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  • Fubara, Wike and the Niger Delta threat

    Fubara, Wike and the Niger Delta threat

    Days before a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered Rivers State’s monthly allocations to be withheld, a militant group, the Niger Delta Development Force (NDDF), had threatened to shut down oil installations in the region if the federal government did nothing to stop Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister Nyesom Wike from undermining Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration. The threat came before the court order. Halting the release of any state’s monthly allocations in an economy still tied to Abuja’s apron strings can be excruciating, indeed more punishing than any other measure designed to give a governor nightmares. So, what will Rivers do now, blow up everybody?

    In the NDDF statement last Sunday, spokesman Justin Alabraba warned: “Our members will not hesitate to shut down oil installations if any judge in Abuja issues a pronouncement that financially incapacitates local governments in Rivers State, preventing them from fulfilling their duty to the people. We will act immediately. It will be a swift response, and we will shut down major oil installations in the Niger Delta. If President Bola Tinubu allows Wike to disrupt governance in the local governments of Rivers State, we will also disrupt governance at all levels…Wike must leave Fubara alone. For months now, Wike has continued to insult and intimidate Governor Fubara, wielding his federal influence. We won’t tolerate that anymore. Any further move against Fubara by Wike will be met with the destruction of oil installations. Since Tinubu seems intent on turning a blind eye, let us all face the consequences together. Rivers State does not belong to Wike…”

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    The court order followed the suit brought by 27 Rivers State House of Assembly lawmakers who accused Mr Fubara of flouting a court order ordering him to represent his 2024 Budget to the legislature and thumbing his nose at the constitution which prescribes the legislative quorum needed to legitimise the appropriations bill. Mr Fubara had presented his budget before a factional assembly of four lawmakers, arguing that he as governor – not the courts – did not recognise the 27 lawmakers whom he insisted had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a number of convoluted cases, the courts had unanimously, at least so far, ruled that the defections by the 27 had not been done or consummated according to the law and the constitution. It was a tight elbow room seized upon by the 27, but in the eyes of the law, until an appeal upturns the ruling, they remain the legitimate legislature. When the eyes of the law meet the opinion of the public, the former always wins, regardless of the emotions surrounding the issue in dispute. Rather than put its house in order, present a sound and incontrovertible case before the courts, Mr Fubara’s administration has whipped up emotions, attempted to shame Mr Wike, name-call him for amorally disallowing the governor from governing, and threatening to bring the whole democratic edifice down.

    Obviously, as adumbrated by the NDDF and the Fubara administration, there are many in Rivers, perhaps a significant percentage, convinced that Mr Wike is the one troubling the state. Hence the twin threats of stifling oil production and scuttling the country’s democracy. But both threats, not to mention the arguments underpinning them, are an indication of incompetent logic and disturbing lack of leadership capacity. Admitting but not conceding that Mr Wike is the sole troubler of Rivers, does it absolve the state and Mr Fubara of running an administration that undermines the rule of law and incompetently prosecutes its cases in the courts? They seem to give the impression that Mr Wike is a magician, running rings round them; and that they are too dimwitted to respond with anything but emotion and anger. Mr Wike is probably more politically fleet-footed than all of them put together in Rivers, but it is not an excuse to subvert the rule of law and not find a few brains to help strategise Mr Fubara out of the needless stalemate he has constrained himself and the state. As it is evident, the highly emotive and entitled Mr Wike can be beaten at his own game. If Mr Fubara is unable to find the right strategy to undo his opponent, the fault is entirely his.

    Indeed, the Rivers governor has tried to make light of the current judicial impasse involving the federal monthly allocations. It is unwise. It is a serious blunder. Unable to convince the Appeal Court last month that the Speaker Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly is illegitimate, and the governor’s four-man assembly the legitimate legislature, Mr Fubara has embarked on a series of legislative and judicial self-help measures at which many Nigerians wince. The problem is, however, not irredeemable; but the resolution cannot be procured by force, intimidation or blackmail. The governor cannot propel the state to defy the constitution, and his team of supporters to deride the courts – except of course he is thinking of secession. Given the heat of indignation he has worked himself into, not to talk of his defiant speeches at political gatherings, cocktails and churches, it is not certain that a few subversive ideas might not have crossed his feverous mind. If he is not to soon discover that his state and supporters as well as the rest of Nigeria would find him dispensable, he had better change tack. He presumes his opponents don’t have supporters in the state, or that the rest of the country would be willing to abort democracy to help him win his argument against Mr Wike. These are misplaced presumptions. What indeed would it take to convince him that he could outfox his predecessor if he dug deep?

  • Ruling on Rivers allocation least of my problems, says Fubara

    Ruling on Rivers allocation least of my problems, says Fubara

    Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has dismissed the Federal High Court’s judgement denying the State federal allocations describing it as “the least” of his problems.

