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Wike Promises To Unveil Preferred Presidential Candidate In Jan …Says 2023 Election’ll Be Used To Retire Many Politicians

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Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said that the decision on which presidential candidate to mobilise votes for in the forthcoming 2023 general election has been taken, and will be revealed in January, 2023.
Wike spoke at the inauguration of the Rumuokwurusi-Elimgbu Flyover (10th flyover) in Rumuokwurusi Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday.
The governor assured that, from January, 2023, he would first embark on a state-wide campaign tour to tell Rivers people who they should vote for.
Thereafter, he explained that he would undertake a nation-wide campaign tour to tell Nigerians the most preferred presidential candidate requiring their votes.
He said Nigerians need to know a reliable candidate that they can trust to deliver the needed national transformation with the expected capability, and results.
“So, from January next year, I will campaign to my people who they will vote for. So, all of you who have been in suspense, who have been saying all kinds of things, abusing me, wait, January has come. Not only will I tell them where they will vote, I will move from state-to-state, and tell them why they should vote for the people I think they should vote for. Nothing will happen.”
Wike pointed to the ills some persons have caused with their political inconsistency, associations and philosophy, and wondered if they can, in good conscience, say they have been fair to Nigerians, and fit to lead them.
“Those of you who have never been stable, you move from PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) to there, and you move from there back to PDP. Those of you who campaigned in 2015, telling Nigerians if they vote for PDP, they are voting for insurgency. If they vote for PDP, they’re voting for corruption.
“Wait, all of us will reply. We will tell Nigerians this thing that you said, how far now. Where do you still stand now? Is it the same PDP or a new PDP?”
Wike insisted that going into an election and winning the needed victory was beyond mere appearances on television shows, casting aspersions on others and talking big.
“So, all of you appearing on television abusing me; don’t waste your saliva again. January has come. All those of you who are telling Nigerians that you used to have 40 shoes, you used to have 50 wrist watches, time has come to convert those shoes and wrist watches to votes. It’s not to be on the podium and raise your shoes high; and raise your wrist watch high. Time has come to convert it to votes.”
Wike also advised some Rivers politicians who now reside in Abuja to know that the 2023 elections would confirm who truly has political influence on Rivers electorate.
He said 2023 general election would also be used to retire these politicians, and urged them to return home and do their campaigns.
The governor said the state government was not opposed to any political party or group holding political rallies.
He reiterated that any party or group planning to use government-owned schools should be ready to pay the non-refundable security fee.
He urged those politicians to stop telling lies and be bold to let their people know what they have capacity to do and cannot do.
“Let me also use the opportunity to advise those of them who said that they are our brothers in Abuja. This 2023 election will confirm to us in Rivers State who are those that have influence on voters.
“Who are those that their people will listen to and vote. It is not only for you to be in Abuja and tell them whatever you’re telling them. Come home because our polling booths are not going to be in Abuja.”
He further added, “This election will retire people in 2023. If they win us, we go. If we win them, they go. In fact, they have already gone.”
Wike also said his administration has established a new political concept that would deepen understanding on how to endear the electorate and secure their votes.
He explained that the PDP in Rivers State would not engage in vote buying, but would depend on the numerous projects executed in all the 23local government areas, consistent payment of pension and gratuities by his administration to win the 2023 general election.
Providing the description of the project, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr.DakorinimaAlaboGeorge-Kelly said the Rumuokwurusi-Elimgbu Flyover, started on January 28, 2022, was delivered in less than 10 months.
He explained that the length of the flyover was 820metres, has the width size at the descent as 30.65 while at the upper pass, the width is 17.35meters.
George-Kelly said the flyover would ease traffic flow, and serve as alternative route to connect traffic flow to the Port Harcourt International Airport.
The Project Manager, Julius Berger Plc, Engineer Taner, commended Wike for the confidence reposed in the company by the Rivers State Government to drive its urban renewal initiative.

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Rivers Open To Blue Economy Investment -Fubara

