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  • S/South lawmakers, youths hail Fubara for one-year achievements

    S/South lawmakers, youths hail Fubara for one-year achievements

    A group of 60 Federal Lawmakers known as the (G60) and South/south Youths have described the achievements of Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara within one year of his administration as phenomenal and unmatchable.

    According to them, Fubara’s infrastructure development in less than one year is a clear evidence  that the Governor has capacity despite failed attempted to distract him.

    In a joint statement signed by Comrade Jaja Johnson, the G-60 and South/South youths said though Governor Fubara had been distracted by the political crisis in the state and actual governance started only three months ago,

    his achievements in infrastructure and social services have surpassed those of some past administration.

    They said the Multibillion Port Harcourt Ring Road, Omoku and Kalabari Super Highway were redefining road construction with 

    over half a trillion naira committed to it.

    “In less than first 365 days of the the Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State administration, over half a trillion naira has been committed to only three mega road projects out of many that have been started and are progressing rapidly with some nearing completion.

    “For an administration to commit N501.2bn to only three roads in one year must in the face of vicious distraction is an uncommon feat. The Port Harcourt Ring Road is a giant infrastructure project that can 

    link the rural zone to the state capital. 

    “That was signed off on in July 2023 as the biggest project but just before the end of his one year in office, the Governor signed off on an even bigger single project, the much-expected Trans Kalabari Highway of over N225.1 billion.

    “Also, the Rivers Executive Council has approved had approved N80.886 billion for the construction of the 33.5km long Elele-Omoku road project that will traverse three local government areas of the State – Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni.

    “Just last weekend, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road project initiated by former governor Peter Odili who left office in 2007 but completed under Fubara’s administration was inaugurated. He is also committed to addressing in the next six months, the deteriorating state of the health sector in the state as shown at the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting last Wednesday where Rivers State was classified as below benchmark in terms of enrollments and health facility availability. Education and agriculture are equally undergoing revolution.

    “Beyond infrastructure there is galvanization and restoration in the civil service with backlog of promotions, pensions cleared in addition to readiness to employ 10,000 fresh workers.

    “Apart from that, the administration has disbursed N4 billion to businesses in the nano sector as well as the small and medium enterprise subsector from N400,000 to N10m each. This is being done through the Rivers State Micro Finance Agency (RIMA) in partnership with and technical support of Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BoI).

    Read Also: Pro-Fubara lawmakers screen eight commissioner-nominees 10am

    “Another giant stride that stood His Excellency Fubara out is that, since May 29, 2023, the administration has raised the monthly IGR of the state from N12 billion that he met on assumption of office to N27 billion, which amounts to an increase of over 100 per cent and with this tempo the annual IGR would hit N324 billion.

    “This a clear case of thinking outside the box, and rejigging the state’s internally generated revenue and transparency. It is on record that since the Governor’s assumption of office the least the state got from IGR is between N26 billion and N27 billion. The highest the state got before he took over was between N12 billion and N13billion at most.

    “Before His Excellency, Mr Fubara became governor in May 2023, the yearly IGR of Rivers State in 2022 was N172.8 billion in 2022, indicating an average monthly IGR of N14.4 billion according to Nigeria’s data bank, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). In 2021 Rivers State IGR stood at N123.3 giving an average of N10.3 billion and in 2020, the state IGR was N117.2 billion while that of 2019 was N169.6 billion,” they stated. 

  • Pro-Fubara lawmakers screen eight commissioner-nominees 10am

    Pro-Fubara lawmakers screen eight commissioner-nominees 10am

    Lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara will today screen eight commissioner-nominees as members of the Rivers State Executive Council.

    A letter inviting the nominees was sent to them by Clerk of the pro-Fubara Assembly, Dr G,N Gillis-West.

    According to the letter, the House led by factional Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, is  expected to screen and confirm the nominees by 10am.

    The letter titled: public announcement said:  “The Rivers State House of Assembly hereby invites the following Commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation as members of the Rivers State Executive Council”.

    It listed the nominees as Prince Charles Beke, Collins Onunwo, Hon. Solomon Eke, Dr Peter Medee, Hon. Eloka Tasie Amadi, Hon. Basoene Joshua Benibo, Tambari Sydney Gbara and Dr Ovy Chinedum Chukwuma.

    “The nominees are expected to come along with 12 sets of their Curriculum Vitae and the originals and photocopies of their credentials,” the letter added.

    Read Also: Why Fubara, Wike should end feud now, by Jonathan

    This is the second time the House of Assembly loyal to Fubara will be screening Commissioner-nominees since it emerged as a parallel legislature.

    The Victor Oko-Jumbo led Assembly screened and confirmed Dagogo Iboroma, SAN as a member of the State Executive Council, who was immediately  assigned portfolio as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice by Fubara.

  • Why Fubara, Wike should end feud now, by Jonathan

    Why Fubara, Wike should end feud now, by Jonathan

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday urged Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to sheath their swords for peace to reign in the Southsouth state.

    The former leader called for a  ceasefire, saying that the escalation of the political tension is inimical to progress.

