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Ariolu, NYCN, Others Hail Fubara’s Emergence As Rivers Gov-Elect

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Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Barrister George Ariolu; the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and the leadership of PDP in Egbeda, Emohua Local Government Area, have congratulated the winner of the 2023 gubernatorial election and candidate of the Rivers Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, on his victory at the polls.
Also congratulating the governor-elect is the member-elect, Rivers State House of Assembly representing Emohua Constituency, Justina Emeji.
Reacting to the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday, Ariolu said, “I seize the opportunity to congratulate the Rivers Governor-Elect, Sim Fubara on his landslide victory at the 2023 gubernatorial polls.
“Elected by the people, I believe he is the best man for the job, and I and my team shall work closely with him to ensure a better Rivers is actualised.
“I am confident that your vote for Fubara will consolidate the continuous infrastructure development of our leader, Chief Nyesom Wike, who has performed beyond measures.”
Ariolu, in a statement in Rumuodomaya, the Local Government Headquarters, thanked voters for their patience and peaceful conduct during the exercise.
According to him, the March 18 Rivers gubernatorial election marked the beginning of a new journey towards a better Rivers State.
He said, “I sincerely appreciate everyone who turned up to perform their civil rights, especially for their peaceful conduct during the exercise.
“Yesterday marked the beginning of a new journey towards a greater Rivers State.”
He equally appreciated residents for their unwavering support towards the success of his administration, assuring that their support would not be undermined.
He maintained that his administration was committed to ensuring that Obio/Akpor remains a hub for innovation, opportunity, development and growth.
“Also as a council, we are sincerely grateful for all your support, and will not take it for granted. I promise to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that your voices are heard and that your needs are met.
“I am committed to ensuring that Obio/Akpor remains a hub for innovation, opportunity, development and growth”, he said.
Similarly, the leadership of Egbeda chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward 11 has congratulated the newly elected governor on his victory.
A statement signed by the party read in part, “Your Excellency, on behalf of the leadership under Chief David Omereji and members of PDP Ward 11, Egbeda, Emohua LGA, Rivers State, we congratulate you on your emergence as the governor-elect of Rivers State in the just concluded governorship election held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“It is a victory for all Egbeda sons and daughters and Rivers State people at large, irrespective of political affiliation as it shows that the hand of the Almighty God is truly on our dear state. May your renowned brilliance and God’s wisdom direct your part. Your emergence is a major pointer that politics today is tilting towards meritocracy and goodwill of God Almighty.”
Omereji further thanked the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his tenacity in ensuring Fubara’s victory at the polls, in spite of several threats by the opposition.
“Once again, congratulations Your Excellency, and thanks for your tenacity, steadfastness and consistent courage”, the statement added.
Also, Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Rivers State Chapter and South-South zone, Chijioke Ihunwo, has congratulated Fubara on his election victory.
The chairman believed that under the leadership of Fubara, the relationship between the youths and government would be more cordial.
The youth leader expressed gratitude to Rivers State youths for coming out en masse to vote for Fubara, saying that “he believes in the capacity of Sir Sim Fubara to carry the youths along in his administration, and the state will continue to blossom in leaps and bounds in the areas of infrastructural development, human capital development, agriculture, security, health, education, etc.”
In the same vein, the House of Assembly member-elect representing Emohua State Constituency, Justina Emeji, also congratulated the governor-elect on his landmark victory at the polls.
In a statement, she said, “Your electoral victory came from God with evidence of the voice of the people of Rivers State that spoke with actions from the 23 local government areas of the state.
“As an accomplished accountant and administrator who rose through the ranks in the Rivers State Civil Service, you defied the odds as a presumed ‘nobody’ to make history as the first governor-elect of Rivers State of Opobo/Ibani descent of the riverine part of the state.
“Your emergence as governor means so much to us as EMOLGANs. It is a prayer answered to consolidate on the superlative performance of our leader, Chief Nyesom Wike, and continue to deliver qualitative, viable dividends of democracy under the NEW RIVERS VISION in the state, especially in Emohua Local Government Area.
“Let me again, specially thank our good people of Emohua Local Government Area for the show of massive support for the PDP-led Government of Rivers State and for voting massively for the Peoples Democratic Party.
“I also applaud INEC and the security agencies for the successful conduct of the 2023 General Elections considered as free, fair and credible in the whole of Emohua LGA and other parts of Rivers State”.

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I’m Committed To Community Dev – Ajinwo

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The Sole Administrator of Emohua Local Government Area, Barr. Franklin Ajinwo, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting community development, peace, and progress, describing it as his life’s calling.
Ajinwo made this known on when Okporowo Vanguard—a foremost association dedicated to driving sustainable development in Okporowo community—paid him a courtesy visit at the Council Secretariat, Emohua.

Speaking during the visit, the Emolga  Council boss advised the group to shun internal wranglings and leadership tussles, cautioning that such impediments could undermine their collective goals. He emphasized that unity is strength, and true power comes only from God.

Highlighting his ongoing efforts in repositioning standards within Emohua Local Government, Barr. Ajinwo commended Okporowo Vanguard for initiating plans to conduct large-scale skills acquisition training for young people in Okporowo. He assured them of his steadfast support towards such developmental initiative.

The former Chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Rivers State stressed the need for selfless service, saying it is essential for achieving peace, unity, and development in any community.

He applauded the group’s vision of empowering youths through skills acquisition, aligning it with global best practices aimed at reducing dependency on white-collar jobs.