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the State stands as the best investment destination for good economic achievement.
Fubara stated this while providing investment details to industrialists during the 3rd Nigeria-Indonesia Forum in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
He said that, as the oil and gas hub of Nigeria, Rivers State stands as the best investment destination for good economic achievement.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, enumerated the vast opportunities Rivers State holds to potential investors in the marine and blue economy, agriculture, hospitality and tourism, health, transportation, amongst other sectors.
He commended the leadership of the Nigeria-Indonesia Commercial Association and the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) for its continuous support to keep Rivers State at the peak for investors.
“Your decision to convoke this business forum is indeed apt. It will provide a robust platform for discussions in the areas of health, education, trade, investment, energy, environment…Vast opportunities exist in agriculture and agro-based industries, marine resources and blue economy, hospitality and tourism, transport, petroleum and other natural resources such as clay, raffia palm and textile with promising labour”, he emphasized.
He urged participants to use the forum to build partnerships for mutual economic benefits for both Rivers State and Indonesia.
“I am optimistic that this Forum will explore the investment opportunities in the State as well as harness them for our mutual benefits. I assure you that doing business in the State is strengthened by the enabling environment provided by the State Government to potential investors.
“I encourage you all to engage actively in discussions, share your insights, and learn from one another and create new collaborations and explore the investment opportunities in the State. Your ideas would no doubt spark the next big innovation or partnership that will drive meaningful change in our economy,” he stressed.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Ussra Hendru Harahap, gave insight into the Nigeria-Indonesia dynamic similarities and that Rivers State is host to Indonesia’s biggest investment in Nigeria.
He further indicated that Indonesia and Nigeria can mutually benefit from the diverse use of palm fruit and other businesses as he urged participants to explore new grounds for business development and expansion for both Indonesia and Rivers State.
The President of the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Sir Mike Elechi, said the aim of the business forum is to provide more business opportunities to the people of Rivers State in view of attracting more business opportunities that will expand and promote commercial activities and investments in the State.

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Tinubu, Buhari Mourn Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, Iwuanyanwu

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President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt commiserations to the family of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed away, yesterday.
Chief Iwuanyanwu was the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. He was an accomplished businessman and notable politician.
President Tinubu condoled with the Imo State Government, the friends and associates of the deceased, and Ndi Igbo over this irreparable loss.
The President in a statement by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, affirmed that Chief Iwuanyanwu will always be remembered for his remarkable legacy.
President Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman and comfort to his family.
Meanwhile, former Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, has expressed rude shock over the demise of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The former Chairman, South East Governors Forum described Iwuanyanwu’s death as “ a big disaster and colossal loss to the Igbo nation”.
He said Chief Iwuanyanwu sacrificed so much in the advancement of Igbo cause but regretted that he exited at a time his fatherly counsels were most needed.
Senator Orji who said Iwuanyanwu was a personal friend, said he was highly devastated by the news of the departure of the late Igbo leader.
The former Senator representing Abia Central, a statement by his former Chief Liaison Officer , Hon. Ifeanyi Umere, said the death of Iwuanyanwu, had added to the pain of the loss of some other Igbo leaders who excited in the recent times.
He said that Iwuanyanwu would always be remembered for his patriotism, sacrificial leadership and passion for the Igbo cause.
Senator Orji condoled with the family of the late Ohanaeze helmsman while praying God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal repose in heaven.
Iwuanyanwu’s death was announced by his son Jide Iwuanyanwu, in a statement made available to newsmen in Owerri, yesterday.
According to the son, “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announced the demise of our Patriarch, Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday July 25, 2024 after a brief illness. He was aged aged 82.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu, before his death, was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife, lady Princess Iwuanyanwu, many children and grandchildren including Dr Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, Managing Director Champion Newspapers.
“Details of the burial will be announced later by the family after due consultation.”

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Nigeria Capable Of Providing Good Healthcare System -German Consul-General

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The German Consul- General, Weert Börner, has said that Nigeria was capable of providing a good healthcare system, rather than encouraging promotion of medical tourism.
Börner said this during the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) yesterday, in Lagos while highlighting Germany’s role in enhancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.
He listed some of his country’s areas of support to include Good Health and Well-being; Quality Education; and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
According to him, there are discussions on how the COVID-19 pandemic still influences the SDG achievement and the challenge to overcome the gap and its impacts.
“I can assure you that Germany was very impressed how Nigeria handled the pandemic, especially Lagos State, with Health Commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi.
“We have been increasing our support to modernise Nigeria’s health sector.
“I can assure you the German government is not a government promoting medical tourism to Europe. We think that’s not a solution.
“The solution is to improve the healthcare system in Nigeria.
“And there is no tourism needed in the future to get good treatment because we think that Nigeria is capable to have its own good health care system,” he said.
To support the health sector, Börner said that the German government has been training medical personnel, offering scholarships to medical students and has active presence of German companies in Nigeria’s health sector.
The envoy also said that Germany offers annual scholarships for both master degrees and PhD students globally through the German Academic Exchange Service, (DAAD).
“And in 2023, for the first time ever, among sub-Saharan African nations, Nigeria ranked number one.
“The number of Nigerian scholarship receivers went up within 13 years from just 200 to 1,600. So that’s a big success for your country, but I think also for the world,” he said.
Börner emphasised that vocational training was a traditional strength of the German system, noting that it was cooperating with the government and the private sector, citing training for solar energy engineers in Nigeria.
The consul-general stressed the need for best practices and strengthened cooperation to actualise SDGs in Nigeria, Africa and globally.
The Africa Social Impact Summit is a multi-sectoral platform dedicated to accelerating action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Summit organised by Sterling One Foundation, United Nations and the Lagos State Government has the theme: “Reimagining Progress: A New Blueprint for Sustainable Growth in Africa.”

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