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Ignore Fake Rivers PDP List, It Can’t Stand -Fubara …Flags Off Auto Spare Parts Trading, Commercial Centre
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared the purported list of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee members for the State, circulating in the national and social media, as fake.
He said the list was the handiwork of cheap publicity seekers and agents of crisis, who should know that their imagination will not stand.
The governor made this declaration in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, yesterday.
He explained that the national leadership of the party had met recently and agreed that in States where the tenure of PDP Executives had expired, they should continue to maintain the officers as caretakers for the next three months.
Fubara clarified that the decision, which awaits ratification by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party, did not approve that new names should be added to the already existing number of officers, or any subsisting officer(s) removed.
“I know that a lot of you saw something flying in the social media, dailies. Let me brief you, we had a meeting, and we agreed that, not just in Rivers State, but in all the States affected, that the Executive Councils (of PDP) should be extended for three months.
“This extension is not meant to bring in new names. The extension also did not say that you are working without the authority of the governor. So, for those lists that you saw and those ones altered, I can assure you that they are not going to stand,” he said.
The governor explained further: “For record purposes, so that you will understand, we also agreed that there is going to be a NEC meeting on the 18th of this month (April) that should ratify that decision.
“So, what you are seeing is the handiwork of desperate people who like media publicity. In fact, empty drums make loudest noise. So, don’t bother about anything. Nothing is happening.”
He alluded to the fear that has come upon his detractors given the warning he issued on Wednesday ago that he would surprise those who dare him, and vowed to continue to make them feel restless.
The governor said Rivers State remains a very important State to protect, which is why his administration chose the path of peace in order to engender progress.
“You can see how restless they have been since I made just one statement, yesterday. We will continue to make them restless.
“They won’t know where we are coming from. We will also continue to hit them hard the way we hit them, yesterday. So, those of you who were worried when you saw those lists that were flying, go and rest, nothing is happening.”
Commenting on the Port Harcourt International Automobile Spare Parts Trading and Commercial Centre project, Fubara said he was delighted to make another significant impact on strategic governance in the State.
He emphasised that the project was evidence of his genuine interest in the wellbeing of Rivers people, and the desire to promote growth, not because of any personal or business interest.
He explained that when he assumed office, the initial partners of the project were invited, and after extensive discussion and the reasons they gave for the delay, it was decided to relieve them of the job.
The governor clarified that the former project partners had been paid off before GOSH Project Limited was engaged, adding that they have no reason not to deliver on schedule.
He said, “We are not just coming here to flag-off the project, we want to see it completed in reality. That is what we stand for. Not coming to flag-off, and tomorrow, it doesn’t work, and it is stalled.
“We are not part of that. We are not into show business. We are not here to dance. We are here to work, and you will see it.
“We are a government that believes in the well-being and growth of our State genuinely. Not because we own any business around here, not because we have shops that we intend renting here, but we seek the growth of Rivers State.”
Fubara advised the project partners to ensure that every commitment is made for the successful delivery of the project on schedule.
“We have done everything that we need to do. We have settled the initial partners who defaulted. So, you don’t have any issue going on with this project. It is a mark of our level of commitment to our dear people. The community will need your support.
“At the time that this centre will be properly put in place, it will change the economic status of this environment. People will be employed, businesses will strive, and for those of you that are landlords, you will have more tenants and you will also increase your house rents”, he said.
In his address, the Acting Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Dr. Tonte Davies, said the groundbreaking that signaled commencement of construction of the project marks a significant milestone in furthering the interest and welfare of Rivers people.
Davies said, the project, when completed, would end the era of indiscriminate conduct of auto mechanics’ activities in parts of the State because there will be a one-stop-shop to accommodate all operations.
“Today’s event is very unique in the sense that it reaffirms the interest of your government in the welfare of its citizens.
“For us in Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, the 20,000 housing units development, and now, this International Automobile Spare Parts Trading and Commercial Centre, is a significant historic moment.
Providing a description of the project, the Chief Executive Officer of GOSH Projects Limited, Mr Okoh Jeff, said there are provisions for 10,000 locked-up shops, 25 banking facilities, 25 brand plaza, 50 industrial warehouses, 10,000 car parks, and mega filling stations.
He added that there are also provisions for ultra-modern shopping complex, ultra-modern mechanic complex, hotel facilities, export and import trading facilities, while the project will be completed in 36 months.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.
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