Featured
Another First 100th Day Mark: As Wike Reinvents Rivers
This week will witness a water mark in the history of the Rivers State with the second term of the Wike administration running into its first 100 days. This time around, the good people of Rivers State will not miss out on a harvest of programmes and projects that will be recorded in favour of the administration. Ranging from roads to public buildings and even markets, the list of such landmark endeavours is nothing but impressive. Although most of such projects under consideration were started and completed during the first term, the seeming adoption of the maxim that ‘action speaks louder than words’, by the administration, may account for its muted stand on the fanfare that should have celebrated the completion of each of them. Hence, even if the administration does not celebrate its accomplishments on individual basis, the beneficiary, Rivers people do so in their individual capacities.
As an original ‘Port Harcourt (Town) Boy’ from pre-Civil War years, this author enjoys the privilege of having witnessed the undulating fortunes of the Rivers State in general and Port Harcourt in particular. He can therefore vouch authoritatively that the Wike administration is driving a reinvention agenda for the state. And hate him or like him, the tell-tale signs of that dispensation, are all too obvious to be missed. After all, was it not a renowned minister of the gospel that recently pointed out that nobody can successfully argue against hard, real life evidence?
While space may fail this piece to outline all of the projects, the mention of just a few will serve. Take for instance the Rumuwoji Market popularly miscalled ‘Mile One Market’, which remains iconic in the complement of Wike’s administrative style. Given the convoluted history of the market – at least, since efforts to restructure the facility in recent times, its story has been one of unending concern over several setbacks including fire outbreaks, political intrigues and policy somersaults by previous administrations. Compared to its previous state which was described by Wikipedia as one of Africa’s largest open markets, Wike’s intervention has turned it – perhaps into one of the continent’s most improved shopping facilities. Complete with all the relevant support facilities for such a project, including a firefighting capability, clinic and security provisions, the market is simply a world class shopping centre – a far cry from the Wikipedia description.
Moving over to the Fruit Garden along Kaduna Street is another sweet experience in tracking government in action. Until it was burnt down in a fire incident in 2018, the Fruit Garden Market was simply a typical African-style,railroad-side, collection of make shift shanty stalls, and expanded on a daily basis. This was until it became simply unmanageable and a problem for the flow of traffic along Kaduna street Road and adjoining areas of ‘D Line’. Today, the Wike touch has transformed it into an architectural masterpiece that is fit for the beautification of any city in the world.
Leaving the market scene, one can mention the new Woji- Akpajo Dual Carriage Expressway. Combining its new state with the renovated Old Refinery Road which traverses Elelenwo Town and links the Oil Mill Junction and Akpajo, the result has been a complete and unprecedented make-over of the entire environment, with the upsurge in business startups completing the picture of a reinvention tale. And as it is with the few mentioned projects so it is for other areas of intervention by the administration.
However, it may be inequitable for the administration if its credit rating is confined to just physical projects, as actual administrative style and efforts also define the integrity of any administration. Hence, for the administration, the restoration of sanity on the streets of Port Harcourt also qualifies for mention. For the past fortnight, the administration has been engaged in a series of face-offs with hordes of street traders and its roadside artisans who with impunity turned Port Harcourt and its environs into a free for all theatre of the absurd. Daunting as the task of reining in street traders and artisans may be, the approach by the governor created significant relief to both the enforcers and the affected, in the push for a cleaner Port Harcourt.
He had started with facilitating enabling laws for the exercise given the absence of same in the state’s statute books. This approach not only guaranteed the compliance with procedure by all actors in the exercise, but went further to accentuate a law abiding disposition of the governor. With such an approach, he instills confidence across the State, that come what may, he will stand on the side of the law.
An immediate spin-off this disposition came into play with the recent stir over the alleged demolition of a mosque in the Trans Amadi area of Port Harcourt. In spite of the attacks on the administration and even his person from interests across the country and even beyond, the only defence was based on the position of the law on the matter. And given the course of events all through his first term and the newly commenced second one, it is to state the obvious that the days of trial for his administration are not over. In fact in all realism, suffice it to be stated that more shall come and perhaps even in more sophisticated forms and shapes.
Meanwhile, until such come his way, let all of Rivers State mark the passage of the first 100days of Wike’s second term with optimism, as the African proverb says that ‘a chick that will be a cock in future, can be identified soon after being hatched’.
Monima Daminabo
The Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism has floated a culture content platform in collaboration with digital television group, Multichoice.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Freddy Ndigbara, disclosed this after a meeting with MultiChoice Head of Content Acquisition, Don Dotun Ojon, in Port Harcourt.
He assured that content entrepreneurs and film makers would enjoy the platform by promoting culture and other contents to sell the states tourism potentials.
He said MultiChoice M-net was now open to increase its patronage for content shots on locations in Rivers State, describing the State as one that has numerous potentials for film tourism.
“We were privileged to have Don Ojon with us at the Rivers International Film Festival (RIFF) at the weekend in Bonny and he saw, first hand, the numerous sites and opportunities that are open to creatives in the State. After that, we felt it was important to deepen the conversation and he obliged. This is a cheering news for the sector in the State,” he said.
Ndigbara stated that “Rivers State has many more untold stories to tell, many more contents to reel out and the assurances from the M-net Acquisition Manager is an indication that the industry in the state will soon enjoy a new lease of life”.
