Indigenes and residents of Azuabie-Okujagu communities in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State, have made an appeal to the state government for infrastructure and urban renewal in their communities.
Speaking through Elder Tamunotonkaye Adolphus during a solidarity rally to Government House last Wednesday, they said they are ardent supporters of the Governor Fubara-led administration, and are very impressed with his performance in office, accomplishments and peaceful disposition.
Elder Adolphus explained that the people have fresh hope of government intervention in their communities because they were neglected by the immediate past administration, leaving their roads and public schools unattended to.
He expressed the belief that the Governor Fubara-led administration will come to their aid by rehabilitating the 10km internal roads and the two public schools in the communities.
Also speaking, the Rivers State gubernatorial candidate for Action Democratic Party (ADP) in the 2023 general election, Sir Victor Fingesi, expressed excitement with Governor Fubara’s avowed commitment to harnessing the agricultural potentials of the State.
He noted that it was the first time since 1999 that a Governor was so convinced and determined to change the narrative in the agriculture sector, which can contribute to making Rivers State become competitive economically.
He called for strategic investments in the agriculture sector to guarantee food sufficiency and security, and reduce the scourge of hunger in the land, adding that it was only through such avenue that enduring peace and development can be achieved.
Fingesi pledged total support to Governor Fubara and his administration, saying that he was ready to work with the government to take the State to the next level.
On his part, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara said that he is willing to work with people of goodwill and progressive ideas for partnerships that will make life better for the people and ensure sustainable development of the State.
This is even as he acknowledged the unwavering support demonstrated by both indigenes and residents of Azuabie-Okujagu communities in Port Harcourt Local Government Area, who have become good ambassadors of his administration.
Governor Fubara made the remark while addressing a delegation of the leadership and members of Azuabie-Okujagu communities who were on a peaceful solidarity walk to Government House in Port Harcourt last Wednesday.
The Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, who received the delegation on behalf of the Governor noted that the people’s support was largely organic in nature, adding that it was evident that they were taking back what rightly belongs to them by genuinely supporting the government they all voted into power.
He said, “You are the people that voted him into power, and that is why you have the right also to say that these are the things you need.
“The Governor also recognise the contributions of your sons and daughters who have served the State in different ways. Your community is one of the greatest communities in the State because it has produced men that have contributed in no small measure to the growth of Rivers State,” he said.
Governor Fubara said: “I want to beg of you, as you go home, let every person here be an ambassador, everybody in your community. Tell them that the Governor means well for his people.
“Tell your people that their Governor is still sitting in the place they elected him to sit, and taking the right decisions. We know there could be people who may be tempted with money to be Judas. But tell them to shun money. Tell them that what matters at this time is the people, and the Governor is people-centred.”
Governor Fubara said he had listened and taken note of their requests concerning the state of public schools in their communities, among other issues that require attention.
He commended them, saying: “I want to even thank you that on your own, you made some community efforts to execute projects, whereas some people, when Government builds schools, they go and steal the things used in building the schools and destroy the schools.
“In your case, you used your own money to build some classrooms in your communities. The Governor will be very happy to hear this and your communities will be supported.
“I want to make one assurance to you: We have received your protest letter, we will not talk about them here, because already, the Governor is thinking along those lines.
“The Governor is thinking about making sure that our people live in a comfortable environment. I can assure you that your communities will receive maximum support,” he assured.