    Dr. Jonathan, who spoke while kicking off the construction of the N222.1bn Trans-Kalabari Road in Kalabari Kingdom, said the governor and minister must work together to advance the growth and development of the state.

    He emphasised that the protracted crisis could hamper the development of Rivers.

    Warning against the destabilisation of the state, Jonathan said it would negatively affect the Niger Delta region and have spiral effects on the country.

    The former president commended efforts of some leaders, who had intervened in the festering political crisis.

    He insisted that Wike and Fubara must embrace a truce so that the crisis would not snowball into a bigger regional and national challenge with greater consequences.

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    The former president, who lamented the problems associated with transition at the centre, explained that while the challenge was always better managed at the centre, the crisis was worse at the state level.

    He suggested that outgoing governors and their successors must devise a means to work together for the collective interest of their people.

    Jonathan said: “In this case of Rivers, Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara must work together for the development of the land and the people of Rivers State. The tension will not help us.

    “Rivers State is very critical in this country. Rivers State is the heart of the Niger Delta. If Rivers State is destabilised, the whole Niger Delta will be destabilised, and it will not end within the Niger Delta alone because I am from this part of the country, and I know how the system works. We don’t want any crisis in Rivers State.

    “Leaders most know that nobody takes 100 percent. You most learn the principle of give and take. So, our political actors most work together if you love Rivers people.

    “I join the leaders of Rivers State and well-meaning Nigerians who have been calling for truce, who have been calling for ceasefire, to also re-emphasize that there is the need for a ceasefire. Let us do things that will rather project this State positively.”

    He added: “There is this common saying that when two elephants fight, the grass suffers. Both the governor and the minister are young people, very young people. But, they are powerful, and if you continue to fight, Rivers people will suffer. We don’t want the Rivers people to suffer.

    “So, we are calling on them to embrace themselves. One hand does not clap. It takes two hands to clap. So, we want them to work together for the collective interest of Rivers people.

    “Whatever has happened, has passed. Let us move to a new phase for the interest of the state, for the interest of the Niger Delta, and indeed, the interest of the country”.

    Jonathan commended Fubara for his vision, commitment and courage to construct the road saying the infrastructure would guarantee ease of movement, enhance response time to security issues, and promote integration and economic growth.

    He said:  “When I was asked to come and flag-off this project, I felt that it is only a person who has vision, and the commitment to develop his people that can do this.

    “Your Excellency, let me commend you for your vision and the courage to start this project. In fact, it is not going to be a tea party. If you must develop a nation, region or state, there are critical elements that count. These are good road network, airport, rail and water transport systems as well as security.”

    Jonathan said by providing these enablers, development would thrive in the state.

    He thanked the governor for daring to dream big and venturing into projects avoided by previous administrations

    Fubara assured that his administration was determined to deliver the Trans-Kalabari Road project to stimulate socio-economic activities in the rural communities.

    The governor urged the people to take ownership of the project and ward-off any form of sabotage that mayvfrustrate its timely completion.

    Fubara said he understood  the difficult swampy terrain that the road would traverse and its high cost implications.

    However, he said the project must be done in the interest of the state.

    The governor said funding for the project would come from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and federal allocations for the project, adding that he had already paid 30 per cent of the contract sum to mobilise the contractor to the site.

    Fubara added: “When we went for campaign in the three local government areas of Kalabari Kingdom, we promised you that if you give us your votes and we succeed, we will embark on the Trans-Kalabari Road.

    “That is what we have come to do today. We are a government. When we make promise, we keep our promises.

    “I understand the cost. I understand the difficult terrain and I also understand that somebody has to take this step. If it is not done by me, then, another person can also do it. But within our time, it is proper for us to make a statement to our people.

    “I don’t want to talk about politics on this project. I want us to look at the facts. It is a difficult terrain, it is going to be expensive, but we are equal to the task.

    “Let me also say it for record purposes: We are not going to borrow to embark on this project. We have saved and we are using our savings to pay off the cost, which we have already done, the 30 percent initial advance payment. So, the contractor has no reason to delay, but to start off the project immediately”.

    Fubara appealed to the people of  Rumuolumeni to cooperate with the contractors to enable them deliver the project on time.

    Alluding to the remarks by the Amanyanabo of Abonnema on project costing in riverine areas, he  it is four times the cost doing a similar project in the upland.

    He said when the project is completed, it would help to solve the problems associated with cost of property development in the riverine communities.

    Fubara stressed:  “This road will bring development to our people. This road will bring economic advancement to our people. So, we need your buy-in. Your buy-in is not just standing here with us today, but giving all the necessary support.

    “You need to also cooperate with the contractor, your leaders and chiefs, so that there will be no sabotage.

    “Let me also say it clearly, for those of you who are planning to sabotage it, it is your business. If we don’t do it in our own time, I wonder when you are going to get it. So, you need to buy-in into this project. The advantage of this project is making life easy for our people.

    “For us as a government, our duty remains people first. Those things that we know will make life easy for you, are the areas that we will pay attention to.

    “So, please, give us the necessary support so that this project will be achieved at a record time. This way,  we can also look at other aspects of the state economy.

