News
Wike Praises Azuta-Mbata’s Support To RSG …Says His Contributions Immeasurable
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has described the support given to his administration by Senator John Azuta-Mbata as immeasurable.
Wike acknowledged this when he paid a visit to felicitate with Azuta-Mbata on his birthday at his country home, Eneka Town in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday.
The Rivers State governor was accompanied by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sir. Siminialayi Fubara; Chairman of Rivers Elders Forum, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba; and other chieftains of PDP.
Wike noted the positive impact Azuta-Mbata’s support had reflected on his administration and the overall wellbeing of the state.
“We felt that you’re somebody that has supported us and supported the government.
“And so, we believe that as one of those who have made positive impact towards the life and development of the state, it’s necessary to come and identify with you today.”
Wike recalled that it was under Azuta-Mbata that he started earning good money while preparing estate property document as legal agent for him.
Thereafter, when the chance came to become chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Azuta-Mbata championed it, sponsored him, despite the imposing hurdles, to become council chairman in 1999.
The governor noted that even though Azuta-Mbata was no more in active politics, he has remained an invaluable asset to the state.
“So many people do not know my relationship with you. But those who are very close and know about my political career, they know that my first shot in public office was sponsored by you for me to be council chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government.
“I started making money as a lawyer preparing all the estate documents for you. So, I have made money through you before I became council chairman through preparation of land documents.”
Again, Wike said, as far as Rivers State was concern, nobody can take it away and deny the contributions of Azuta-Mbata to his immediate community.
“Your role and the role you played in this community, in fact the development of this community cannot be taken away from you.
In his response, Senator Azuta-Mbata said he felt privileged and honoured to host Wike on his birthday, the first he had ever marked.
Azuta-Mbata relished the excellent performance of Wike in government as justification of what he saw years back when he stakes it out to sponsor him into active politics.
According to him, Wike was considered fit and proper person, and today, he has surpassed political achievements of all those who supported him at the inception on a broader scale.
Azuta-Mbata particularly noted that while most people get into office and forget those who contributed to their success, Wike has kept touch and remained grateful.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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