Politics
Rivers People Commend Wike, Demand More From Fubara
According to the holy book, there is a time for everything and a purpose for every activity under heaven. This includes a time to begin and a time to end.
As in Nigeria, more in Rivers State, today, May 29, 2023, marks the end of a remarkably eventful political era and the beginning of a new one. The atmosphere is therefore full of an admixture of excitement, hope and trepidation.
For indigenes and residents of Rivers State especially, today marks the end of an eight-year run of breathtakingly impact full transformational activities anchored by a phenomenal leadership masterfully driven by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
In the same breadth, today, the people stand at the threshold of a new beginning as Governor Wike passes on the baton of helmsmanship to Sir Siminialayi Joseph Fubara to continue the arduous race of actualising the dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of Rivers State.
While Governor Nyesom Wike represents a promise kept, Sir Sim Fubara is a symbol of hope that is founded on a tried, tested, proven and established vision code-named New Rivers Vision (NEW).
To this end, a cross section of Rivers people and other stakeholders who spoke with The Tide have expressed deep satisfaction with the stellar performance of Governor Nyesom Wike in the realisation of envisaged people oriented development projects with expectations of further transformation and quality governance that will provide enhanced dividends of democracy from the incoming administration headed by Sir Siminialayi Fubara.
The respondents lauded the Wike’s government’s worthy performance in the areas of roads construction and maintenance; provision of education and healthcare infrastructure; rural and urban transformation; restoration of peace and security; empowerment and human capital development; job creation and sustainable economic development; youth development via viable economic ventures; huge investment in agriculture; water and sanitation; improvement in power supply; housing and urban renewal; investment in transportation and construction of flyovers to decongest traffic in the state, amongst others.
The National Coordinator of pan-Ijaw group, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Opobo/ Ibani Clan, Hon. Ibitamuno CookeyGam lauded Governor Nyesom Wike for providing the catalyst for the economic emancipation of the state through his administration’s achievements in the areas of road infrastructure, construction of flyovers, opening of canals and drainages, land reclamation; and the provision of adequate security of lives and property.
CookeyGam noted that the Governor’s massive investment in security was responsible for not only the relative peace experienced across the state, but also accounts for the prevailing socio-economic development witnessed in the state, describing it as a great departure from the past.
He urged the incoming administration of Sir Siminialayi Fubara to ensure that the quality of leadership provided by Governor Wike is replicated for the betterment of the citizens despite the odds on the way.
Also speaking, a pharmacy technician, Mrs. Ngozi Toby, said that apart from the remarkable improvements in the areas of security under the administration of Chief Nyesom Wike, there is more to be achieved by Siminialayi Fubara as Governor of Rivers State in such areas as creation of gainful employment opportunities and general workers’ welfare, including the promotion and settlement of backlogs of gratuity and pensions overhangs.
According to her, in spite of the fact that people now have a conducive atmosphere to freely engage in and grow their legitimate businesses in the state, there is a lot more to be done to consolidate on the gains of the exiting administration with a view to moving the state to its destination envisioned by the founding fathers but imperiled by previous leaders some years back.
She, therefore, admonished the incoming Fubara-led administration to give adequate attention to the things that will ensure a sufficiently competent, empowered, motivated and rightly equipped work force to support and assist his government to achieve overall success in attaining set goals and meeting the people’s hope of a new lease of life.
On his part, a frontline traditional ruler in Oyigbo LGA, Eze Isaac Ekeke Nwogbo, noted that the robust economic development and the overall improvement in quality of life of Rivers people experienced in the past eight years was attributable to the security architecture built and sustained by the sheer determination, commitment and political will of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
The monarch commended the doggedness of Governor Nyesom Wike, noting that his unique leadership style has not only positioned Rivers State as one of the most progressive states in Nigeria, but also given Rivers people a strong voice in the Nigerian ecosystem.
He, therefore, called on Sir Siminialayi Joseph Fubara to do everything within his power to live up to the confidence reposed in him by his predecessor and the high expectations of Rivers people in terms of even distribution of development projects to all the nooks and crannies of the state, further enhance the security architecture and the welfare of its operatives in order to strengthen existing relative peace being enjoyed currently in the state.
A renowned educationist and retiree, Mrs. Georginia Hart, emphasised the need for the incoming administration to work for a sustainable, harmonious and peaceful co-existence of all interest groups in the state.