Kevin Nengia

Members of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) drawn from the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State shut down traffic along the Aba Road through Azikiwe to Government House Drive on Wednesday in a solidarity visit to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Rivers State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Apostle Clifford Paul, told the governor that they were on a Thank-You Rally to show appreciation for his love for the workers.
Apostle Paul stated that Governor Fubara has changed their fortunes and restored hope in them when he directed the payment of N30,000.00 minimum wage to the workers, and lifted the ban on promotion, which has now placed them at par with their counterparts across the country.
On his part, the Deputy General Secretary of NULGE, Comrade Ajewole Ayedele, who represented the National President, said they were delighted with the pro-people policies of Governor Fubara, particularly for ending the stagnancy and frustration workers suffered.
Comrade Ayedele assured the governor of the continued support of the union to his administration, both at state and national level.
“At our last NEC meeting, when he (State Chairman) was reporting to us that you have done series of things to local government staff, because from history, Rivers State has been a source of mockery to other states in Nigeria when it comes to welfare of local government staff.
“When he said it, somebody from the north said, that means this new governor has tried to part ways from what he met on ground, because we have been asking how on earth is it possible that workers will be on duty for eight years without promotion?
“But for your wisdom that you have done it for us, we too are going to reciprocate. And I want to assure you, Your Excellency, that anytime you call on us, we are going to come out enmasse to associate with you, to solidarise with you, to continue to pray for you, because of your commitment to our welfare and service,” the national officer added.
On his part, the Rivers State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Alex Agwanwor, said workers have resolved to stand with Governor Fubara because he has demonstrated his love, put smiles on their faces and advanced the welfare and growth of the State.
Comrade Agwanwor warned that the NLC would not hesitate to occupy anywhere used by the Rivers State House of Assembly members led by Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, should they begin another impeachment proceeding against the governor.
He noted that in addition, organised labour would be forced to withdraw their members working with the lawmakers if they decide to throw caution to the wind.
Governor Fubara, who had received members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) from the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State on a solidarity rally at Government House Gate, in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, said their large number further goes to prove the nature of the organic support his administration has continued to enjoy from the people of the state.
“Some days ago, somebody said we are busy renting crowd for thanksgiving. But what I have seen here today, it’s not different from what is happening at those thanksgiving rallies. People are just appreciating God and good governance.”
Governor Fubara stated that he was mindful of the legacy he would bequeath after his tenure, adding: “It should also be about the lives that have been touched genuinely; about the policies implemented without any inducement to better the lives of the people and the society.”
The governor urged the people to continue to support his administration, show understanding over actions taken, and obey the rules in a peaceful manner.
“When you are doing what is right, I will stand by you. Nobody, whether full or half is going to intimidate you. Brace up, I say brace up, because the next step, it will be fire for fire in Rivers State. Everything will be implemented.”
Governor Fubara said that already, local government workers have started receiving N30,000.00 minimum wage with promotion to be implemented beginning from April’s salary payment.
He also promised to set in motion plans to finalise modalities for the implementation of the Consolidated Salary Scale for Grade Level 17, and regular payment of benefits to the local government service retirees.
“For our people, the great and wonderful people of Rivers State, we will continue to lead you with the fear of God.
“Maturity is not about age, maturity is in the person. It is what defines the character of a person. I choose not to respond to people that I assumed are matured, but are obviously immature in attitude.
“I will continue to be mature, not minding my age, but I will not for any reason allow myself or anybody who is working with me in this administration to be messed with, maltreated or abused in the cause of administering this governance,” the Governor said.

Kevin Nengia

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Rivers State has uncovered an illegal oil bunkering site at Odagwa Community in Etche Local Government Area..
Spokesperson of NSCDC, Olufemi Ayodele said the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad made the discovery of about 10 illegal refineries with an estimated 500,000 litres of crude oil contained in about 50 illegally constructed reservoirs following intelligence.
He stated that the NSCDC will continue to fight against crude oil theft, illegal mining, illegal dealings in petroleum products, amongst others across the country.
“The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi has reiterated over time that all acts of economic sabotage would be fought to a standstill as suspects arrested would face the full wrath of the law irrespective of their sponsors,” he said.
In tandem with the Commandant General’s, order, a Special Intelligence Squad was set up, as they were charged to be thorough and results- oriented in their operations.
He noted that the success of the special squad was “based on credible intelligence, the CG’s SIS swung into action and uncovered 10 illegal local refineries in a forest located in Odagwa Community in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State where five suspects were caught in the act of illegally refining of crude oil”.
While conducting reconnaissance operations across the large thick forest, about 10 different cooking pots of 50,000 litres capacity were seen with one big pumping machine, Receiver Tanks, 25 rubber hoses used for pumping crude oil and many long galvanised pipes with unqualified litres of crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil stored in six large reservoirs and other 20 smaller reservoirs dug in the ground.
The suspects arrested have now been handed over to the Rivers State Command for further investigation and possible prosecution are Favour Chukwu (M), 29 years, Desmond Umeh (M), 25 years, Godwin Amos (M), 22years; Bineace Galion (M), 38years; and Goodnews David (M), 23 years.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Commandant, Basil Igwebueze has condemned the unrepentant act of unscrupulous elements who tapped into the oil well head of Heirs Energies and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) located around Imo River 2 Oil and Gas Field at Odagwa in Etche, through different channels, inserted their galvanised pipes and siphoned crude oil while processing same within the premises without remorse.
The Rivers State NSCDC Commandant thanked the Commandant General for the commissioning of the Special Intelligence Squad that has been working relentlessly across the States of the federation to combat the menace of illegal dealings in petroleum products, crude oil theft, vandalism of railway lines, amongst others.
“The uncovering of this massive illegal oil bunkering site is a landmark achievement and an indication that the NSCDC as the lead agency in the protection of all critical national assets and infrastructure will continue to combat crude oil theft with renewed vigour even as we work in synergy with sister security agencies to salvage the nation’s economy from saboteurs”, Igwebueze said.
“Let me reassure you that thorough investigation has commenced to unravel those behind the scene while all suspects arrested in connection with this act of vandalism and crude oil theft would be charged to court of competent jurisdiction and their sponsors or cartels would be trailed and brought to book without compromise,” he added.