    Fubara spoke during a special thanksgiving service he organised to celebrate his administration’s resilience amidst rising political crises in the state.

    He assured that despite the court order, he would continue payments to contractors and ensure workers’ salaries were disbursed from Thursday.

    Fubara said that allocations for the 23 council chairmen would be credited, disclosing that the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) procedures had been completed.

    The Governor appealed to his supporters to remain resilient and assured them that all challenges would be over.

    Fubara said that those, who ruthlessly attempted to end his administration undemocratically, boasted then to achieve their purpose quickly to boot him out of office within one week but failed woefully.

    The Governor said he had not only stayed in office more than one year and counting, his administration was forging on strongly with sterling leadership, focused on delivering social services and quality projects to Rivers people.

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    The event, which held at the Main Bowl of Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt Old Township on Wednesday, was a gathering of thousands of  residents and indigenes in the state.

     At the event were  reputable worship leaders, clergies and gospel singers, who joined in the commemoration service to thank God over the botched attempt to abruptly end the administration of Governor Fubara on 30th October, 2023.

    He expressed gratitude to God for His divine rescue by frustrating the schemes of detractors, acknowledging that without the overwhelming support of Rivers people, his winning over his transducers would not have been entirely as sweet as it had become.

    Fubara said: “If you were not with us, if you had not stood with us, we won’t be here at this hour. A lot of you might not understand what happened on the 30th of October, 2023. It was an assassination to the people of Rivers State, indirectly and assassination at me directly.

    “Since they can’t kill everyone of you, they need to kill one person so that everybody will be declared dead. But somehow, somewhere, by the special grace of God, they failed. And the God that we are thanking today, what they meant for evil, God turned it to good.”

     Fubara mocked his detractors, who had remained determined to derail governance, and insisted that despite their antics, his administration had demonstrated prudence, transparency and accountability in handling the financial resources of the State.

    He said such public financial diligence attracted commendations from BudgIT, a civic-tech organisation, that assessed Rivers  as maintaining the number one spot in the 2024 Fiscal Performance Ranking among the 36 states of the Federation.

    He said: “I can tell you, they said we are not going to last for one week, we are here, we have done one year plus. We are also doing one year anniversary of their attack.

    “They said those buccaneers will not leave as local government chairmen, today, we have the 23 local government chairmen sitting here with us. They said their commissioners should resign so that we will be crippled. Today, we have more than 23 commissioners.

    “They said, in a programme in Rivers State University, that we are not going to do anything, and that they want to frustrate us. They are going to make us not to succeed. But by the special grace of God, we have embarked on projects that are touching the lives of Rivers people.

    “We didn’t end there. We have shown prudence that we are not here to steal your money; that we are here to be accountable. And yesterday, we saw it, it was declared by BudgIT that Rivers State has shown Transparency and Accountability and has ranked us in Number One position.”

    Fubara told the people that, so far, the journey of governance had been rewarding, adding that he had experienced the most difficult part of the struggle.

    He insisted that there was nothing happening that could not be surmounted, and urged all Rivers people to brace up, be strong and be assured that the unity and peace was still intact.

    He said: “I now ask the question: who is the winner? So, I tell you, this evening, we are here to thank God, to appreciate God, to say God, the way you did it one year ago, we know you are going to do it again for us much more.

    “So, you don’t need to bother about the stories on social media. That one is the least of your trouble. By tomorrow, I am still going to pay my contractors.

    “By tomorrow, those of you who have not gotten your salaries, your alert will also come to you. Local Government Chairmen, they have had their JAAC, your money is coming to your accounts.

    “Who is the loser? We are not doing luncheon here to celebrate loss or failure. We are praising God because He is taking us to a higher position.

    “So, you see the reason why you need to be happy? You see the reason why we chose today to celebrate the goodness of God in our State and in our lives? We can’t thank Him enough.”

    Fubara restated the commitment of his administration to defend the interest of the State genuinely, adding that with the support of Rivers people, together, they will journey to the end.

    The Governor explained while he sincerely implemented the details of the Presidential Peace Accord, including withdrawing legal suits, saying that the other party violated the accord, and went ahead to pursue their suits and secured judgment in their favour.

    He said: “We made a promise to you that we will continue to defend and protect the interest of Rivers State genuinely, and we are not going back on that. We will do it, and we will follow through with it. With your support, we will journey it to the end.

    “Because we are people of peace, if there is any advantage that was taken over us, it is because of our genuine interest for peace. The preacher said something about peace. I want to tell you that we went to Abuja and Mr President, knowing the importance of peace of Rivers State, brought out some conditions. We came back here in this State.

    “First, we did everything that has to be done with those conditions. We went to court immediately, withdrew our matters, but they did not. And you call yourself honourable, when you cannot even obey simple instruction, and you blame it on Fubara.