Earlier, the President of Okporowo Vanguard, Hon. Israel Emeji, outlined Barr. Ajinwo’s numerous and impactful contributions to the development of Okporowo community.

According to him, every family in the community has benefited from Barr. Ajinwo’s dedicated employment initiatives.

Hon. Emeji disclosed that during his tenure as Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA) and as NULGE Chairman, Barr. Ajinwo facilitated the employment of over five hundred (500) individuals from Okporowo community—a record that informed the association’s decision to honour him with the Excellent Leadership Award.

In a vote of thanks, the Secretary of the group, Dr. Okechukwu Godwin Amadi, praised Barr. Ajinwo’s outstanding leadership and unwavering support, both before and after his appointment as Sole Administrator.

He thanked him for the warm reception and appreciated members of Okporowo Vanguard for their strong turnout and continuous support for the present administration.

In their separate remarks, Barr. Kelvin Ajinwo, Chief Polycarp Ndala, and other dignitaries present prayed for God’s continued guidance and protection over Barr. Ajinwo, describing him as a divine gift to the Okporowo community.

They expressed hope that he would be granted even more leadership opportunities to further uplift the living standards of the people.

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RSG Tasks Rural Dwellers On RAAMP  …As Sensitization Team Visits Akulga, Degema, Three Others

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Rivers State Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Inyingi Brown, has called on rural communities in the State to embrace the Rural Access and Agricultural marketing project (RAAMP) with a view to improving their  living conditions.

This follows the ongoing sensitization campaign by the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) visits to Degema, Abonnema, Afam headquarters of Degema, Akuku Toru and Oyigbo Etche and Omuma local government areas respectively.

Dr Brown who was represented by the Deputy Director, Special Duties in her office, Mrs Dein Akpanah, said RAAMP was initiated by the Federal Government and World Bank to economically empower rural dwellers.s

She said the World Bank understands the plights of rural farmers and traders in the State, and therefore came up with the programme to address them.

According to her, RAAMP will improve the conditions of farmers, traders and fishermen, and therefore, behoves on every rural communities in the State to embrace the programme.

The Head of Service also said the programme would support the youths to be gainfully employed while  bridges and roads will be built to link farms and fishing settlements.

Also speaking, the State project coordinator, Mr Joshua Kpakol, said the programme has the potential of creating millionaires among farmers and fishermen in the State.

Kpakol who was represented by Engr. Sam Tombari, said RAAMP would help farmers and fishermen to preserve their produce.

According to him, the project will build cold rooms and Silos for preservation of crops and fishes while access roads will also be created to link farmers and fishermen to the market.

He, however, warned them against any act that will lead to the suspension of the projects by the World Bank.

Kpakol particularly warned against acts such as kidnapping, marching ground, gender based violence and child labour, adding that such acts if they occur may  lead to the cancellation of the project by the World Bank.

During the visit to Oyigbo local government area, Mr Joshua Kpakol, said the team was there to let them know how they will benefit from the Raamp.

The coordinator who was personally at Oyigbo said the World Bank introduced the project to check food insecurity in the State.

He said already 19 states in Nigeria are already benefitting from the project and called on them to embrace the project.

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the three local government areas have commended the World Bank for including their areas in the project.

They, however, complained over the incessant attacks by pirates on their waterways.

At Degema, King Agolia of Ke kingdom said land was a major problem in the kingdom.

King Agolia represented by High Chief Alpheus Damiebi said many indigenes of the kingdom are willing to go into farming but are handicapped by lack of land.

Also at Degema, the representative of the Omu Onyam Ekeim of Usokun Degema kingdom, Osoabo Isaac, said Degema has embraced the programme but needed more information on the implementation of the programme.

Similarly, while High Chief Precious Abadi advised that the project should not be narrowed to only crop farming, a community women leader, Mrs Orikinge Eremabo Otto, called for the construction of cold rooms in all fishing settlements in the area.

At Abonnema, Mr Diamond Kio linked the problem of the area to incessant piracy along waterways.

He also expressed fears over the possibility of the project being hijacked by politicians.

Also at Abonnema, a stakeholder, Ikiriko Kelvin, called on the World Bank to design an agricultural project that will suit the riverine environment, while at Oyigbo, HRH Eze Boniface Akawo expressed satisfaction with the project.

 

John Bibor

 

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Senate Replaces Natasha As Committee Chairman 

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The political mudslinging between the Senate leadership and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan continued yesterday as the Senate named Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the appointment during yesterday’s plenary, confirming Bassey’s replacement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently on suspension.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee in February after she was removed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content during a minor reshuffle.

Bassey is the senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.

Although no reason was given for her removal yesterday, the change is believed to be connected to her unresolved suspension.

In May, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court ordered her reinstatement and directed her to tender an apology to the Senate.

However, the Senate has insisted it has not received a certified true copy of the court judgment.

Akpoti-Uduaghan who represents Kogi Central, has yet to resume her legislative duties despite a recent court ruling that voided her suspension.

In a televised interview on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment before officially returning to plenary, citing legal advice and respect for institutional process.

Although the Federal High Court described her suspension as “excessive and unconstitutional”, a legal opinion dated July 5 and attributed to the Senate’s counsel, Paul Daudu (SAN), argued that the ruling lacked any binding directive to enforce her reinstatement.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only three female senators in the current assembly, said the continued delay in allowing her return was not only a denial of her mandate but also a blow to democratic representation.

“By keeping me out of the chambers, the Senate is not just silencing Kogi Central, it’s denying Nigerian women and children representation. We are only three female senators now, down from eight,” she said.

 

 

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