The Permanent Secretary thanked Ojon for the visit and assured that creatives in the State would grap this opportunity and show the world that Rivers State is a major hub for film tourism in Nigeria.
On his part, Ojon said the visit was to discuss on ways of promoting tourism in the State using creatives and film.
Ojon said although the company has recently been acquired by canal+ France and is undergoing restructuring, he would promote the chances of Rivers State to host the MultiChoice talent factory in the State.
With Asaba, capital of Delta State, being saturated, Ojon said the next port is Rivers State, which he said is capable of building fresh crop of creatives, new locations, new story lines and concepts.
He, therefore, called for collaboration from stakeholders in the State.
Kevin Nengia
Barring last minute changes, the presidential campaign train of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will storm Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, tomorrow.
This is according to a campaign timetable released by the APC Campaign Council last month.
The Tide reports that the APC presidential campaign kicked off in Kaduna on October 24 with President Bola Tinubu in attendance.
The campaign train later moved to Cross River, Gombe, Nasarawa, and Ekiti on November 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively with the Vice President, Kashim Shettima representing the President at the rallies.
President Tinubu is personally scheduled to attend 12 states including Rivers, Kaduna, Plateau, Oyo, Borno, Enugu, Bauchi, Sokoto, Delta, Kano, Adamawa and Lagos.
The Rivers State rally, scheduled to hold at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, is expected to witness a large crowd of party supporters drawn from a coalition of political parties in the State.
The party is expected to round off its presidential campaign in Lagos State on January 9, 2027.
The Tide reports that Tinubu has not visited Rivers State as President since he assumed office in May 2023. His last physical visit to the State was before his inauguration on Wednesday, May 3 – Thursday, May 4, 2023, when he was hosted by then Governor Nyesom Wike in Port Harcourt to commission the Rumuola/Rumuokwuta Flyover and the Magistrates’ Court Complex.
Tomorrow’s visit will be his first to the State since assuming office.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged traditional rulers in the State to maintain neutrality, ensure fairness and uphold peace in their domains as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Fubara gave the charge on Wednesday while declaring open the 126th, 127th and 128th Combined Quarterly Meeting of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, in Port Harcourt.
The governor said the primary function of traditional rulers is to administer justice and ensure fairness, saying their conduct must not lead to division and unmanageable crises.
“Let me therefore, request, if that is the right word to use, that please, as we are entering into this political season actively, everyone should ensure that your conduct promoted peace in your place. Your actions should not be what would lead to the division and multiple crisis that we cannot manage as a government.
“I think with that, we can all live as one and we can also continue to make this progress that we are trying with all our mind, our body and our soul, to ensure that we deliver to our dear State,” he said.
Fubara urged the royal fathers to abide by the oath and constitution they swore to before ascending their respective stools, in the interest of stability and progress of the State.
He also enjoined them to set aside individual sentiments and place the interest of Rivers State above personal considerations, noting that this principle has guided his own day-to-day governance of the State.
“I want to enjoin everyone to keep aside issues of individual sentiments and ensure that the interest of our state supersedes whatever thing that we have in our mind. This is not just what I’m saying here, it is what I’ve also practiced and displayed in my day-to-day life in the governance of our dear State,” he said.
On the appeal for improved welfare for traditional rulers, the governor clarified that the delay in actualising some of the requests they made in the past was not from the government but from the inability of the Council to put its house in order.
Fubara explained that the issue of stipends paid to the traditional rulers by the local government councils, was a statutory benefit provided for in the constitution and not what a state governor can change by mere verbal pronouncements.
He assured that he remains a man of his word and will fulfill his promises to the traditional rulers before leaving office, next year.
He reaffirmed his respect for the traditional institution as custodians of culture and the closest link to the people, thanking them for their prayers and support.
The governor urged the royal fathers to ensure that the combined quarterly meeting featured fruitful deliberations that will strengthen peace and development in the State.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu Wodo, expressed profound gratitude to the State Government for its efforts in maintaining a cordial relationship with the traditional institution.
Wodo highlighted the importance of traditional rulers in conflict resolution, noting that their closeness to the people places them in a strategic position to mediate in disputes involving chieftaincy matters, family disputes and land ownership in their respective communities.
The royal father drew the attention of the State Government to some challenges affecting the performance of the traditional institution, particularly the lack of official utility vehicles and logistical support needed to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
He also appealed for improved monthly stipends and better welfare provisions to reflect prevailing economic realities.
-
Rivers5 days ago
Don Seeks Repositioning Of Tech Education For Dev
-
Education5 days agoPAMO MEDICAL UNIVERSITY -Nullifies Arrest warrant on VC
-
Niger Delta5 days ago
PANDEF Seeks 50% Oil Derivation Allocation Increase
-
Education5 days agoIAUE MOVES TO END GHOST WORKERS SYNDROME AS 400 NEW NON-TEACHING STAFF UNDERGO MANDATORY ETHICS TRAINING
-
News5 days agoFresh Ebola Scare As NCDC Records Two Cases
-
Rivers22 hours ago
NUJ Set To Attend UNIPORT’s 217th Inaugural Lecture
-
News21 hours agoNJC Suspends Three Judges, Sanctions Eight Others
-
News5 days ago
Customs Partners EFCC, NDLEA, Others To Tackle Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing