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G5 Is Not Dead, Set For Action -Wike …Says My Hands Are Clean, Free Of Blood
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has explained that the G-5 governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have withdrawn from talking regularly in public to embark on strategic actions in silence in order to achieve set goals.
So, no matter how much those who think that the group has either disintegrated or died, and yet are anxiously pushing to know the activities of the group, Governor Wike assured them that they will never come near knowing their next line of action.
Governor Wike stated this at St. Paul’s Primary School Field, in Ahoada Town, venue of the campaign flag-off rally organised by the Rivers State PDP Campaign Council for Ahoada East Local Government Area, yesterday.
Governor Wike described Senator Lee Maeba, a member of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council in the States as an illiterate for claiming that the G-5 is dead. He said it is preposterous for a clueless man who sold oil block allocated to him and took the proceeds to Chicago, United State, where he spent it to destroy a family of a kinsman from Khana Local Government Area to talk about the G-5.
The governor insisted that in politics, there is time to always appear in public to indulge in talks, and having satisfactorily maximised that time, the group has withdrawn into silence to activate requisite political actions because 25th February 2023 is in view.
“You people say G-5 is dead. We that you said are dead are not worried. But, you that is alive is worried. We are not talking again, we are not worried. Yet you are worried. You fail to realise that in politics there is time for talking and time for action. Action has started and 25th February is the D-day.
“You can never know what our plans and strategies are no matter how you people pressurise us, we will not disclose our strategy. The more you look, the less you see.”
Replying to the allegations of threat to the life of members of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council in the State, as claimed by Dr. Abiye Sekibo, the Director-General of the group, governor Wike wondered why it is only Dr. Sekibo and his group raising false alarm about insecurity in Rivers State.
Governor Wike informed that both presidential candidates of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, had campaigned in Rivers State, enjoyed logistics provided by the State government and never complained of any threat to life.
He also said that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu is expected to campaign in Rivers State on Wednesday, because the party had applied and gotten a venue approved for them without any of them complaining of insecurity or threat to their life.
Governor Wike, who insisted that Rivers State is the most peaceful State in the federation and that nobody can toil with it, told Dr. Sekibo to stop deceiving PDP governors who he is collecting money from on the pretense that he will mobilise people for the campaign rally for PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
The governor gave Dr. Abiye Sekibo 24 hours to tell the world what he knows about the death of Chief Aminasoari Kala (AK) Dikibo, the former Vice Chairman, South-South of PDP.
Governor Wike also asked him to tell the world who killed Chief Gospel Biobele a day after he wrote the petition against his nomination as Minister of Transport.
The expected explanation, governor Wike said should also include why late Justice Kayode Eso of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) set up by former governor Chibuike Amaechi indicted him as head of cultists in his report and why former president Olusegun Obasanjo sacked him from his cabinet.
Governor Wike asserted that his hands are clean because he has never and will not involve in bloodletting activities and wondered the basis of Dr. Sekibo’s allegation of threat to life.
The governor pointed out that, in all political ramifications, he has always defeated Dr. Abiye Sekibo and his co-travelers since the 2007 and will continue to beat them to the game.
The governor, who enumerated the several projects executed by his administration in Ahoada-East, urged them to vote massively for the PDP governorship, National and State Houses of Assembly candidates.
Rivers State governorship candidate of the PDP, Sir Siminialayi Fubara expressed appreciation to the Ekpeye people for their large turnout and noted that it confirms their love for governor Wike and are ready to work for him.
Fubara stated that since they trust governor Wike, not only because he is their in-law but as a trusted leader who has executed several development projects in the area, they should also trust who he is supporting to be the governor of the state after him.
He promised that his administration when elected will continue to execute development projects in the area and develop the capacity of the youths, while working with Ekpeye traditional and political leaders to sustain peace.
Performing the presentation of party’s flags to the candidates, Rivers State chairman of PDP, Ambassador Desmond Akawor urged Ekpeye people to vote the best of the best that the party has chosen to contest the forthcoming 2023 general election.
In her speech, deputy governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, who is also the candidate for Rivers West Senatorial District, spoke on behalf of other candidates and thanked the people for their overwhelming support.
She assured that they will remain resolute walking in the footsteps of governor Wike, attract more project to Ekpeye land and offer quality representation when they win.
On his part, the former Deputy Speaker of the House Of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche said no Ekpeye person will abandon the PDP and support any candidate of other parties.
Rt. Hon. Nwuche noted that Ekpeye people are grateful to governor Wike for the numerous projects executed in the area and enacting actual development of Rivers State.
The Rivers State governor accompanied by Fubara and other PDP leaders had earlier paid a courtesy call on the Eze Ekpeye Logbo III of Ekpeye land, Sir Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo in his palace in Ahoada.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, has lauded the commitment, solidarity and pivotal role of women in promoting peace and enterprise development in Rivers State.
Lady Fubara spoke at the second edition of ‘Women Converge,’ a special programme organized by Rivers Women Unite for Sim, an NGO, at the main bowl of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
She said women in the state had tremendously impacted the state positively through their prayers, careers, contributions to the home fronts, and expressed appreciation to Rivers women, for their unwavering support to her husband, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, while urging them to continue to pray for the state.
“Once again, let me use this occasion to thank Rivers women for their support both in prayers and solidarity with me and my family. You have been wonderful. I can’t reward all that you do, but God in heaven who sees in secret will surely reward you openly.
“Truly today, marks another milestone in our effort to shape the society for good and lending our support for the sustenance of peace and development of Rivers State in particular and Nigeria at large. Without doubt, the prayers of our women avails much in every situation.
“Let me enjoin our women to remain prayerful because God is ever ready to answer our prayers. In all that we do, we must not forget the hand of God and often seek Him for direction and help. You have always been steadfast and I urge you not to relent, and together we will move our society forward. Whatever you do, putting your trust in God will certainly succeed”.
The Rivers State first Lady described the theme of the event, “Women in An Evolving World” as apt and, deeply reflective of the very essence of actions and strategies that women adopt to navigate the new world order.
She noted that despite the complexities of managing the home front and the constraints of economic realities, women had demonstrated formidable strength and resilience to confront the odds of life.
“This Converge underscores the resilience of our women to succeed no matter the odds, especially with absolute faith in God and determination for greater accomplishments.”
“Whether in the industry, business, agriculture, public service or even in politics, they have always shown strong determination to adapt and to accomplish like others.
“Our natural state notwithstanding our focus has always been to reach for the sky like every other person and as Rivers women we have always been pacesetters.
The Keynote Speaker, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, described women as the foundation of every society, noting that the development of every society depends on the strength of womanhood.
In their good will messages, notable Rivers women who attended the event expressed optimism over the prospects of sustainable peace and development in Rivers State, and reiterated their support for the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Some dignitaries that attended the event include former Commissioner for Environment in Rivers State, Prof Roseline Konya; foremost activist, Ann Kio Briggs; wife of the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Mrs Christie Toby; President of the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHACCIMA, Dr Chinyere Nwoga; Pastor Ene Secondus, among others.
Highlights of the event were ministrations, cutting of cake and special prayers for Rivers State.