    “How is Fubara the problem? Fubara is not the problem! It was because we withdrew our matter, even the matter you filed, and we said we don’t want to continue: you took advantage of it, and went and got judgment. Is it not fraud?”

    Fubara said such dishonourable persons should not come to the public to demand that people must listen to them.

    He insisted that he acted more honourably, believing that the agreement should be what should bind everybody together.

    He said: “When I discovered that I am being ambushed, not by the person who initiated the peace, but by people who believed that they are smarter.

    “But you know such smartness, no matter what you call yourself, it is still foolishness before God. That is why, as they said, those other things that they are looking for, to make them feel they are coming back to life, we will not do it. So, let me see how they will come to life when we don’t do it.”

    Fubara agreed with the preacher of the day who declared the evening as an enactment of the peace of God enthroned in Rivers State.

    He said Rivers people were leaving the arena confident that God was taking them to greater height of peace in this State because of the genuine hearts craving for people.

    Fubara enjoined all true Rivers people to be strong and remain keyed into the overwhelming peace reigning in the State.

    He said: “My promise to you all Rivers people is that our administration will do things that will stand the test of time. No matter what it is, we will continue to do those things that even when we leave, people will see them and say, yes, it is done for the good, not for personal interests.

    “Not doing a road because I have a farm; not expanding a road because I have a business interest along that street. But I mean doing things that even when we leave, we will be remembered for leaving such legacies.”

    Delivering a short exhortation Rev. Umai Ukpai harped on the importance of peace in every individual’s life and in Rivers State, emphasising that God abhorred trouble makers whose activities were  geared towards disrupting the peace and creating uncomfortable living environment.

     Ukpai declared that “enough is enough” for such people while demanding peace, and invoking the wrath of God on disobedient persons who thought they were  powerful to kick people out of their land or from any position of appointment because, according to him, God had arisen to preserve his own.

  • Fubara begins revival of PH tourist beach  

    Fubara begins revival of PH tourist beach  

    Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has commenced the process of removing the long abandoned Port Harcourt Tourist Beach.

    The Governor said the steps he had taken so far involved sand filling of the swampy section of land at the beach and the engagement of an investor trusted to effectively turn things around and manage the facility.

    Fubara gave the assurance on Tuesday when he visited to inspect the entire beach area and assess the progress of the ongoing sand filling work at the Port Harcourt Tourist Beach, located off Churchill Road, down town axis of the city leading to Borokiri.

    The Governor, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Israel Ngbuelo, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ishmael Tomonialadieokuma, and the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Lands, Mr Alozie Nwala, said he was at the beach to inspect the facility that had been abandoned for many years.

    He said: “So, part of our programme for the Rivers people and to bring back Rivers State to what it used to be before, is to make sure that we revive the Port Harcourt Tourist Beach.

    “As a matter of fact, what I came to do this afternoon is to inspect the second part of the land, which we just acquired recently to expand this space. 

    Read Also:Wike, Fubara feud: PANDEF moves to reconcile parties, raises committee

    “And we also have an investor who is willing and has the capacity to re-establish this place to a modern tourist centre.

    “So, I am really happy that our people are already excited that the once forgotten Port Harcourt Tourist Beach will come back to life.”

    Fubara enjoined the youths in the area to cooperate and support the contractors working on the project and the investor without sabotaging their efforts.

    He assured that his administration would continue to do its best to make life better for all residents of the state.

  • Wike, Fubara feud: PANDEF moves to reconcile parties, raises committee

    Wike, Fubara feud: PANDEF moves to reconcile parties, raises committee

    The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has set up a committee to reconcile Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara with his predecessor and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

    The committee is headed by PANDEF’s Co-Chairman and former Akwa Ibom State governor, Obong Victor Attah.

    The forum announced the birth of the committee in a communiqué issued yesterday over last Thursday’s special General Assembly meeting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

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    The communiqué said the Assembly was jointly chaired by the first Military Governor of Rivers State, and Co-Chairman of PANDEF Board of Trustees (BoT), His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Diette-Spiff (Amayanabo of Twon Brass), and Obong Victor Attah.

    The High Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee, according to the communiqué, was constituted to mediate on and resolve all disputes and conflicts within the area.

    Other members of the committee are: Senators Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, Rowland Owie, and Stella Omu, as well as Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, Pam Ogar, and Dr. Stella Dorgu.

  • Clark-led PANDEF sets up committee to reconcile Fubara, Wike

    Clark-led PANDEF sets up committee to reconcile Fubara, Wike

    The Chief Edwin Clark led Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has set up a committee to reconcile Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his erstwhile political god father Nyesom Wike.

    The committee is headed by a former Akwa Ibom Governor Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman, Pandef BOT.

    This was contained in a communique on Sunday at the end of the group’s special General Assembly in Portharcourt, Rivers State on 24 October 2024. 

