes and mandate freely given to Governor Fubara.
The coordinators, who were received by the Chief of Staff, Dr Edison Ehie, pledged to mobilise all their supporters and associates to give the State Government the necessary support and encouragement to deliver good governance and sustainable development to Rivers people.
They said that having watched the actions and policy direction of the governor, they have come to the realisation that sitting on the fence while detractors undermine the government was not in the best interest of the State.
The coordinators, who were accompanied by the former LGA Coordinator of GDI, Hon. Christian Abu, and Ahoada East LGA Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Handsome Ekelechi Agile, said that they were resolute in their decision to join millions of well-meaning Rivers people who had solidified their membership of the SIMplified Movement to protect and defend the governor in the face of unwarranted attacks and campaign of calumny.
They said that with their movement to the SIMplified Family, the GDI structure in Ahoada East has completely collapsed.
They warned that anybody fighting the governor and the Chief of Staff would incur the wrath of the land.
In his remarks, Hon. Ehie assured the coordinators of the State government’s commitment to the wellbeing of all Rivers people and the consolidation of the gains of the infrastructure revolution of the administration.
He said that the Fubara-led government was operating an open door policy and running an inclusive administration, assuring that every Rivers man and woman will be touched positively by the actions, policies, and programmes of the government.
The GDI Coordinators included Chinwe Okorji representing Ward 1; Henry Uhor for Ward 2; Hon. Muzan Otuza of Ward 3; Hon. Elvis Ishikaku representing Ward 4; and Hon. Johnson Monday of Ward 5.
Others are Mr. Evidence Adi for Ward 6; Emmanuel Ochu of Ward 7; Hon. Fidelis Ikebuluwa representing Ward 8; Martins Odoi of Ward 9; Hon. Mackson Ekpeye representing Ward 10; Hon. Ambrose Ile for Ward 12.
With this development, the leadership of GDI at the Ward and LG levels have now dumped the group to join the Governor in efforts to transform the State.
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Fubara Recommits To Human Capacity Building In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed the determination of his administration to build and strengthen the capacity of workers in the State’s Civil Service.
The governor said this during a meeting held behind closed doors in Government House, Port Harcourt, with the national leadership of Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Chartered, yesterday.
After the meeting, leader of the delegation and National President of NIM, Dr. Christiana Atako, told newsmen that Governor Fubara, a fellow of the Institute and astute manager, excited them with his plans on human capital development and other development initiatives.
Dr. Atako, who is also the Chairman of Council of NIM said, “In fact, he was talking so much about the civil service. I have told you that one of our strengths is to develop capacity of the workforce, and we told him that we are interested in the civil service of this State.
“We are interested in building capacity of the workforce because we believe that if you have the right workforce, you’ll be able to have successful system. And if you have a successful system, leadership will be very easy.”
She emphasised that, “And when we told him, he bought the idea. He said he was happy about that. He wants a situation where, apart from the infrastructure that he was putting in place, he also wants to build the capacity of the people.”
Atako stated that as an Institute, they were impressed with the giant strides of the leadership of the governor, the many infrastructural projects, both ongoing and completed, including the welfare packages for civil servants, particularly the Christmas bonus of N100, 000.00.
She pointed out the distinguishing attributes of a great and good leader, which include exhibiting empathy and motivating the workers to become more productive, which she said, were evident in the leadership shown by Governor Fubara.
Atako said they also informed the governor of their forthcoming annual national conference slated to hold in Port Harcourt, which is always used to discuss issues that are of interest to the growth and development of the country.
Those in the delegation were Registrar/Chief Executive of NIM, Mrs Taiwo Olusesi; former National Vice President, Dame Christie Toby; Council Members, Engr. Beniah Ojum; Prof. Sylva Opuala-Charles; Zonal Chairman and Chairman LOC NIM ANMC, Pastor Eyo Okpo-Ene; former National Treasurer, Chief Grant Orugbani; and Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, His Imperial Majesty, Kelvin N. Anugwo.
Others are former Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly and Member LOC NIM ANMC, Rt. Hon. Marshall Stanley-Uwom; AGM, Hotel Presidential, Mr. Rex Yakpogoro; Member LOC NIM ANMC, Engr. Eze Egwurugwu; Sir Mike Elechi; Member LOC NIM ANMC, Dr. Kelechi Belinda Udeogu; Secretary, South South Zone and Secretary LOC NIM ANMC, Mr. Christian U. Abu; Emeritus Professor Simeon Chituru Achinehu.
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