Politics
Port Harcourt Ring Road Remains Our Signature Project – Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that the ongoing Port Harcourt Ring Road project being handled by Julius Berger Plc remains the signature project of his administration.
Governor Fubara, who disclosed this while speaking to news men shortly after inspecting the project on Wednesday, explained that the contract for the Port Harcourt Ring Road was one of the first contracts and agreements he signed on assumption of office as governor.
He expressed satisfaction over the level of work done and assured that the necessary support will be provided to enable the company deliver the project on schedule.
The inspection was conducted through the Elikpokwuodu Community, Rumuosi, Ozuoba, UTC Junction axis of the Ring Road project, cutting across three local government areas of the state – Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City.
“Considering the understanding we have with Julius Berger, we find out that this project will be done and delivered on schedule, and with what we are seeing, they’re meeting up that target.
“I think we had a little problem with pricing at that time, but what ever it is, I’ve assured them I will give them all the necessary support to make sure they deliver .
“This project is very important to us, it’s one of the first things I signed when I became the governor of this state. it’s a signature project to me which ever way any body want to look at it, we signed for and we’re paying dearly for it”, he said.
In his remark the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria, Plc, Dr Lars Richter, who accompanied the Governor on the inspection, said the company was working hard to deliver the project on schedule, despite some few challenges associated with payments of compensation and relocation.
Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday hosted leaders of the Christian Council of Nigeria on a delegation to Government House, Port Harcourt.
The meeting, which held behind closed door, focused on the policy thrusts of his administration in revamping the agriculture, health and education sectors of the Rivers economy.
The leader of the delegation and National President of Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Most Reverend David Onuoha, who spoke with newsmen after the meeting, said they were excited with the Governor for making peace central in his administration.
“We are so excited, first at his peaceful disposition. For him, peace is central in everything. He is quoted as saying that no sacrifice is too much for the peace of Rivers State. I think that is very commendable.
“We gave him an award as a ‘Pillar of Ecumenism’ because of his peaceful disposition and cordial relationship with churches in this State, irrespective of denominations. So, we felt we should encourage him to do more.
“And again, he has intimated us with his plans of placing emphasis on agriculture, health, and education. These are very laudable.
“We can only pray that God will give him the grace to actualise and implement all these,” he added.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, also on Thursday attended the send forth reception in honour of Justice Mary Odili as she bowed out as the 51st Chairman of the Body of Benchers (BoB) after one year (April 2023-March 2024) of meritorious service to the body.
The event, which held at the Halimatu Abdullahi Turaki Hall of the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja, witnessed her Vice, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, taking over the mantle as the new Chairman of BoB.
Speaking at the event, the Rivers State Governor commended Justice Odili for her invaluable contributions to the enrichment of the body of jurisprudence and the legal profession throughout her years of meritorious service to the State and country.
Governor Fubara also expressed satisfaction with her record of exemplary performance and sacrifices within her one year as Chairman of the Body of Benchers in Nigeria.
He said, “The Government and people of Rivers State are proud of your contributions to the advancement of jurisprudence, and indeed, the legal profession in Nigeria.
“I have no doubt that your one year tenure as Chairman of the Body of Benchers has ushered in reforms to ensure discipline, due process and respect for rule of law among lawyers.
“As a Government, we thank you for your immeasurable service both to our dear State and the nation”.
In her remarks, Justice Mary Odili expressed deep appreciation to the Body of Benchers for the honour done her, and promised to always support them in whatever way possible to enable the Bench succeed.
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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