    The Assembly, the communique noted, was jointly chaired  by His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, the Amayanabo of Twon Brass, first Military Governor of Rivers State, and Co-Chairman of PANDEF Board of Trustees and His Excellency, Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Co-Chairman of PANDEF Board of Trustees. 

    The High Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee, according to the communique, is to mediate on and resolve all disputes and conflicts within the area.

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     Other members of  the Committee are: Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, Senator Rowland Owie, Senator Stella Omu, H. E. Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah, H. E. Pam Ogar, and Rt. Hon. Dr. Stella Dorgu.

    The group also expressed concerns over the scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta, which was established to address specific issues bordering on the peculiar circumstances of the Niger Delta.

    The group also condemned the Federal Government’s neglect of strategic infrastructure in the Niger Delta region. 

    While condemning the exclusion of investors from the region in the oil and gas  sector, it however applauded “the initiative of the African oil producing nations to establish the Energy Bank, to be headquartered in Nigeria, to finance more drilling, mining, refining, and marketing our abundant hydrocarbon deposits for Sustainable economic development. “

    The Assembly further urged “Niger Delta investors to take advantage of the likely opportunities of the Energy Bank, especially in establishing modular and minor refineries as well as develop green and clean energy potentials in furtherance of the global Climate Change programmes.”

     The Assembly also welcomed the proposed South-South Commission to supplement existing Federal Agencies. 

    On matters specific to the Niger Delta region, the Assembly urged State Governments to fully utilise the revenues from the 13% derivation to undertake the  various critical programmes.

    PANDEF also urged the State Governments in the zone to embark on massive industrialisation programmes to generate wealth, employment, and skills.

     The group also recommended an average of 20% of annual budget of States and LGAs for Industries and the Agriculture sectors.

    In the area of education, the group urged the states within the region to invest more in education and also grant tuition-free education at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. 

    PANDEF also recommended an average of one tertiary institution in each of the 185 LGAs and a 25% minimum annual budget support in all the states of the Niger Delta in line with the template recommended by UNESCO.    

  • Fubara to CP: let’s start new relationship

    Fubara to CP: let’s start new relationship

    Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has urged the new Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Bala and his management team to start a new relationship with his administration.

    Fubara, who asked the police to let bygones be bygones, insisted that his administration has no grudges with them.

    Fubara spoke at the weekend  when he hosted  Bala, who was deployed two weeks ago to Rivera, in  Government House in Port Harcourt.

    The Governor said: “I want to say this. You and your management team, please, I want you to start a new relationship. Bygones are bygones.  Please, let’s work as one. 

    “Work to protect the interest of Rivers State, not to protect the interest of anybody. The most important thing is Rivers State. If Rivers State is safe and peaceful, you will also be safe too. If there is trouble in the State, you won’t rest. So, we need to come together and make it happen for peace to prevail.”

    Fubara in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS),  Nelson Chukwudi, said that despite the display of unprofessionalism of some police officers, his administration had remained a dependable partner in the quest to ensure security of lives and property of all Rivers people.

    He said: “I can say that we are receiving you with open hands, that is the truth. We don’t have any option. The worst of you, the worst of Police is still better than the best of criminals. 

    “So, we need to embrace you, whichever way, because you are our friends. We might have our differences, but the most important thing is that the protection of lives, and the security of the State are your responsibility. So, we must work together not minding issues that we have had in the past.

    “But, I need to just set some records straight: This government as it stands today, as it moves on, has no personal problem with the Nigeria Police Force, more especially the Rivers State Command. 

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    “I can boldly say here that not minding whatever had happened in the past, we have lived up to our own responsibility in supporting the Nigeria Police. So, for us to do this, we understand the important role that the police play in our State.

    “This State is a very peaceful place. When you were here as Area Commander, you know how the State was then. 

    “Now that you are back as the CP, it is God that brought you back so that you will play your role in securing lives and property of the residents of Rivers State. 

    So, perform that role professionally. We will give you all the necessary support.”

    Fubara encouraged the police management team to formulate strategies to advance the community policing pattern adopted to tackle crime in the state. 

    Fubara said: “We cannot completely eliminate crime, that is the truth. In every developing society, crime is one of the issues, but we can try as much as we can to reduce the level of crime and we will support you. 

    “Let us know your plans towards that, because you must have a strategy to go about it. We will give you all the necessary support”.

  • Fubara to invite contractors over alleged poor handling of Rivers Grammar School project 

    Fubara to invite contractors over alleged poor handling of Rivers Grammar School project 

    Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed displeasure at the slow pace of work by the contractors handling the total reconstruction of structures and landscaping at the Okrika Grammar School (OGS) in Okrika Local Government Area of the State.

    Fubara spoke when he visited the project site on Monday to inspect and ascertain the extent of work done.

    The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS) wondered why the Commissioner for Education had informed him wrongly that 70 per cent work had been achieved while what he could see was far below such impression.

