News
Fintiri Promises End To Atiku- Wike Rift …Assures ‘Fair Deal’ For Rivers Gov
Adamawa State Governor, Hon. Ahmadu Fintiri, has been appointed to lead the reconciliation team to end the rift between the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
Fintiri, who made the disclosure while speaking to newsmen at the Yola International Airport, last Saturday, promised that the rift between the two political gladiators would soon be resolved.
This is even as he assured that Wike would have a fair deal at the end of negotiations, “if it comes to that, just to put the crisis behind us”.
He further said, “I can assure you that with God, the party will put its house in order before the 2023 elections.
“Even Wike knows he has been by far the biggest investor in the party. Can he now walk away from all of his investment?
“We recognise he loves his people and I can assure you that he will have a fair deal if it comes to that, just to put the crisis behind us,” Fintiri said.
The Adamawa State governor said, “I am sure Nigerians will not forgive us if we fail to produce the next President of this country. Everything is shattered. Everything is in confusion. Nigerians don’t seem to understand where they are. We wake up every morning at the mercy of God.
“As leaders, we will ensure that we put everything into this reconciliation to ensure that Atiku and Wike’s camps are back as one and united party members for the success of PDP.’’
The governor, therefore, expressed optimism that the crisis rocking the PDP would be resolved amicably before the 2023 general election.
Atiku emerged as the PDP presidential candidate, the opposition party has been embroiled in rancour.
The crisis became worsened after the former Vice President named Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election.
Many had expected Wike, who came second in the party’s presidential primaries, to be chosen as the party’s vice-presidential candidate.
Wike and his associates have reportedly demanded the resignation of the PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, as a condition for them to campaign for Atiku.
They argued that the all top positions in the party are being occupied by northerners and Ayu, who is from the North-Central must resign as a concession to the South.
By:
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.
