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 Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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