    The visibly angry goyvernor said he would summon a meeting with the contractors immediately to read the riot act to them and re-emphasise strict compliance to project specifications and agreed timeline.

    He said: “I have heard several reports from the Commissioner for Education, giving me updates, and I felt this is my constituency, so, I should visit. 

    “As a matter of fact, Okrika is dear to me, so I need to see for myself the extent of work done and the standard delivered too.

    “My assessment; I need to be very raw: I am not satisfied. That is the truth. The Commissioner gave me the impression that 70 per cent of the job has been done, but from what I am seeing here, I need to takeover the supervision of this project to make sure I give my people a standard Grammar School again.”

    Fubara explained that the project of revamping the Okrika Grammar School (OGS) was focused on remodelling the once foremost secondary school in the State.

    The Governor recalled that the OGS had produced a good number of great men who become renowned in politics and other special areas of their disciplines not only in Rivers State but across the world.

    Fubara stated: “We were touched by the very deplorable state of the foremost school, and our government decided that we should give it a face-lift, and since after the award of this contract, we have not visited the school. So, we are doing it today.

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    “I understand the issue of price difference. We can discuss those variations, but the quality must match the amount that is spent.

    “You know I am somebody who deals with figures, so, there must be value for money. And by the end, our people need to be happy that we have done this, and I also need to be happy that I did what is needed for our people.”

    Fubara explained that his government had paid 100 percent of the contract sum for the project, adding that he had resolved  to take over the regular supervision of the project.

    The Governor also inspected the state of work on the Woji-Akpajo-Alesa-Eleme-Port Harcourt Refinery Road and bridge.

  • Fubara seized salaries, allowances of Rivers lawmakers, says Wike

    Fubara seized salaries, allowances of Rivers lawmakers, says Wike

    …despite challenges, we won’t fail Rivers, says Speaker Amaewhule

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nyesom Wike, stated that the Rivers state government has withheld the salaries and allowances of the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, for over a year. 

    Speaking in Port Harcourt over the weekend, Wike noted that despite the challenges, the lawmakers have remained steadfast in their commitment to uphold the independence of the legislature. 

    He indicated that their salaries and allowances were withheld in an attempt to frustrate them and pressure them into begging the state governor, Siminialayi Fubara.

    Addressing the lawmakers, Wike said: “You have shown the capacity and independence of the legislature. You have shown that money cannot move you. Other states should emulate you.

    “They seized their salaries for one year. They seized their allowances. They said they would come and beg. Are you begging today?  Will you beg tomorrow? You have shown them we are who we are.

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    “Tomorrow, people will look for you. Who are these guys that stood firm when it mattered most? You may have lost many things. This is the sacrifice you must make. The problem we have in the country today is leaders, who don’t want to be firm and say this is what we believe in.

    “We won’t leave you behind, Rivers leaders are with you every step of the way, ensuring that the people’s interests are protected.”

    In his response, Amaewhule said despite their challenges, the lawmakers would not fail the Rivers people nor give up their quest for the rule of law.

    He expressed gratitude to Wike for his continuous guidance and support and assured him that the Assembly would remain steadfast in making laws that would enhance the well-being of the people of Rivers.

    He emphasised the commitment of the lawmakers to deliver on their legislative mandate freely given to them by their constituents.

     “We are grateful for the unwavering support and mentorship of the Honourable Minister, who remains a beacon of leadership,” he said.

    Amaewhule also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his fatherly roles and assured him that the lawmakers would continue to walk on the path of peace and the rule of law.

    A former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), OCJ Okocha, faulted the position of Fubara on legal matters.

    Chief Okocha described himself as an authentic legal luminary, saying he was called to the Bar 46 years ago, became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria 29 years ago, and served the state and the nation in several professional capacities at the highest level.

    “My career stands as a testament to my unwavering dedication to the rule of law” he said assuring members of the Assembly that the law was on their side.

  • Wike blasts Fubara, dares PDP on suspension

    Wike blasts Fubara, dares PDP on suspension

    • Says Rivers lawmakers’ salaries, allowances withheld for one year

    • Insists Rivers crisis will be followed in court to logical conclusion

    • Nigerians have rejected you, go home, Minister tells Atiku

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, yesterday scolded his successor as Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, for his recent alleged disrespectful comments on senior members of the bar and the bench.

    Wike also deplored what he perceived as the governor’s ill-treatment of three prominent citizens of the state said to have gone the extra mile to get him elected.

    To those he claimed to be crusading for his castration  within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),Wike said such people  are only “digging your graves.”

    “It has not started. We have capacity,” he said,

    “Look at people talking about suspending me. Rivers is an asset and we cannot come and bow down for you. If you don’t know that Rivers is an asset,dare, dare anywhere you are.”

    He did not spare former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, branding him a serial loser who has been repeatedly rejected by Nigerian voters.

    He told the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election to pack his things and go home.