“I want to use this medium to demand that the incoming Rivers State Governor, Dr. Siminialayi Fubara, should do more for the good of the people. We expect quality governance, especially in the areas of infrastructural development, this time in the rural communities of the state. I must say that the out-gone administration had gaps in performance in some sectors, especially in human capacity building.
“Let Sim Fubara channel his government policy thrust on those areas Wike could not actualise and ensure that such is considered. Security and public safety, health, education, welfare of workers and retirees, infrastructure development and rural transformation should be given a facelift. Other areas of importance are agriculture and youth development,” Hart said.
Similarly, Mrs. Felicia Abulokwe, a senior civil servant urged Fubara to ensure that he revisits the case of Rivers workers and ensure that he implements the promotion of those who are due for promotion as well as clear all indebtedness to workers and retirees.
Abulokwe stressed that playing the ostrich when it comes to serious matters could ruin reputation, noting that unemployment was on the increase partly due to government’s inability to replenish its stock of staff over the years.
She said it had become embarrassing to the state to see a lot of graduates wallowing in abject poverty, without gainful employment, roaming the streets and some engaging in criminal activities.
“Governor Nyesom Wike has done well in most sectors, but not all the areas. The earlier the new governor swings into action in doing the needful, the better for us all”, she said.
Also speaking on the subject matter, an industrialist, Mrs. Mercy Pepple, said “Wike has done excellently well. Wike has tried to achieve good results in the areas of stabilising the dwindling economy, health infrastructure development. He was able to provide quality educational facilities, road infrastructure, and empowerment programmes for the youths.
“For me, Wike has performed well in some areas. I strongly believe that Dr Siminialayi Fubara as the new anchorman in the saddle of Rivers leadership will do more than expected.”
Mr. Okudiri Chukwuma, a businessman, lauded the efforts of Governor Wike in developmental projects in the state but regretted that he could not cater adequately for the well-being of the business sector so as to encourage them.
“For the new administration, I admonish him (Sim Fubara) to perform well as all eyes are on him to ascertain his readiness to carve a rewarding development niche for himself for posterity”, he said.
By: Opaka Dokubo & Bethel Toby
The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The Red Chamber confirmed Amupitan after a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and after undergoing screening and answering questions posed by the lawmakers.
Amupitan had earlier arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier, exchanged pleasantries with Senators.
He was accompanied to the chamber by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries.
At about 12:50 p.m., the nominee was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado, and was already seated ahead of the commencement of the exercise.
Amupitan was allowed into the hallowed chamber after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved that Order 12 be set aside to allow visitors into the chamber, and he was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family members, and well-wishers to the Red Chamber, commending them for their presence.
Before introducing himself to the Senators for the question and answer session to take off, Akpabio disclosed to his colleagues that the nominee had been cleared by the office of the National Security Adviser after vetting.
According to Akpabio, the office of the Department of State Services had also cleared him.
The Senate President also said that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, having done a fingerprint search on him, cleared him and said that he had no criminal records with the police.
The screening exercise commenced at about 12:55 p.m. following Akpabio’s opening remarks, during which he outlined the procedures to be followed by the lawmakers in considering the nominee’s credentials.
The screening session focused on Amupitan’s vision for credible elections, his plans for institutional reforms within INEC, and measures to deepen the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Following his confirmation by the Senate, Amupitan will oversee preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and lay the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.
The Tide source earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law from the University of Jos, to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
The President’s letter conveying Amupitan’s nomination was read on the floor of the Senate by Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, Amupitan, is widely regarded for his expertise in constitutional and international law.
He said, although he was deeply concerned about some governors and lawmakers defecting to the APC, the party was working quietly behind the scenes to stabilise its ranks and rebuild public trust.
“If you ask me whether I’m concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned. But leadership is a burden. As a leader of a group of equal status, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues, but certainly, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes,” he said.
The Bauchi governor accused the APC-led federal government of using coercive tactics to weaken the opposition, saying the ruling party was bent on turning Nigeria into a one-party state.
“You know the style of leadership of the APC-led federal government in trying to make this country a one-party state. They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything,” he said.
Governor Mohammed, however, maintained that the defections would not derail the PDP’s resurgence, stressing that most Nigerians at the grassroots remained loyal to the party.
