Politics
Fubara Pays Glowing Tribute To Late Wigwe …Vows To Sustain His Legacies
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, was among the array of dignitaries that converged in the ancient Isiokpo Town in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, for the funeral ceremony in honour of the late CEO Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, Dr Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Chizoba and first son, Chizi.
Delivering a thought-provoking and emotiona-laden speech on the occasion held at the Lion of Judah Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Isiokpo Town, Governor Fubara called for deep reflection over the mystery of life.
The Governor, who commended the late Wigwe and his family over the positive impact they made within their short period of existence, decried the penchant for power, vainglory and demonstration of might, particularly among the political class, stating that the true essence of life is to bequeath enduring legacies while on earth.
“Here lies our brother, his wife and son, everyone has come to celebrate them. It means even in the short period that they lived, they lived impactful lives. They made great contributions to humanity.
“Here is a man, though not a politician, he made his money through our investments. He had the world in his palm financially. He even controlled the political class.
“This takes me to my question to the political class. What is all this struggle all about? You want to kill and bury, to what end?
“But today, with all the power financially, he couldn’t control life. Is it not enough for us to ask ourselves, why are we struggling?
“Why are we not making enough impact in the lives of our people. Please, let the political class reflect on this”, he said.
Governor Fubara declared that the Rivers State Government will immortalise the late icon by working with Herbert Wigwe Foundation to ensure that the Wigwe University is sustained in accordance with the dreams of Herbert Wigwe.
The Rivers State governor expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, for their various roles and contributions towards the success of the funeral.
Governor Fubara earlier on Thursday paid a visit to the River State Government-owned cassava processing plant at Oyigbo in Oyigbo Local Government Area, and the Neuro Psychiatrist Hospital in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area, respectively.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the inspection of the cassava processing plant, Governor Fubara assured that more funds would be invested in the factory to raise it to international standard.
“I got a request from the people who are managing the cassava processing plant that we need to extend our support for them to complete two production lines.
“That will give them a standard that they can start to supply in earnest to a lot of distributors who need the product from this plant.
“And I felt it would be proper for me to see what we have already invested, the stage they are, so that it will encourage us to give support.
“From what I have seen here today, it is really impressive. I can assure them that we are going to give the financial support to ensure that the production lines are all completed.
“This is to encourage them to go into full supply of the product with international standard to any where in the world.”
In a similar vein, Governor Fubara directed the immediate rehabilitation and refurbishment of the Neuro Psychiatric Hospital at Rumuigbo in, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to make the facility effectively attend to the needs of persons with mental health challenges and medical students in the state for their institutional training.
Taneh Beemene
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
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
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