Front Pix
‘Together, We’ve Built Strong Rivers State’
The Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has said that the landmark achievements of his administration could not have been recorded without the tacit support and commitment of Rivers people to make the state safe, and build strong foundation for a virile, prosperous state.
Amaechi, who said this during his state-wide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 54th Independence Anniversary, added that “like athletes in a race, we are running to win. We must continue to run to breast the tape; reach the finish line strong. Our persecutions, our travails and betrayals make our resolve stronger”.
According to him, “when we came to office in October, 2007, we committed ourselves to building a Rivers State of Possibilities, where none will be discriminated against. We set for ourselves a target and a goal to leave our state better than we met it. It was indeed, a big challenge but seven years after, we can present a commendable score-sheet to the Glory of God.”
The governor recalled the security situation in the state when the administration came on board in 2007, saying that, “insecurity was at its peak, military and police checkpoints dotted every street and lane. We were forced to raise our hands on our way home at the end of a hard day’s job. Our humanity was debased as much as our pride was assaulted. We lost our dignity as armed gangs roamed our streets, maimed and killed our children and relations at will. Their armed leaders became our lords and masters. The first casualty was our life, then, the economy of our state, then; our hope of giving our children a better tomorrow seemed bleak. Protected by their arms, our children became conscripts in a war they never triggered. Weeping parents, disembowelled and dismembered bodies littered our communities and waterfronts.
“We knew as a government that we had a responsibility to protect lives and properties. We were clear in our minds that we owed it to you the electorate to fulfil our oath of office. We were not going to let any challenge hinder us. So, we chose to confront the criminals who had stolen our peace. Not because we were strong, but because we loved our people. We chased them, not with arms and ammunition, but with bravery and the boldness of our fathers. We soon made our streets safe again, life returned to our biggest city, Port Harcourt, and our communities. Our economy again began to blossom and those investors chased away began a return to our state. Today, our state thrives as Nigeria’s second biggest economy.”
The state chief executive officer listed some of the achievements of the administration in the education sector, saying that “When we came into office, Rivers State public schools were no better than a sanctuary of the unlearned. Classrooms over-crowded. Teachers’ morale was at its lowest. Seven years later, we have changed all that. Not only have we built 500 of the best model primary schools in Africa, but have carried out the largest, single recruitment exercise ever undertaken by any Nigerian tier of government since October 1, 1960. We employed 13, 210 classroom teachers. With our free education programme, we are have rekindled hope of the poorest of our people. Today, our children learn under the most cordial environment, their teachers robustly gingered to give in their best. Another 1,964 Rivers State students are overseas on the Governor’s Special Scholarship.”
He also said that under his administration, “Our civil servants today take home their due as we have opted for fraud-free system supported by a diligent procurement process. In all modesty, our record of achievements proves our prudence. Our policy on infrastructure has been robust as we have completed 90 per cent of the Phase 1A of the Rivers State Monorail. We have fared reasonably well with our road infrastructure having completed 2 major interchanges, 2 flyovers, 25 bridges, and 5 shore protection projects. We have also completed, 890 kilometres of the on-going 1,424 kilometres, of road projects across the state. In the water sector, while we await the Federal Government’s final approvals of our ADB and World Bank loans, this administration has built 1,200 cu metres tank storage capacity, carried out 64.95km reticulation; and completed 6 water projects with 62 beneficiary communities.”
In the health sector, Amaechi, who is also the chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), said, “Our programs in the health sector have been of world standard. So far, we have completed three new specialist hospitals, 112 model primary healthcare centres. Also on-going are a new College of Nursing and Midwifery, an orthopaedic hospital, a cardiovascular hospital, all at the old UPTH site, and a mother-and-child hospital. To achieve effective healthcare, aside the infrastructure, we have employed 820 medical staff, 100 non-medical staff and 218 medical emergency workers.”
On other milestones, Amaechi said, “agriculture has also received intense attention with over 33,000 jobs created in this sector out of which 25,520 jobs are small holder farmers in all the 319 wards of the state. We have also made substantial investments in other sectors for which we are beginning to see gains. Today, through deliberate policies of government, we have focused global attention on Rivers State. Today, our city, Port Harcourt, is the UNESCO World Book Capital 2014, a feat never recorded in sub-Saharan Africa. We have become the modern Venice where knowledge thrives with culture.”