    Atike was swift in responding to the Wike flak.

    He called it  baseless rants and said “ It is clear that Mr. Wike is more concerned with self-interest than addressing the real challenges faced by the nation.”

    Wike, speaking during a luncheon he organised in Port Harcourt, the state capital, in honour of the members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly,  said:”somebody from I don’t know where, sitting before people and said so-called legal luminary turning laws upside down. Shame. Power. That is why we have to be careful who you give power to.”

     It was a veiled reference to Fubara’s remarks during the Rivers State Legal Week last Thursday.

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    Wike said the governor’s  comments about cases and their jurisdiction smacked of ignorance and  wondered why he (Fubara) continued to attack the likes of  OCJ Okocha (SAN) , Sergeant Awuse and Chief Alabrabra, all of whom  he once acknowledged as the three wise men that stood firm to make him a governor.

    He alleged  that Awuse, who was the Chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council was kicked out of the position by the governor when Awuse was in coma and battling for survival in London and needed the support of the government.

    Wike said after Awuse’s maltreatment, the governor last Thursday turned his attention on  OCJ Okocha and judges and accused them of turning the law upside down.

    His words: ” They said before you were the three wise men. Awuse was in coma in London, one of the wise men was removed as chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Council. When he was in coma, when he was looking for support and help,that was when he was removed.

    “On Thursday, another wise man was insulted. When this wise man was called to the bar, this man was not in primary school. He (Fubara) came on national television to say these were the wise men  who stood firm for me when the decision was taken.  Today he now says the wise men are turning the law upside down.

    “But they didn’t turn the law upside down when they made you. It is unfortunate. Look at OCJ and his positions in life: former chairman, Body of Benchers, former President Nigerian Bar Association, former Attorney-General.

    “OCJ, Awuse and Alabrara nearly collapsed that day. They insisted we should allow this young man. We never knew we were living with a snake. You can imagine when you are sitting with a snake. God protected you and a snake never bite you. God is God”.

    Wike said he decided to celebrate the lawmakers because of their resolve to fight against ingratitude and to protect the sacred principles of democracy.

    He said: “What they have done is to say okay ingratitude we can’t accept it. What they have done is to say look we are the ones who labored, who had sleepless nights and put you there for all of us to be together. Today you hate all of us.

    “Yes, these young men laboured from place to place, look at council chairmen. They took risks, spent money to put you there. All of a sudden armed robbers, thieves are all over the place. That is not life. When people come out to talk and said forgive. Forgive what?

    “We are all human and you want to pretend as if nothing has gone wrong. How do you pretend?  I will never pretend. I decided with the leaders to thank them. It is not only when somebody has died but when they are alive to say you have done well.

    “You have shown capacity and independence  of the legislature. You have shown that money cannot move you. Other states should emulate you. They seized their salaries for one year. They seized their allowances. They said they would come and beg. Are you begging today?  Will you beg tomorrow? You have shown them we are who we are.”

    Wike said nobody would conquer his team in Rivers, and mocked the governor for exhibiting ignorance on judicial and legal matters.

    Wike said: “This is Rivers and nobody will conquer us. He (Fubara) said anything that is a state matter must come to the state High Court. Shame. If you don’t know anything, say you don’t know anything. I feel so bad.

    “The state assembly is challenging an illiterate government that you have no right to be spending money without budget and therefore the Central Bank cannot continue to release funds without budget. Can you sue at the state High Court? Where will you sue? They are mumu.

    “APC went to court and say for you to conduct local government election, you must follow the procedure. INEC is the custodian of the voter register if they fail to follow the procedure’ INEC do not release the voter register.

    “And to stop INEC, do you go to the state High Court. You go where?  The Federal High Court. And if INEC does not release the register, will there be election?”

    Turning to OCJ Okocha, Wike called on the Nigerian Bar Association to protect the legal profession and safeguard the judiciary and stop lawyers, who have no knowledge of facts of cases and judgements from collecting money to attack judges on national television.

    He said: “I have been in this political system from1998 till now. I have never taken break. So I am involved. If security agencies will go and investigate what politicians do if they want to reach out to judges and it is not possible, they come out and write petition against that judge.They will go and accuse the judge of taking bribes.”

    He said his political family had maintained decorum and their belief in the judiciary by rejecting the temptation to attack judges even in the face of many ex-parte orders on the same matter.

    He said: “Six High Court judges gave ex-parte orders 1 to 10. Have we ever written petitions?  Have we gone on television to castigate them? All we say is that they are not the final court. We tell our lawyer to go on appeal.”

    Wike described the partnership of APC and PDP in the state as  a rainbow coalition and said  what would happen in the state would shock people.

    You’re a serial loser, Wike tells Atiku

    He then took on Atiku,dismissing him  as a  serial loser who has been repeatedly rejected by Nigerian voters.

