Tag: Fubara

…Donates N30million to church

Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the God who brought him to office as the governor is also keeping and sustaining him.

The governor said he would not disappoint the people of Rivers state that God put under his superintendence.

Fubara spoke as a special guest during the centenary celebration of the First African Church Mission, Holy Trinity Cathedral in Old Port Harcourt Township on Sunday.

Fubara, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, said he would remain focused to provide services to Rivers people..

The governor said: “I congratulate you for 100 years of contributing to the development of Rivers State; and serving and working for the body of Christ.

“As a knight and ardent believer in Christ, I truly appreciate your efforts in the spiritual, moral and physical growth and development of the state. We are aware that what is sustaining this government is the grace and power of God.

“I am conscious of the fact that it is the grace of God that first brought me to office and also keeping me. That is why I am looking onto God to do what he has sent me to do in Rivers State”.

Fubara stressed that most of the agitations by the ousted local government chairmen, the embattled House of Assembly members and their cronies are mere distractions.

“We are aware of these attempts to make us lose focus so when 2027 comes, they would say, what has he achieved?

“But I am focused on God and focused to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers. I am focused to ensure the cardinal goals of this administration within the next four years are achieved – in education, healthcare, agriculture, housing and infrastructural development.”

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The governor said that he would not spend the people’s resources to over celebrate the evidence of work.done but rather would allow the people observe and testify of the quiet revolution of development in state.

He said: “Only on Friday, we flagged off the smart Port City in Eleme LGA to resuscitate the Garden City effect in other parts of the state as well as the TAF City under construction at the corridors of the international airport. I assure you that in addition to developments in health care, education, agriculture, infrastructure and others, we will develop new cities that benefit all Rivers people.

“Our request from you is to keep praying for the governor, the government and the state. We know that it is the prayer of the faithful that is sustaining the government and we will not be tired as you keep praying. The mandate given to us will be used judiciously.”

The governor supported the celebration with N30million for the construction of support offices by the church.

The Action Peoples Party (APP) has urged the Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara to join its platform following the political crisis rocking the state and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The party explained that the governor was not yet its member and did not own its platform.

The APP chairman in Rivers state, Sunny Wokekoro, spoke at the weekend when the immediate past leadership of the party in the state led by Kenneth Atata paid him a solidarity visit at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt.

The state chairman said the party would announce its dominance with the forthcoming October 5 local government elections in the state.

He said APP was poised to change the narrative in Rivers adding that he was a former member of the PDP.

He said the PDP was no longer a viable option for any politician that meant well for the state or the country noting that the PDP had lost its relevance in the scheme of things.

He said: “I was a founding member of the PDP. I started by being a G-34 coordinator in Port Harcourt. I was a foundation member of that party. The recent events in the country regarding the party’s administration that the party (PDP) is not supposed to house or still retain any person who has morals, any person who has integrity should have left that party by now.

“All of us that mean well for this nation, all of us that mean well for this state have moved and the movement has brought us to this party. APP is the new destination.

“There is one impression I must have to correct in this gathering, the impression that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a member of this party or he owns this party. This party has been in existence way back 2017. It predates any of us who have just joined the party.

“So no one person can claim to be the owner of this party. And the truth remains that as I speak to you today, Siminalayi Fubara, the executive governor of Rivers State, is not a member of our party.

“However, a good party administrator goes out there looking for the best materials to fill in for elective positions. We’re going to do that, not just me, but all of us are going to do that.

“Women are going to do that, the students are going to do that, the market women are going to do that, politicians are going to do that, we are going to persuade our governor to if possible during his re-election, APP should be his platform for that re-election.

“Not just the governor alone, all the assembly people that mean well for this state, all National Assembly people that mean well for this state and for this nation, we’re going to persuade them with every breath in our body that this is the right party for them to join.”

Wokekoro noted that he accepted the responsibility to lead the party in the state because its manifesto had a clear direction.

He said: “And I believe everyone gathered here, whether you’re a man, woman, or student you’ve got a role to play.

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“What is the role we have to play so that we can usher in a new pattern of administration in our state, starting with Rivers State, so that we’ll move on to the other parts of the state and by the special grace of God to the nation.

The APP National Chairman, Uchenna Nnadi, lauded the immediate leadership of the party in the state saying it brought the party to the limelight.

Nnadi said: “The way you people resigned to give birth to a new leadership for the interest of Rivers people. I want you to know that at the national headquarters, we celebrate you. The sacrifice you people made is uncommon.”

