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We’ve Almost Decided On Presidential Candidate To Support, Wike Hints …I’ll Invest In Education, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Others, Fubara Assures
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has hinted that talks with his political allies on the presidential candidate to support in the February 25 election would soon be finalised.
The governor maintained that the people of the state know their political bearings and would not play second fiddle concerning the general election slated for February 25 and March 11, 2023.
Wike spoke at St. Martin’s Anglican Church, Omagwa Town, venue of the Campaign Flag-off Rally of the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ikwerre Local Government Area, yesterday.
The governor explained that Rivers people have been duly sensitised and told to vote the candidates of PDP for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and state House of Assembly.
He explained that the beauty of the forthcoming election was that it would leave no room for any form of electoral manipulation and intimidation from security personnel.
Wike, allegorically, told the crowd to be sure that all votes must be put in one basket in favour of candidates of the PDP in the state.
“This time, no Army will do anything. No Akin Fakorode will do anything. No police will do anything. Now, it is one man, one vote. All the votes must be in one basket from governorship to House of Assembly. The other one we are concluding. When we conclude, you will be told.
“Nobody should intimidate you. Nobody should tell you any story. We are free born of this country. We are not second class citizens. Nobody can tell us anything. I dare them. Let anybody do any funny thing: We’ll tell them we are from Rivers State.”
He emphasised that it would be a case of one man, one vote, adding that no blackmail can dissuade or thwart the collective resolve of the people on who to support with their votes.
The governor, who urged the people to be calm, maintained that when the final decision of the presidential candidate the state would support would be taken, Rivers electorate would be notified.
“As we finish from here now, you’ll go home and start working before the appropriate time when we will ring the bell. When you hear the bell being rang, know that the decision has been taken.”
Wike explained that governance was not about story telling but in performance that translates into making living easier for the people and seeing them happy.
He said the successes of his administration were what the consolidation team, to be headed by the PDP governorship candidate, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, would consolidate, and therefore, should be elected to continue from where he would stop.
That is why, Wike insisted, that the forthcoming election would be a fight to finish so that those who have now placed themselves as enemies of the state, to sell it for pottage, would be taught a lesson.
Wike told the people of Ikwerre Local Government that in 2015 and 2019, he came to seek their support, made promises and had fulfilled all of them with development projects evenly distributed in all the 13 political wards.
The governor said the members of the consolidation team he was asking the people to vote into power were men and women with capacity to continue the tenets of good governance, and would certainly not disappoint them.
Wike disclosed that the Rivers State Government had awarded contract for the construction of Ubima-Ozuoha Road.
In his speech, Rivers State PDP governorship candidate, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, vowed to invest massively in road construction, schools, hospitals, and security in Ikwerre Local Government Area, when elected governor of Rivers State on March 11.
Fubara also pledged to continue and consolidate on the widely commendable impactful development programmes of the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike in the area.
He said he was part of the administration of Wike that had provided good governance and driven unparalleled infrastructure development agenda.
Fubara pointed out that a vote for him would be an expression of confidence in what Wike had done, which he would consolidate, when elected.
He assured of committing to good governance, providing services to make life better for the citizenry, including delivering more roads, making health facilities offer quality healthcare services, and improving security in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
“We are in a LGA that is very significant to our cause. We came here to ask for your support in 2015, you told us the things you want us to do for you, Governor NyesomWike promised to do them for you, almost eight years later, and you can all attest that we have fulfilled those promises made to you.
“We are here again to seek your support, we are here to tell you that, that faith you had in us in 2015 and 2019 because of our performance, you should also have the same faith in us in 2023, because we will not fail you, we will even do more this time.
“The administration of our Principal and Leader built a model secondary school in the community of the former governor of this state; constructed internal roads in virtually all the communities in this LGA. I will continue from wherever he stops.
“Our mission here is to tell you to continue to support us for continuity and consolidation. We will provide good governance because that is what we stand for and that is what our Principal has provided for you since 2015.
“The few roads that are remaining in Ikwerre Local Government Area will be constructed by us. We will improve on your health services. Governor Wike has been able to tackle insecurity in this LGA; we will improve on that to maintain the peace you are currently enjoying. We will reconstruct and equip more schools in this LGA,” the guber candidate added.
“The few roads that are remaining in Ikwerre, we will do it. Your health services, we will improve on them and upgrade them. On security, you know those days when they kidnap in Elele, they will enter Ubima forest. Today, we have been able to smoke those criminals out and you have peace.”
The Director General of Rivers PDP Campaign Council, Bro Felix Obuah, noted the massive show of solidarity by the people at the rally.
He said Rivers people have witnessed the tremendous performance of Wike in office, adding that voting Sir SiminialayiFubara and other PDP candidates would ensure consolidation of the successes of the Wike-led administration.
Rivers State Chairman of PDP, Amb Desmond Akawor, who presented flags to the various candidates contesting various positions in the Rivers East Senatorial District, described Wike as the leader of the people and emancipator of the downtrodden.
The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, warned that those who took Wike for granted would on February 25, realise their great mistake.
In his speech, Chief Mike Elechi said Wike had kept his 2015 and 2019 promises of delivery of development projects.
He vowed that the people had resolved to appreciate him as a father and brother by tripling the votes given to him in 2015 and 2019 to the consolidation team.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Education, Prof. ChineduMmom, said those gathered for the campaign rally were all registered voters who, as faithful PDP members, would vote all the candidates of the party.
On behalf of the women, Mrs.OwhuchukuObiandu, noted how Wike had in 2015, promised and ensured that women were brought into mainstream politics in the state.
As a show of gratitude, she said women were well mobilised to vote all PDP candidates in the state.
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.
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.”
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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