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 Tide source reports that the committee, reportedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, is making moves to reclaim the Wadata Plaza headquarters months after it was sealed following a violent clash between rival factions of the party.
Senior officers at the FCT Police Command told our source that while they had not received an official briefing, police personnel would be stationed at the secretariat and other key locations to maintain peace.
The Acting National Secretary of the Mohammed-led committee, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, announced last week that the secretariat would reopen for official activities on Monday (today).
He dismissed claims that ongoing litigation would prevent the reopening, saying, “There are no legal barriers preventing the caretaker committee from resuming work at the party’s headquarters.”
However, the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) has fiercely rejected the reopening move, insisting that Sen. Anyanwu and his group remain expelled from the PDP and have no authority to act on its behalf.
Speaking with The Tide source, the committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, declared: “They are living in fool’s paradise. The worst form of deceit is self-deceit, where the person knows he is deceiving himself yet continues with gusto.
“Even INEC, which they claim has recognised them, has denied them. They are indulging in a roller coaster of self-deceit.”
Mr Ememobong further revealed that letters had been sent to both the Inspector-General of Police and the FCT Commissioner of Police, stressing that the matter was still in court and warning against any attempt to “resort to self-help.”
“The case pending before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik was instituted by the expelled members. They cannot resort to self-help until judgment is delivered,” he said.
He warned that reopening the secretariat would amount to contempt of court.
A senior officer at the FCT Police Command, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that officers would be deployed to the area to avert a repeat of the November 19 violence that led to the secretariat’s initial closure.
“The command would not stand by and allow a breakdown of peace and order by the party or anyone else. Definitely, the police will have to be on the ground,” he said.
Another officer added, “There will definitely be men present at the secretariat, but I can’t say the number of police officers that would be deployed.”
When contacted, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, said she had not been briefed on the planned reopening and declined to comment on whether officers would be deployed.
Asked to confirm whether the secretariat was initially sealed by police, she responded, “Yes,” but refused to say more about the current deployment plans.
The Kano State House of Assembly has debunked the purported impeachment plan against the Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo.
The Tide source recalls that the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, recently sparked controversy during an interview session with a local radio station.
Mr Waiya called on the deputy governor to resign for failing to follow his principal, Gov. Abba Yusuf, in defecting from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the spokesperson to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Kamaluddeen Shawai, while addressing journalists in Kano on Saturday, described reports circulating in some media outlets about Mr Gwarzo’s impeachment as baseless and misleading, emphasising that no such plan is underway.
Mr Shawai further stated that the House remains focused on its legislative duties and oversight functions rather than engaging in speculative political manoeuvres.
The spokesperson urged members of the public and the media to verify information before sharing it, stressing the importance of accurate reporting in maintaining political stability in the state.
He said, “There is absolutely no motion or initiative within the House to remove the deputy governor.
“These reports are false and should be disregarded by the public. The deputy governor continues to serve in his capacity with full support from the House.
“Our priority is good governance and serving the people of Kano, not circulating rumours.”
She made the declaration during an interview with Nigerian football legend, Mr Segun Odegbami, during a live radio interview on Saturday.
Prof. Obasanjo, who is also former commissioner in the state, ruled out a return to the Senate, stating that her focus was firmly on the governorship race.
“So, moving ahead, I’m not going to be Commissioner. Like I said, I’m not even going back to the same party because I think that’s old and I don’t see the use of it. And I’m not going to go back to the Senate,” she said.
“Like the Americans would say, there’s no need. And this is what I told my associates, when this all started. I said, the only thing I’ll come back to do is the governorship.
“And we have started that journey. We are going to see it through. And so that’s the journey I’m on. And we are very serious about it. I mean we are very dedicated to it.”
The politician also confirmed that she recently joined the APC, explaining that her return to active politics followed persistent calls from supporters.
“Like I told you, a group of people who I did not bring together, have been working, I think, for two years now. And then they started talking to me about a year ago, saying, ‘Look, we think you are the best candidate. We want you back,’” she added.
Her declaration sets the stage for what may become a keenly contested governorship race in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections.
-
Maritime16 hours agoCustoms Hands Over Seized Cannabis Worths N4.7bn To NDLEA
-
News18 hours agoNLC Threatens Nationwide Protest Over Electoral Act Amendment
-
Politics15 hours agoI DEFECTED OUT OF CONVICTION …NO ONE COULD’VE IMPEACHED MY LATE DEPUTY ~ DIRI
-
Maritime17 hours agoOver 6,223 Seafarers Abandoned In 2025 – Says ITF
-
Sports14 hours agoArsenal Women End Man City’s Invincibility
-
Environment13 hours agoRivers State Government Suspend Fire Service Collection Levies
-
Sports14 hours agoU-20 WWC: Falconets claim qualifier win
-
Politics15 hours agoWe’ve Not Recognized Any PDP Faction — INEC