Nnadi said issues that would have caused crisis and litigation in other parties were amicably resolved in the party and urged the new leadership to carry everyone along while urging all members to support the new leadership.

He said: “I want to commend the new leadership of the Action Peoples Party in Rivers State led by able and amiable chairman, Sunny Wokekoro, within a short while you have made us proud, and within a short while our party is being recognized nationally.

“And within the short period I have stayed in Rivers State, I have seen an influx of people trooping to identify with our party, and I believe by the special grace of God, we will show our strength collectively as we seated here on October 5th, 2024 in the forthcoming local government elections.”

Members of the Simplicity Movement in Rivers State have raised alarm over the alleged plans by some leaders of the People Democratic Party (PDP), to impeach the State Governor Siminialayi Fubara from office.

The group spoke during a chat in Port Harcourt, the State capital at the weekend.

They accused some members of the opposition PDP hierarchy of masterminding the impeachment plots against Governor Fubara, noted that the state would not take it lying down.

Speaking through its spokesman, Kelly Rufus, they described the ousting plans as an attack on the will of the people, insisting that it would be vehemently resisted.

According to them, the two PDP national leaders (names withheld), are acting out the script handed to them to undermine Fubara’s leadership, but assured that it would not be accepted.

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They expressed further concern on how the duo are allegedly frustrating the efforts of the Party Legal Adviser to ensure that the 27 Lawmakers who voluntarily defected to the APC and have been sacked by the PDP did not undermine the party’s case in court.

The people confirmed that the State High Court had already placed an injunction order against the lawmakers from interacting with key state officials, noting that any move to weaken this legal standing is a direct threat to the stability of our State.

They called on the Board of Trustees (BoT), of the party to facilitate the reaffirmation of Fubara his rightful position as the leader of the party in the state, having had first-hand information of all that is happening in the State, as that would settle most of the issues.

They noted, “The plot if allowed, would destabilize the progress and peace we have all worked so hard to achieve in Rivers State.”

They said, “It has come to our attention that there are alleged moves by some people to undermine the leadership of Governor, Siminialayi Fubara.

“We condemn these actions and send a clear message that such attempts are unacceptable to the people of Rivers State.

“We wish to unequivocally state that any plot to remove Governor Fubara is not just an attack on him as an individual, but an attack on the will of the people of Rivers State.”

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have restated their support for Rivers State governor, Siminilayi Fubara over the political crisis in the state.

Rising from their meeting in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital yesterday, the Forum released a communiqué in which they also expressed their stand on the forthcoming Edo governorship election.

The communiqué was read after the meeting by the Chairman of the Forum and Bauchi State governor, Alhaji Bala Mohammed. 

The communiqué reads: “The PDP Governors’ Forum restates its stand with the Governor of Rivers State and will engage the NWC of our great party to revisit the congress with a view to correcting the anomaly and allowing His Excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara to take his rightful leadership position of the party in the state”.

“With regard to the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State, we condemn the pronouncements by the President to compromise the election in favour of his Party as well as the systematic intimidation of PDP supporters by the Nigeria Police and call on the Inspector General of Police to call his men to order.”

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The governors also expressed a “sigh of relief” on the way the #EndBadGovernance protests ended and the role played by the governors in restraining “hoodlums and other unscrupulous elements from hijacking the protests.”

The governors also requested the federal government to review its macro-economic and social policies. They called on the government to distinguish between revenue accruing to the federal government and that accruing to the federation in line with the constitution.

The communiqué added: “The Forum reiterates that peaceful protests are the inalienable rights of the citizens through which they vent their genuine grievances.

“The Forum commiserates with the families of those innocent souls that were lost and calls on the Federal Government to ensure fair and speedy trial of those who were arrested.

“The Forum laments that rather than undertake a review of macro-economic and social policies with a view to giving them a human face, the Federal Government has resorted to blackmail.

“We call on Mr. President to show statesmanship by restraining his officials from blame games that make the sub-nationals look bad by mentioning piecemeal interventions that cannot solve the problem. We remain unshaken in our firm resolve to stand with the suffering Nigerian masses and to take all legitimate steps to ameliorate their plight.

“The Forum notes with concern, the refusal of the Federal Government to distinguish between the Federal Government of Nigeria, FGN revenue and revenue accruing to the Federation which must be allocated in accordance with extant laws.

