Politics
A Harvest Of Projects As Gov Wike Bows Out Of Office
In apparent fulfilment of his promise to commission projects in Rivers State untill the final hours of his administration, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, in the last week of his eight years in office, inaugurated more developmental projects across the state as parting gifts to Rivers people.
Wike’s last minute commitment to the delivery of critical infrastructure swelled the litany of projects executed by the Governor.
Governor Wike’s knack for the execution of impactful projects in Rivers State had earlier earned him the sobriquet “ Mr Quality Projects” and a special recognition by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Some of the new projects inaugurated by Governor Wike during the past one week include, flagging off of seven units of five bedroom building residential quarters for Judges; Elele internal roads project in Ikwerre LGA; Police Tactical Operation Centre, Rumueprikom, Obio /Akpor Local Government Area; Opobo sand filling and land reclamation;
Others include the flagging off of Opobo internal ring road; flagging off of the new Federal High Court complex; and the flagging off of the Palace of the Eze Epara Rebisi (Paramount Ruler of Port Harcourt).
At the flagging off of the construction of a new Federal High Court complex at Old GRA in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Governor Wike said the project was part of numerous others already put in place by the Rivers State Government to ease the operations of the Judiciary, adding that residential quarters would be built by the Rivers State Government for Judges in the state.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Police Tactical Operation Centre on Friday, Governor Wike said his administration had always supported the Police and other security agencies to fight crime by providing the needed logistics.
He pointed out that fighting insecurity should not be the sole responsibility of Federal Government but requires the efforts of all tiers of government and the citizenry to combat crime to the barest minimum.
Addressing the people of Opobo/ Nkoro at Opobo Town, Gov Wike exhibited statesmanship and noble gesture as he gave a vivid reflection on how his administration had contented with the task of governance in the state for the past eight years. He expressed deep gratitude to God, and applauded the dogged commitment of his team, not forgetting the unflinching support and good will of Rivers people for the success stories of his administration.
Governor Wike who declared that he was leaving office a fulfilled man pointed out that the uncommon achievements recorded by his administration in projects delivery in virtually all parts of Rivers State had proven his critics wrong, noting that Rivers people were happy with his leadership which had consistently catered for the interests of the people.
Governor Wike also, during the week under review, laid the Foundation of Wigwe University, a private university in Isiokpo, headquarters of Ikwerre LGA and also inaugurated the newly constructed University Teaching Hospital at PAMO University of Medical Sciences in Port Harcourt.
He commended the vision behind the establishment of the two private Universities , noting that it would promote educational development in Rivers State, and as such deserved the support of the state government.
Governor Wike also, within the week, attended two book launches and a public lecture in Port Harcourt as the State Executive Council held a special Valedictory Session before its formal dissolution by the Governor on Thursday.
Governor Wike thanked members of his Executive Council for their services and untiring contributions towards the development of Rivers State and wished them well in the their future endeavors.
The climax of activities held within the week was a State Awards and Pre Inauguration Dinner held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt on Saturday night during which prominent citizens of Rivers State were conferred with State Awards.
By: Taneh Beemene
Former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Matters and Social Events, Dr Waripamowei Dudafa, has praised the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri on his formal defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dr Dudafa, who is also a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and one time commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Development, described the governor’s decision as a wise and well-considered move that aligns the State with the centre for accelerated development and greater political inclusion.
“Governor Diri’s decision reflects his pragmatic leadership style which has always been guided by consultation, inclusiveness, and the pursuit of the common good.
“Your Excellency, your decision to work in harmony with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which is in synergy with your ‘Assured Prosperity’ vision will undoubtedly bring about the needed transformation and development for the people of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta at large.
“Since assuming office, your guiding principle has been clear and consistent — to consult widely, act in the public interest, and deliver measurable development outcomes. That same principle has informed your latest political alignment, and it will continue to serve as a compass for your Assured Prosperity Administration”, he said.
He further praised the governor’s performance in office, stating that Gov. Diri’s administration has been characterized by purposeful governance and tangible results, reaffirming his continued loyalty and support for the governor, while also assuring that he and his associates will keep identifying with the Gov Diri’s administration in the collective effort to sustain peace, unity, and progress in the state.