    Atiku,the minister said,should pack his things and go back home.

    “I heard Atiku Abubakar say, oh they have rejected me in Rivers State. Okay, assuming so  though not conceding; he has lost so many times, Nigerians have also rejected him,” Wike said in the latest showdown between the two men.

    The former Rivers State governor was apparently responding to a statement by Atiku on X in which he (Atiku) hailed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara,Wike’s estranged political protégé  for “his unwavering commitment to the interests of the people, safeguarding the sanctity of the local government elections even amidst provocative challenges.”

    He added: “With the conclusion of the local government election in Rivers State, the shadows of political intimidation and judicial chicanery have dissipated, paving the way for the noble pursuit of governance to commence in the state.

    “From the bustling heart of Port Harcourt to the tranquil shores of Onne, the populace has spoken in harmonious unison, affirming that nothing is greater than democracy.

    “As prophesied, it has now been revealed that the citizens of Rivers are astute and resolute, unwavering in their rejection of any form of political oppression, harassment, or the machinations of self-serving godfathers.”

    Wike said Atiku got it all wrong to think that the outcome of the local government election in Rivers was an indication that the people of the state  had rejected him.

    He said: “We never contested local government election. We didn’t pick forms. If you say for election we never contested that it shows Nigeria has rejected us, okay you that contested and failed woefully, Nigerians have rejected you, therefore park and go home”.

    He said he has no regret for supporting Presiddent Tinubu.

    His words: “ The Atiku group and Peter Obi group and some governors of PDP believe that I am a problem to them and I will continue to be a problem.

    “Atiku group believe that I and my team stopped them from becoming President. We stopped injustice. What we wanted was equity, fairness and justice. Obi’s group believe they must fight us back. They are fighting themselves.

    “They said if we don’t do anything now we will have a problem and they will have a problem. All these people combined will lose.  When you stand for the truth, the truth will always save you. They are standing by their personal interest. They will clash”.

    On the leadership crisis in PDP, he said they all agreed that the acting national chairman,Umar Damagum should complete the tenure of the former chairman,Iyorchia  Ayu.

     He said: “In PDP they said that the chairman  should go. I am not his friend. He never supported me. We agreed that Damagum should complete the tenure of Ayu. But let me tell you why you should be careful in trusting people.

    “At  the meeting we agreed that we should go and seek interpretation of the PDP Constitution. The 2015 Constitution was not the same as 2017. There was a problem with the  2015 constitution. To cure the error, in 2017 we had an amendment of the Constitution when we now said that there should be two deputy chairmen where if the person who is  chairman from that zone has a problem the deputy chairman should be able to complete his tenure.

    “We never zoned to North West, North East; we zoned North and south. Chairman  North, Secretary goes to South. When it is zoned to the north anybody who is a chairman should come from  the north.

    “They made it look as if it is zoned to North central, North East and northwest. But we never did that. This problem came and we said it  is better we go to the court to seek interpretation of the party Constitution.

    “Where the chairman  has a problem the deputy chairman  from that zone should complete his tenure. If you want the chairman, it should be from the National convention. When we kicked out Uche Secondus, the Southsouth did not produce the acting National Chairman.

    Wike insisted that his team has the capacity in Rivers and would never be defeated

    He said: “If you hate us it doesn’t matter. This Wike you don’t like will kill you. We are working as a team not as a party. We will decide where we will go. Anybody who doesn’t want Rivers to grow to hell with you.

    “Their anger is that Wike is occupying an important position, if I don’t occupy it who will? We took a decision to support Asiwaju and we did. All these people flying to London and Turkey come out and tell us where you stand. I stood somewhere”.

    Turning to the lawmakers, he asked the people to pray for them adding that the Supreme Court would decide the legislative shenanigans in Rivers.

    He said: “Continue to pray for them. You went to court that they had defected, allow the court to decide it. They file appeals but they won’t pursue it. These matters must be followed to a logical conclusion. Let the Supreme Court come out and tell us in today democracy three people will stand and decide and appropriate state resources.”

    Wike playing politics with the suffering of Nigerians

    Atiku’s Media Office in a reaction to Wike’s latest attack on the former vice president  yesterday said the Port Harcourt remarks were another of his theatrical outbursts.

    It said: “ Ordinarily, we would not respond, but we recognize that silence might be misinterpreted.

    “However, we remain calm, knowing that Nigerians are well acquainted with his antics, a lingering symptom of the bitterness he harbours from his defeat to the Wazirin Adamawa at the 2022 party presidential primaries.

    “Mr. Wike’s comments are nothing more than a string of inanities, lacking substance and driven by personal grievances. If he truly believes Nigerians are content with the current state of affairs under the government he serves, it reveals a deeper truth: his priorities lie not with the people but with himself. This self-absorption is evident in his preoccupation with domestic affairs in Rivers rather than his ministerial responsibilities.