“We call on the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Accountant General of the Federation to be more transparent in obeying the law, particularly section 162 (1) (2) (3). And equally call on the Accountant General of the Federation to stop behaving like the Accountant General of the Federal Government and to exercise her role in line with the constitution.

“Therefore, we call for the separation of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and that of the Accountant General of the FGN.”

Rivers state governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has said his administration would remain consistent in its support for security agencies to overcome crime in the state.

Fubara gave the assurance on Wednesday, August 21, when he paid a condolence visit to the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu at the Command’s headquarters over the killing of a Police Inspector, Thankgod O., and another police civilian employee in the state.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo said it was a usual practice for the government to show support and encourage the family of the deceased.

He said: “It is a usual practice in Rivers State to stand shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime and criminality.

“If anything happens to you, we try to come physically, to share in your pains and show that we are ready to support those left behind and let you know that, your effort is not in vain. Rivers people appreciate your contributions.

“We convey the deep sympathy of the Rivers State Government and the people to you and the families of the gallant officer and support staff who have paid the supreme price.

“We reiterate that the law enforcement agencies are doing well, especially those in Rivers State. We know the efforts you are making to ensure our people sleep with their two eyes closed”.

Addressing the deceased families, the family, the governor said: “This token to the widow and children of Inspector Thankgod and the family of police civilian staff is to support you.

“It is small compared to the prices they have paid. The State Government knows your pain and hopes that the token helps until you stand back on your feet.

“Your fathers and husbands died for a good cause. I know that when your parents die for a worthy cause, God will always stand by you. They did not die for selfish or criminal endeavours.

“Be encouraged, God will reward you. Now, focus on God and ensure your children grow up with the fear of God and the spirit of hard work. In a short while, you will have reasons to thank God,” he emphasised.

The Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, thanked the Rivers State Governor for the consistent benevolence to officers of the State Police Command. 

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He said: “On behalf of my management and staff, I say thank you for this wonderful thing you have done for us. This is not the first time you have come to assist in alleviating the sorrows of our officers. We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State.

“This message is for everyone who took part in the killing of our officers. We will continue to go after them until we pick all of them. May Almighty God assist us to achieve it.”

The CP noted that in the entire nation, Rivers State had the best reward system for officers caught up in active duty.

The widow of Inspector Thankgod commended and prayed for God’s blessing on the Government and the people of Rivers State.

For the first time since October 2023 when the political crisis rocking Rivers State started, an advisory organ of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Board of Trustees (BoT) has paid an official visit to the state governor, Siminialayi Fubara and his camp to hear their side of the story.

The BoT of the PDP led by its chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, who said they were on a fact-finding mission, also promised to visit the rival camp insisting that “there are always two sides to a coin.”

The BoT members held discussions with the governor and key members of his political camp in the state PDP at the Rivers Government House Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Wabara, in his remarks, said they visited as the conscience of the party in search of peace and unity following what he described as the ungodly tension in recent times that had threatened the PDP in Rivers.

Wabara, a former Senate President, said the PDP was scared of losing Rivers State and vowed that the BoT would seek constitutional resolution to the crisis.

He claimed that if the PDP truly lost Rivers, the future of Nigeria would be lost with no abiding hope.

Wabara acknowledged that Fubara had demonstrated enormous care for the PDP, saying the governor had been patient with the inactivity of the party leadership amidst the crisis.

He said: “We, the Board of Trustees of this party, came here in search of peace and unity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“We have been reading all kinds of things on the pages of newspapers and the Internet, for those who are Internet savvy. But, we, as elders of this great party decided to come to hear from the horse’s mouth.

“First of all, we want to thank you for still being there because this party should not be allowed to die. And, it is for this very reason that I am thanking you, on behalf of my colleagues, and as you can see, it’s not from one geo-political zone. We are well-represented nationally.

“We were scared Sir, when we heard or read speculations, perceptions or what have you, that the party, if we are not careful, might lose Rivers State. Of course, if we lose Rivers State, Nigeria has lost its future.

“We don’t want what happened in 2015, and 2023 to repeat itself. These men and women you see here are very neutral. But as the conscience of the party, we must go by the rule of law. And anything you do, going by the rule of law, can never be wrong. It may be delayed, but it cannot be wrong.

“I don’t want to describe it. Otherwise, as a Governor, we have former Governors here, I doubt if they would have taken as much as you have. So, on behalf of this party, once again, let me thank you for your resilience, your wisdom, and the fact that you are still in this party.