While restating his continued solidarity with the governor’s leadership in the state, Dr Dudafa promised to lend his support to ensure that he finishes strong.
“Governor Diri’s political maturity and developmental focus have repositioned Bayelsa for a brighter future”, he added.
The Tide further learnt that Dr Dudafa once served as Special Adviser to a former governor of the State on Youth Mobilization and Empowerment.
“I want to again commend the governor for his courage and vision. His alignment of the State with the federal government under the Renewed Hope Agenda is a step toward ensuring inclusive governance and attracting more federal presence to the state”, he said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
A publication circulating online had quoted Alhaji Sheriff as saying, “It’s not me; it’s Shettima who created Boko Haram.”
But in a statement issued on Saturday, Alhaji Sheriff dismissed the report as a “complete fabrication” aimed at misleading the public and stirring political discord.
“The said story is a complete fabrication, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, malign the person of Senator Sheriff, and sow discord within the nation’s political landscape,” the statement read.
Alhaji Sheriff said he never granted any interview or spoke to any journalist on the matter, adding that the falsehood was designed to undermine his long-standing commitment to peace and national unity.
“This false report is not only mischievous but also a dangerous piece of fake news aimed at undermining years of Senator Sheriff’s contributions to peace, national unity, and development, both in Borno State and across Nigeria,” the statement added.
The former governor urged members of the public and the media to disregard the publication, noting that he had directed his legal team to identify and pursue those behind the story.
“Senator Sheriff has instructed his legal team to take immediate steps to identify all individuals, bloggers, or media outlets responsible for the dissemination of this defamatory material.
“Should the false publication not be retracted and taken down forthwith, the Senator will not hesitate to seek full legal redress under the law”, his media office said.
Alhaji Sheriff reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s security, stability, and democratic values and vowed to ensure that the spread of misinformation does not go unpunished.
Politics
Anambra Guber: I’m Not Impressed, LP Candidate Says …As Observers Lament Vote-buying, Low Voters Turnout
Mr Moghalu spoke to journalists on Saturday shortly after casting his vote at Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rise to its responsibility of making the process credible.
He also alleged voter apathy, attributing it to people’s lack of confidence in the electoral process.
Mr Moghalu said that even though it was too early to say whether the process was free, fair, and credible, he was not impressed.
“I am not impressed; there were no issues of glitches, at least for now. As we go along to monitor the process, we’ll confirm. In terms of voting, there’s an improvement over previous elections.
“I can’t say it’s free and fair because if you monetise a process, you weaponise poverty. What’s free about it? There’s no doubt there’s low voter turnout, and that has been the trend,” he stated.
The LP’s flag bearer stated that it was incumbent on INEC to continually improve the process, as voter apathy is a manifestation of a loss of confidence in the people.
Reports from Yiaga Africa, European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) II, and other partner organisations indicated that voter turnout was low in most polling units across the 21 local government areas of the state.
Speaking to journalists in Awka, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, identified vote-buying and low turnout as recurring issues observed in the thematic areas of the election.
Also, Asabe Ndahi of the Kukah Centre decried logistical challenges, including the late arrival of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security officials in high-risk areas, such as Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Ihiala, Ogbaru, and Nnewi South.
She added that incidents of vote-buying and voter intimidation were recorded in several local government areas.
that votes were being traded for between N15,000 and N30,000.
“It is sad that bad governance is fuelling vote buying and selling.
“For an unemployed youth who sells his vote for ?30,000, what will he be paid next month when there is no election?
“By selling your vote, you are saying no school, no hospital, no jobs and selling away your future. This is worrisome”, he said.
He called on journalists to play an active role in exposing and curbing the menace.
The former presidential candidate also described all the hopefuls in the governorship race as his friends.
“Whoever wins, let him serve the people. Nigeria needs service now. We need to pull our people out of poverty,” he said,
Earlier, Mr George Moghalu, LP governorship candidate, said despite the heavy deployment of security personnel for the election, he had received reports of widespread vote-buying.
He also described the trend as “most unfortunate”, and warned that the crime undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
Mr Moghalu added that he remained optimistic on the outcome of the election, as he had campaigned extensively and presented his manifesto to the electorate.
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