News
Accuses FG Of Ignoring Ideals Of Independence
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has outlined what he described as the negative achievements of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government for more than three years.
Wike said for the past three years, the ruling government had done nothing to advance the ideals of independence.
Wike, while addressing Rivers people during the 58th Independence Day anniversary, at the Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt, said the Buhari-led government had only succeeded in deliberately damaging the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and the security agencies.
He continued, “After over three years in power, the Federal Government has done nothing to advance the promise of independence, except failures, excuses, intimidation, insecurity, stealing of elections and weakening of democratic institutions, including the National Assembly, the judiciary, and the security agencies.
“These are difficult times and our nation is on the edge. Democracy is at the crossroads and good governance in abeyance.
He regretted that the poor governance style of the APC-led Federal Government has led to the destruction of the nation’s economy and the impoverishment of Nigerians.
“The economy has remained comatose, and is reportedly receding again with associated economic consequences and hardship on ordinary Nigerians.
“Never in our history have Nigerians been subjected to untold sufferings as a result of the direct, erratic and ill-conceived economic policies and decisions of the Federal Government.
“Under their watch, our beloved country is now certified as the world’s headquarters of abject poverty, with over 87 million people living below $2 per day,” he said.
Wike urged Nigerians to use the forthcoming 2019 General Election to vote in a leadership that would drive the Federal Government in the right direction.
“We need leaders who will not interfere with our collective rights to live as free citizens and pursue our goals and dreams in peace, security and happiness.
“As 2019 beckons, with promise, I hope Nigerians will all rise up to the challenge of leadership and vote for the candidate that would restore our faith in the promise of independence.”
Wike said his administration has translated the new Rivers development blueprint into reality through meaningful projects and programmes.
“Today, we are delivering on all our core priorities. Our economy is stronger, creating jobs and attracting new investments; our schools are getting better for our children; our healthcare system is delivering better services and our communities are safer.
“Indeed, every day brings home the progress we have collectively made, the transformational projects we have delivered, the changes in our rural areas and above all, the fact that our state is steadily moving towards the promise of a new Rivers State with boundless opportunities for all,” he added.
The 58th Independence Anniversary celebration was marked by parade by the police, para-military organisations and schools.
Victorious organisations were rewarded with prizes presented by dignitaries.
Highpoint of the celebration was the release of the peace pigeons by the Rivers State governor and the inspection of parade.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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