“And to assure you that the Board of Trustees under my watch and with these serious-minded Nigerians, will deal with the matter as constitutionally allowed”.

Speaking after the meeting, Wabara expressed appreciation to Fubara for allowing them to hear his side of the story, and noted with optimism, that the political crisis in the state would soon be resolved.

He assured that the delegation would meet with the other party in the crisis to also hear from them, as according to him, “there is always two sides to a coin”, adding that it was better late than never.

Wabara reiterated that the PDP under his watch as BoT Chairman, would not allow what happened to PDP in 2015 and 2023 to repeat itself and would not stand helplessly while the largest party in Africa was being destroyed by a few individuals.

He said that based on its findings, the BoT would make its recommendations to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP for implementation insisting that the party must be united to win the 2027 elections.

Addressing the BoT members, Fubara in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, said he was still a member of the PDP and that Rivers was still a PDP-controlled state.

The governor emphasised the importance of clarifying that position to discountenance rumours being peddled in some quarters that he had left the PDP.

Fubara said as was normally expected, he doubted his membership of the PDP at some time but the visitation from the BoT had offered a stronger conviction that he was a member of the PDP family.

He said: “I want to thank the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees. Honestly speaking, if I was having any doubt about my membership first, of this great party, I think today, I have gotten a reconfirmation that I am still, not minding the drama around, a member of this party.

“And, I want to thank you for taking all the trouble to come to Rivers State to see the Governor and the supporters of the party, genuinely. I need to use that word, genuinely, because we, who are here, are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), undiluted.

“For once, I am happy to see the leaders, among whom are some founding fathers of the PDP, like Chief Bode George, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, joining the delegation here to talk about the unity of the party.”

Fubara recalled their courage, sacrifices and foresight when they crafted the Constitution of the PDP and nurtured it to become what people had come to know and greatly benefited from.

The governor said: “It doesn’t matter the number of people who watered it (PDP) and it became what it is. I am happy that today, they are with us here to discuss the issue of Rivers State.

“I want to assure members of our party, genuine members of PDP that are here with us, that this is another hope to show that our decision to stand by the party, still standing by the party, is not a wrong decision”.

Fubara stated that “the visit by the delegation of BoT is for one purpose, to ascertain what is the problem that has caused so much dissatisfaction and tearing down the party; how it started and how it degenerated to what it is today.”

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The governor said in such efforts to search out the truth, it was also vital for them to understand how passionately he cherished the importance of information and the need to stay on the path of truth.

Fubara said: “I am very conscious of the importance of information. I know that a lot of information is flying here and there. But, I also know that whatever I have said anywhere, I have still maintained that position.

“What I have said in Abuja is the same thing I say in Port Harcourt. If I have had any encounter with anybody in Lagos, I don’t think my story has changed. So, I strongly believe that when we go into the executive session, I will let the board members who have visited us know or hear my side of the story.

“But, so far, what is important this afternoon is that we are still members of the party, and the owners of the party have visited us.

“So, for those people outside who are carrying all sorts of rumour and propaganda, at least, this visit will put those propaganda to rest, and to tell the world that we are and we remain members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”

• •Governor inaugurates loyal civil servant as perm sec, five others

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has disclosed that his detractors lobbied in vain recently to lure a particular civil servant to their camp.

The governor, who failed to disclose the identity of the civil servant, said the person provides critical services directly to the state government.

Fubara said his enemy camp made juicy offers to the unnamed civil servant to destabilise his government but that the enemies failed woefully.

The governor expressed delight that the civil servant declined the juicy offer and snubbed the transducers.

Fubara made the revelation shortly after swearing-in six new permanent Secretaries into the Rivers State Civil Service at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The governor further disclosed that the civil servant was among the inaugurated permanent secretaries and that his elevation was to reward his loyalty.

He said: “One of you who I can say is the reason why I have to do this now, was pushed by those people who, their duty, is to wield power to make our services here inefficient.

“The person said, why would I leave a government that has not offended me? And that is, appreciating the little things that I am doing.

“And I have to say, it touched my heart so much that even when people are saying: we are not doing anything, people still appreciate our concern for their well-being.

“You know yourself, I don’t want to call your name. This appointment is because of that decision you took, to appreciate you.”

Fubara told the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries that they were appointed to the exalted position in the service because of their dedication to their duties.