He noted the great success recorded by the state in the fight against Ebola Virus Diseas, stressing that, “The disease came with its dread, but to the glory of God, we defied its fangs, fought for our people and won. Though we lost two persons, one to the Ebola virus and the other to a heart condition, we have become a fact to the world that Ebola can be defeated.”
The state governor, therefore, used the opportunity to, “salute our local and international partners, men and women for their support in combatting this epidemic. We salute the Honourable Minister for Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, who showed immense commitment; teams from the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, Doctors Without Borders, Centre for Disease Control, Georgia, Atlanta, the vibrant Port Harcourt press and all medical volunteers. We owe you a debt of gratitude,” adding that “The success we have recorded is a testimonial to the great things that can happen when we all work together.”
On the 2015 general elections, Amaechi cautioned that “our politicians and their followers” to realise “that a kingdom divided against self cannot stand. If we maim and kill the people we aspire to lead, whom would we then govern?” appealing that “Let’s run our campaigns in the best manner pursue our electioneering with respect for one another.”
The governor explained that “the history of Nigeria cannot be written without Rivers State, as our fathers had fought for her freedom from colonialism,” adding that “at negotiations for Nigeria’s independence, the voices of our people sounded fair and firm. Where others chose to procrastinate, our progenitors chose immediacy. Where others feared the foe, our natives dared the enemy.
“We have always been a people who cherish and adore their freedom. From the brave King Jaja of Opobo who showed great skill in commerce and government, to the warlord, King Amachree of the great Kalabari kingdom; from Queen Kambassa of the Ancient Bonny kingdom, a woman who steered loyalty and respect beyond the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, to Chief Harold Dappa Biriye, Dr. Paul Birabi, Eze Emmanuel Oriji, Chief Jonas Nwuke, Dr. Obi Wali, and the fearless Ken Saro-Wiwa, our land has never lacked men and women eager to take their destinies in their hands and steer the ship of state to safety.”
While recalling the contributions of the founding fathers of the state, Amaechi commended his friends, associates and foes for their support and criticisms over the last seven years of his administration, saying that their efforts have helped the administration, in no small measure to record the monumental breakthroughs so far in the history of the state.
“We must salute the courage of our people and the team members in the administration. We remain grateful to our paramount and traditional rulers, elders, federal and state lawmakers, members of the Christian and Islamic clergy, women and youth groups, civil society organisations, civil and public servants, children, orphans, widows, and widowers. We must also salute those who have antagonised our genuine efforts, those who have turned our love for our state into an instrument of hate, for the various roles they have played in this course of history,” the governor said.
Nelson Chukwudi
Proud to be Nigerians
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to give the best attention to the education sector so that standard and quality learning will never be compromised in the State.
The governor emphasised that in achieving such legacy, schools in the State will be driven with a curriculum that will equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Governing Council of Rivers State University at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said: “There is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we don’t have direction.
”But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channeled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.
”Education that is creative. Education that gives you independence. We have left the era in the world when you speak too much grammar. We are in such times when it is what you can do with your hands.
”Our purpose for education is that we should bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you don’t need a job but you create jobs. When one creates a job, you automatically employ others. That is what I want this council to see as their task.”
Governor Fubara noted the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
He said such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford sending them to far away secondary schools, to roam the streets, and therefore becoming willing tools for criminality.
Governor Fubara assured that such fundamental problem will be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
The governor said he trusts in the capacity of the members of the Governing Council of Rivers State University to bring about positive change in the institution while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the State.
”I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but let us add something different from the normal things that we already have to see new things.”
In her response, on behalf of the other members, the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.
Justice Odili assured they will work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitate the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that will be bequeathed by his administration.
The members included Justice Mary Odili (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council with Barrister Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Esq.
Others were Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park, and Mr. Ogbugbu Barisua.
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
C’River Declares NBS Child Labour Ranking Unrealistic
-
Business2 days agoSMEs Critical For Sustainable Dev – Commissioner
-
Featured2 days ago118 Inmates Escape As Rainstorm Destroys Niger Prison
-
Politics2 days ago
Monarch Cautions Against Divisive Politics, Declares Support For Fubara
-
Sports2 days ago
AFN Lists Strong Squad For Bahamas Relays
-
News2 days ago
We’re Open To Partnerships To Enhance Status Of Rivers People -Fubara
-
Nation2 days ago
Banigo Decries Malaria Prevalence
-
Rivers2 days ago
Ekpeye Traditional Rulers Seek Help For Odiemudie Community