    “While he may seek to divert attention with his baseless rants, we remain focused on the genuine issues affecting Nigerians. It is clear that Mr. Wike is more concerned with self-interest than addressing the real challenges faced by the nation. In contrast, our commitment remains unwavering, centred on the welfare and progress of the people.

     “Mr. Wike appears to delight in conjuring fantasies, indulging in his imagination, and paying for live TV coverage to launch tirades against whomever he pleases. However, we shall not descend into the gutters where he feels at home. Instead, we prefer to rise above, maintaining our dignity while others revel in the mud.”

  • We bank on Rivers support, says Fubara

    We bank on Rivers support, says Fubara

    Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said his administration relies on the support of Rivers people to keep moving forward.

    The governor said that such support could be seen by the words, actions and pledges of loyalty and solidarity from royal fathers and other well-meaning people in the state.

    Fubara made the remarks during the post-election solidarity visit by members of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers’ Council (RSTRC), led by their Chairman, His Majesty, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

    The governor said that even if he knew of their support for his administration with what they had been doing in their domains, their visit provided a physical declaration that they were with him.

    Fubara said: “Your coming to see us this afternoon is a reassurance that we are not standing alone.

    “We have the Royal Fathers who control all the villages, and the communities, which make up the Rivers State, on our side. So, what else do I need to say? What else do I need to showcase to the world that we have the support of Rivers people?

    “You are the Rivers, you are the leaders, you are the kings, and you are the chiefs. You are the ones that control the locale that make up the entire State. So, I say thank you for coming to reassure this administration that you have our back.”

    Fubara said his administration had resolved never to engage in any acts of disrespect to the traditional institution in the state.

    He said: “This is because they are royal fathers who should serve as a uniting force for all their subjects, contribute to keeping Rivers State peaceful and ensure its progress.

    “I will assure you that as a government, we will continue to respect this institution. We will not do anything within our powers directly or indirectly, knowingly or unknowingly to undermine any of you.

    “If we have wronged you in any way, let me say, I’m sorry to you here. But I don’t think we will wrong you deliberately because you are our fathers.”

    Fubara also commented on the just- concluded local government election on the 5th October, 2024, which was largely peaceful and successful.

    He said: “Election has come and the election has gone. It is only God that made it possible. It is not myself, nor our calculations. It is God that made it work that way. So, we return all thanks to God and God alone.”

    Read Also: Fubara approves N85,000 as minimum wage for Rivers’ workers

    The governor also approved the release of official vehicles to the traditional rulers, directing the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to work with the monarchs to ensure that those who needed the cars got theirs while persons in need of the cash equivalent got it.

    In his address, the Chairman, Rivers State Traditional Rulers’ Council (RSTRC), His Majesty, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, said the Council, in an extraordinary meeting reviewed some incidents in the state, and decided on the solidarity visit to the governor.

    The chairman, who is also the Eze Oha Apara IV of Apara Kingdom, said they considered the solidarity visit necessary to avail them the opportunity to speak to Rivers people, politicians, their supporters as well as non-indigenes in the state, who were fanning the embers of war in Rivers.

    He said that in the past one year, the administration of Fubara had committed the resources of the state into necessary critical, physical infrastructure and human capital development projects.

    Eze Wodo said: “The Council also noted with satisfaction, the government’s investment in the security of lives and property as evident in the equipment of the Nigeria Police and other security apparatuses for optional functionality.

    “Members of Council wish to appreciate His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, for the peaceful manner in which he handled the political challenges created in the State by some disgruntled elements before, during and after the October 5, 2024 Local Government Elections.

    “The Council also commended residents of the State for listening to the Governor’s message of peace, and for being each other’s keeper during the just-concluded Local Government Election, which was adjudged to be very peaceful even without security cover from the Nigeria Police.

    “In view of the fore-going success stories, the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers has passed a vote of confidence on His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, and further stated Council’s resolve to continue to support the Governor in all his programmes and policies throughout his tenure.”

    Eze Wodo also said that the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers was not happy with some unpatriotic but prominent sons and daughters of the state, who were instigating and funding violence in the state.

    He noted that as members of the Council, they had witnessed, sadly, some of the acts of violence perpetrated in the State in recent weeks, which were carried out in broad daylight while the security agencies looked the other way.

    He said: “The Rivers State Council Traditional Rulers while thanking His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his stance of peace in Rivers State, call on him not to allow any person or group of persons to use his good name as a cover to continue to cause trouble in Rivers State.

    “The President should not allow himself, his body language or those exercising part of the powers that flow from his Office to be seen as taking part in the seemingly unending political crises in Rivers State.

    “The President should do everything necessary to keep Rivers State at peace in the interest of the nation. Let me at this point, once more, appeal to all parties to sheath their swords and work for peace, unity and prosperity of Rivers State because we have no other place to call home except Rivers State.”