He said it was a call on them to serve the state with devotion, forthrightness, and productivity while defending the interest of the state at all times.

Fubara said: “I have made a decision that going forward, I do not want to give contract services to permanent secretaries anymore, because if we continue to do it, there won’t be room for the ones that are coming behind to grow.

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“So, as soon as a Permanent Secretary retires, he/she will leave, and we’ll get a new person to replace and serve in that office.

“I want to charge you to be good ambassadors to the service. The ministries that you will be assigned to, represent us well, don’t bring disgrace to us.

“You have only one responsibility now: it is to the government. Don’t be those people that will say I’m loyal to who appointed me. Yes, somebody recommended you, but I am not interested in who recommended you. I am interested in what you are going to do for the government and for the people of Rivers State.

“If you misbehave, definitely, I will show you the way out. This government, as it stands today, is about service.

“What is important to me is service to the people of Rivers State who have decided to give us their support, and are still doing everything to keep us here. We must give them a good reason for supporting us.”

…governor inaugurates loyal civil servant as perm sec, five others

Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has disclosed that his detractors lobbied in vain recently to lure a particular civil servant to their camp.

The governor, who failed to disclose the identity of the civil servant, said the person provides critical services directly to the state government.

Fubara said his enemy camp made juicy offers to the unnamed civil servant to destabilise his government but that the enemies failed woefully.

The governor expressed delight that the civil servant declined the juicy offer and snubbed the transducers.

Fubara made the revelation shortly after swearing in six new permanent Secretaries into the Rivers State Civil Service at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The governor further disclosed that the civil servant was among the inaugurated permanent secretaries and that his elevation was to reward his loyalty.

He said: “One of you who I can say is the reason why I have to do this now, was pushed by those people whose, duty, is to wield power to make our services here inefficient.

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“The person said, why would I leave a government that has not offended me? And that is, appreciating the little things that I am doing.

“And I have to say, it touched my heart so much that even when people are saying: we are not doing anything, people still appreciate our concern for their well-being.

“You know yourself, I don’t want to call your name. This appointment is because of that decision you took, to appreciate you.”

 Fubara told the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries that they were appointed to the exalted position in the service because of their dedication to their duties.

He said it was a call on them to serve the state with devotion, forthrightness, and productivity while defending the interest of the state at all times.

Fubara said: “I have taken a decision that going forward, I do not want to give contract services to permanent secretaries anymore, because if we continue to do it, there won’t be room for the ones that are coming behind to grow.

“So, as soon as a Permanent Secretary retires, he/she will leave, and we’ll get a new person to replace and serve in that office.

“I want to charge you to be good ambassadors to the service. The ministries that you will be assigned to, represent us well, don’t bring disgrace to us.

“You have only one responsibility now: it is to the government. Don’t be those people who will say I’m loyal to who appointed me. Yes, somebody recommended you, but I am not interested in who recommended you. I am interested in what you are going to do for the government and the people of Rivers State.

“If you misbehave, definitely, I will show you the way out. This government, as it stands today, is about service.

“What is important to me is service to the people of Rivers State who have decided to give us their support, and are still doing everything to keep us here. We must give them good reason for supporting us.”

He said that the reforms of his administration were designed to stimulate and promote productivity, inclusive growth, efficiency and quality service delivery.

The governor charged the new Permanent Secretaries to be guided by those principles to drive the state civil service to the next level and make it the best in the country.

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, has sworn in five new commissioners and two special advisers to serve in the state executive council.

The newly sworn in commissioners are Mr Ilamu Abua, Dr Roland Obed-Whyte, Mr Austin Nadozie, Mr Samuel Eyiba, and Dr Samuel Anya.

Sworn-in as special advisers were, Mr Forgive Amachree and Mr Achor Nna.

Speaking during the event, Fubara urged the new officers to work towards achieving the objectives of his administration.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment towards implementing projects that would have direct positive impacts on Rivers people.

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“You are joining us to work towards meeting the expectations of Rivers people irrespective of the distractions,” he said.

The governor urged them to see their appointments as an opportunity to serve the state, and not an opportunity to make economic gains.

He further urged the new appointees to add value to the state executive council by contributing ideas that would promote good governance.

‘”Governance is about the provision of quality and people-oriented services. It is about improving the people’s quality of life.

“This administration remains focused and deeply determined to deliver on its responsibility.

“As a government, we are poised to justify the support we are receiving from our people,” he said.

(NAN)