“Even those who left are not finding it easier because most of the people at the grassroots level are PDP and are not happy with the defections. Sometimes it is done because of permutations and calculations. But I assure you I am not going anywhere. I am in PDP, and my state has no element of division,” he explained.
Governor Mohammed revealed that more defections could occur, including from lawmakers in his state, but insisted the PDP structure in Bauchi remained solid.
“Even today, I saw in the news that one of my senators is going. They are being controlled, they are being bought, but certainly, the state is PDP. Nigerians want change, and they believe they can get it through the PDP,” he stated.
The governor emphasised that the PDP had laid the foundation for most of Nigeria’s measurable achievements under successive governments and that the party remained the only credible platform capable of providing national renewal.
“Most of the measurable achievements by the federal government were done by PDP regimes. By the grace of God, if we stand firm, we will deliver. Some of us who won as governors were not even considered capable, and here we are. That’s what will play out in 2027,” he said.
Addressing concerns over potential threats to the forthcoming convention, the PDP stalwart said the party leadership was working to resolve internal disputes and litigations aimed at destabilising preparations.
“I cannot speak for the National Working Committee, but as a leader within the party, I know they are doing their best to address issues of litigations. Many are artificially created to undermine us, but we don’t have any faction in the PDP,” he said.
He noted that while some individuals had approached the courts to stop the party’s convention, the PDP remained more organised than most opposition parties.
“Comparatively, most of the other parties are not better off than us. We are better off than most opposition parties. We are the only ones intact; with one National Secretary, one National Chairman, and one Publicity Secretary. This meeting gives hope that at the end of the day, we will deliver,” he said.
On reports of Governor Peter Mbah’s rumoured defection from the PDP, Governor Mohammed said Governor Mbah had not formally declared any intention to leave and remained a respected colleague.
“Actually, Governor Mbah has not told us his position. It is a personal decision. We cannot remove his picture before he leaves. When he leaves, we will replace him with another person. Up till now, he has not told me he’s leaving,” he said.
He also dismissed speculation surrounding Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, describing him as a loyal member of the PDP who had endured significant challenges in office.
“He has not left the party; he is still PDP. Everybody has his own style. He is a humble young man who has gone through so much and has done well to accommodate all the problems and challenges he found himself in,” he said.
Commenting on speculations about a possible 2027 presidential project involving former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Bauchi governor said the PDP remained open to prominent figures who wished to return or associate with the party.
“People are still interested in this party, and these big names being associated with us make us happy. As governors, we have resolved to put personal interests aside. We are united and will come up with leadership that will be the best choice for Nigerians to put in Aso Rock, inshallah,” he stated.
Governor Mohammed reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP and expressed optimism that new, visionary leaders would emerge from the party in 2027 to defeat what he called the APC’s ‘deceptive’ style of politics.
“If somebody goes, just like a bird, they go, they come. Please, don’t blame anybody at the governors’ level; we are doing our best, but it is beyond our control,” he said.
In a statement following his recent visit to the United States and Rome, Mr Obi said he used the pilgrimage as an opportunity to seek divine intervention for Nigeria’s unity, peace, and responsible leadership.
He stated that after addressing members of the Friendship Club in the US and speaking at the 1st Ubuntu African Youth Assembly in Washington, he proceeded to Rome to join his wife for a spiritual retreat.
“With hearts full of gratitude, we thanked God that, despite our differences and the many challenges faced over 65 years of independence, He has kept us together as one nation,” Mr Obi said.
During the pilgrimage, the couple visited the four major Papal Basilicas in Rome — St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, and St. Peter’s Basilica — where they met with other Nigerian pilgrims.
“Along the way, we met many Nigerian pilgrims: men and women of faith whose faces shone with quiet hope. Together, we renewed our trust in God’s mercy and in the promise of a better Nigeria,” he added.
Reaffirming his faith in both divine providence and civic duty, Mr Obi maintained that prayer must be matched with personal and collective effort.
“Faith does not absolve us of responsibility; it calls us to action. We must each continue to do our part, with honesty, diligence, and love, for our nation’s healing and progress,” he said.
Mr Obi was accompanied by his wife, Margaret, during the pilgrimage, which also included an audience with His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, at the Vatican City.
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