Politics
Fubara Reveals Secret Behind PDP’s Overwhelming Victory In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara- has attributed his overwhelming victory at the last governorship elections in Rivers State to early preparations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State.
Governor Fubara disclosed this when the Inter- Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Rivers State, led by the Chairman, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, who is also the Chairman of the PDP, paid him a courtesy visit at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
The Governor said it was easier for the party in Rivers State to coast home to victory because of the wide acceptability and intense presence of the PDP across the 23 local government areas of the State.
“Before the elections, we started a programme to buy into the new electoral law signed by the former President. We were prepared for the elections, it’s only our party, the PDP that went round the 23 LGAs to sensitise the people, not only to register but collect their PVCs. IPAC was part of that process. What we have now is a product of that earlier preparations. We wouldn’t have succeeded if we hadn’t created a contact with the people”, he said.
Governor Fubara, who assured that he will run an all inclusive administration, declared that “with the elections over, it is now the joint responsibilities of all stakeholders in the State, irrespective of party affiliation to join hands to promote the business of governance.”
While thanking the IPAC delegation for the solidarity visit, Governor Fubara cautioned against politics of bitterness, saying his administration will be open to constructive criticisms to deliver on its key mandate of protection of lives and property and improved welfare of Rivers people.
“I’m happy that you are here. We are working towards laying the right foundation for the development of the State. We will work together for the best interest of the State; Rivers State is one family”, he stressed.
Earlier in his address rendered on behalf of the body, the Secretary of IPAC, Omangima Harry, congratulated the governor over his victory at the last governorship elections in the State, and expressed confidence in his ability to deliver good governance in the State.
He said the election that brought him to power was devoid of violence that had previously marred electoral processes in the State, noting that the governor has started governance in the State on a good note by commencing the monumental Port Harcourt Ring Road project with 75 percent commitment of payment of the contract sum.
The IPAC secretary also hinted that the emergence of Sir Fubara from the Rivers South East Senatorial District, which had not produced a governor, has brought political justice in the State.
The Rivers State Governor, also last Thursday, reaffirmed that the foremost priority of his administration is the security of lives and property in the State.
Governor Fubara, who spoke while receiving the Assistant Inspector General of Police(AIG) in charge of Zone 6, comprising Rivers and Bayelsa States, Ben Okolo and his entourage on a courtesy visit in Government House, Port Harcourt, said meaningful development in Rivers State depended on the provision of adequate security and conducive business environment.
The Governor assured that his administration will partner the Police and other security agencies by providing vehicular support and other incentives to make them carry out their work effectively.
AIG, Ben Okolo, who was accompanied by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Nwonyi Policarp Emeka, and other top Police officers from the Zone on the visit, congratulated the Governor on his electoral victory and promised to explore ways of partnering with the state government to ensure that the mandate of security is achieved.
In a related development, Governor Fubara, on Friday, called for a stronger synergy between International Oil Companies,(IOCs) and the government to promote a thriving business environment in Rivers State and better the lots of the people.
Speaking at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt, while hosting the outgoing Managing Director/ Country Chair of Total Energies EP, Nigeria limited, Mike Sangster and his team on a courtesy call, Gov Fubara said “governance is about making the people happy. When there is a synergy between the IOCs and the state, there will be a much more better business environment and economic divestment in the state.
“So we’ll give you all the necessary support and encouragement, because if you don’t do your business, you won’t pay our taxes, and the tax is what we use to develop the state”.
Outgoing Managing Director, Country Chair of Total Energies, EP, Mike Sangster on his part thanked the governor for the audience and sought government protection of the company’s pipeline facilities in the state.
By: Taneh Beemene
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made on genocide.
The Fellowship described the demand as unjustified and a threat to constitutional freedoms.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN insisted that Prof Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to express his views on matters of national concern, irrespective of the public office he occupies.
According to the PFN, the comments attributed to the INEC Chairman were made in his personal capacity and had no link whatsoever with his official responsibilities or electoral duties.
The Fellowship stressed that elections and electoral activities were not involved in the matter, arguing that there was no basis to connect the alleged comments to Prof Amupitan’s role as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to make comments on what he observes to be happening in the nation, regardless of his appointment or assignment,” the statement read.
The PFN said it condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that the INEC Chairman should be removed from office on the basis of his personal views, warning against attempts to punish public officials for expressing opinions outside the scope of their official duties.
The Tide source reports that the Fellowship also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach only deepens divisions and undermines peaceful coexistence.
“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging people based on their religious beliefs or positions. Prof. Amupitan has a right to bear his mind, and this should not be at the cost of his job,” the PFN added.
The PFN called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, understanding and mutual respect in national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues.
It emphasised that unity and peace must remain paramount in addressing national challenges.
The Fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, urging that these values guide public engagement and responses to issues affecting the country.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
-
Business9 hours agoNCDMB, Jake Riley Empower 250 Youths On Vocational Skills
-
Politics8 hours agoPFN Rejects Call For INEC Chairman’s Removal Over Genocide Comments
-
Oil & Energy10 hours agoNNPCL Unveils Gas Master Plan 2026 …….Targets 10bcf/day production
-
Oil & Energy9 hours agoElectricity Boost: Abia Launches Waste-To-Energy Project
-
Sports8 hours agoEnekwechi wins Orlen Cup in season opener
-
Environment9 hours agoNigeria, UAE to waive tariffs on some products
-
Niger Delta9 hours agoPDP Declares Edo Airline’s Plan As Misplaced Priority
-
Rivers8 hours agoFasthire, PHCCIMA, CIPM Host CareerFest 2026 In PH