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Eresia-Eke Blames Nigeria’s Leadership Challenge On Corruption
The former Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr Kudo Eresia-Eke has attributed the growing agitation for secession across the country by the different ethnic groups as an indication of a failed country being rattled by corruption.
Eresia-Eke, who was a former manager, Community Relations and Public Affairs, Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), in Bonny Island, averred that nothing was wrong with Nigeria as a country but stressed that the greatest challenge bedevilling the country was the corrupting tendencies of those occupying leadership positions without ideological concepts to move the nation forward.
He made these assertions while reviewing the book, “The State, Politics And Development: A Collection Of Essays”, written by some students in honour of a political scientist, Prof Eme Ekekwe, who retired from the service of the University of Port Harcourt at the Amatu Braide Auditorium, University Park, last Tuesday.
Eresia-Eke argued that the nation’s political leadership was being manned by corrupt politicians who have no vision and ideology to better the economic and well-being of the citizens, pointing out that any leader that cannot respect the rule of law and rights of the citizens was not worthy of being called or addressed as a leader but tyrant and callous.
“What the writers in this collection describe as leaders are those who don’t have the interest of the people at heart but looters, thieves who are playing with us and lead us into hardship, and should not be called leaders.
“The various agitations going on in the country today are an indication that things have fallen apart and the centre can no longer hold again, simply because of ridiculous, bad, irresponsible and corrupt leaders who are not sympathetic to the plights of the people”, he stated.
Eresia-Eke, therefore, urged opinion leaders, teachers and writers to reset the concept of leadership with a view to ascribing the name ‘leaders’ to only those who are sincere and not those who are corrupt and selfish.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Ndowa Lale, while agreeing with the sentiments expressed by the book reviewer, said that all hopes were not yet lost as there still exist leaders who have distinguished themselves in governance.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Prof Akin Fawehimi, the VC urged those entrusted with public governance to eschew selfishness and inculcate transparency, accountability and sincerity in the discharge of the duties entrusted in them by the people.
In his contribution, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences at the institution, Prof Prince C. H. Mmom, called on leaders to ensure they deliver good governance and democratic dividends to the people, and described the retiree as a man with many parts, who has distinguished himself in both academic and socio-political lives
In his remarks, Head of Department, Political Science & Administrative Studies, Dr Timothy Nte, expressed worry that corruption and selfish interest have taken the centre stage in the nation’s political leadership, adding that leadership was the main challenge in the country’s quest for growth and development.
He regretted that the nation has no proper political system with clear vision and direction for the advancement of the country, adding that only a conscious, sincere and focused leadership can solve numerous challenges facing the country.
Happy Birthday Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON
Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory
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We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring good healthcare for the people of Rivers State.
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?Governor Fubara stated this when he played host to the Country Director of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her management team in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
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?The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, said he would continue to provide the necessary facilities in order to ensure accessible and good health care for all Rivers people.
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?”We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.
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?”We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society. We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he said.
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?The Country Director for UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, assured Governor Fubara of UNICEF’s support to the programmes of the State Government. She appealed that health facilities such as the Oxygen Plant at Eleme Local Government Ares and the New Born Care Units be solarized.
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?”Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.
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?”I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she added.
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