    “We are not going to focus only on roads. But this particular road is important to the development of our State. That is why we are starting it now because of the time that is required to deliver it.”

    Fubara said the Trans-Kalabari Road project would have many  bridges and deck-on-pile as it was being built on the swamp, assuring that it will be completed during his tenure.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Atemea Briggs, said Fubara is committed to the  provision of infrastructure to promote socio-economic growth and urban expansion.

    He explained that the 12.5km  project would link Kalabari land by road to the metropolis with four concrete bridges measuring 576meters, 288meters, 360meters and 108meters, separately.

    He said: “The road commences from the Port Harcourt Ring Road at the Aker-Nkpor Road junction where we are currently seated, and extends through the swampy area behind Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.

    “The road will include a series of bridge crossings, leading to Oguru-Ama, Bakana, Bukuma and Tombia. The first phase of the project is 12.5kilometer long, and it is expected to be completed within 32 months.

    “The road features are 7.3meter carriage way, 2.5meter surface concrete shoulders and solar street lighting. It also consist 100 millimeter asphaltic to concrete surface scene, 150 millimeter crush granite base course and a 200 millimeter cement stabilizer sub-base.

    “Additionally, the road includes four pre criss-crossed concrete bridges measuring 576 meters, 288 meters, 360 meters and 108 meters as well as 3 pre-stress deck-on-piles measuring 700 meters, 520 meters and 450 meters, respectively.”

  • Rivers to celebrate Fubara with  International Marathon

    Rivers to celebrate Fubara with  International Marathon

    Former Nigeria international goalkeeper Peterside Idah said  next month’s Rivers International Marathon will be used to celebrate the one year anniversary of His Excellency,  Siminalayi Fubara as the Executive Governor of Rivers state.           

    Idah, who is the race’s head of media and communications said  the event could not have been better timed and organizers have keyed it into the one year celebration of Governor  Fubara’s tenure.       

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     “We want to use this race to celebrate the one year anniversary of our Governor, Siminalayi Fubara who is the main reason Rivers state has been officially termed as the sports hub of the nation by John Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development,” Ida said.          Continuing, Idah revealed  that the  Rivers International Marathon has received massive backing from Governor Fubara as well as corporate Nigeria.                     

    “Governor Fubara is the biggest supporter of the race and we are determined to organize a race befitting the status of Rivers state as the new destination of sort for sports in Nigeria,” Idah stated, adding two financial institutions  have thrown their weight behind the race.                          

     “Globus and Zenith bank are backing us as partners and this shows that corporate Nigeria is appreciating the giant strides we have taken in terms of sports development and the many benefits that come with organizing a road race.             

     “Aside showcasing how beautiful our state is, especially the capital, Port Harcourt, we are also going to showcase our culture, boost commerce, as well as encourage residents in Rivers state to take to running and jogging as a way of keeping healthy.” The Rivers International Marathon will hold on Saturday, June 1, in Port Harcourt. The 42.195km race will start at the Civic Centre and end at the Yakubu Gowon stadium.

  • Rivers crisis: Sheath your swords, Ijaw youth counsel Wike, Fubara

    Rivers crisis: Sheath your swords, Ijaw youth counsel Wike, Fubara

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and youth leaders of different ethnic nationalities in Niger Delta have asked the governor of Rivers state, Simlalayi Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike to sheath their sword and allow peace to reign in the state.

    They frowned at the prolonged hostilities between the two leaders which they said could have a debilitating effect on the nation’s socio-economic and political development, in view of the critical position of the state to both the Niger Delta region and the country.

    This position was contained in a 17-point communique issued at the end one-day Peace and Security Summit convened by the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide with leaders of various youth bodies from different ethnic nationalities in Niger Delta in Abuja on Sunday.

    The communique was jointly signed by IYC National President, Alaye Theophilus, President, Bayelsa Youth Association, Doupere Precious, President Ibom Youth Council, Lord Knight, President Urhobo Youth Leader Council, Emuejevoke Esesiobe, among other presidents of national youth groups

    On the political stability in Rivers State, the youth leaders urged “the politicians causing political turbulence in the state to sheath their swords.

    Read Also: Why I was buried alive for 24 hours, by Young C

    “Insisting that “the state is critical to both the region and the nation, and we cannot stand idle and watch while it descends into crisis.

    “We advocate for peace throughout the entire Niger Delta region, not just in Rivers State. Peace fosters development, and we are committed to preventing the current crises in Rivers State from escalating into a breakdown of law and order.”

    The summit which coincided with the 56 years of commemoration of Late Major Adaka Boro aimed at uniting all youth groups from the diverse ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta region. 

    On the state of the country the youth leaders said: “We believe that only True Federalism can transform our nation. Therefore, we call on the federal government to initiate a process of restructuring this country as a matter of national importance. The burden of leadership and development is too concentrated in the presidency. True federalism is essential for the prosperity of our nation, and we need it now.”

    The summit then urged the federal government to prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of the people of the area. It also called on government at the center to create opportunities for the development and meaningful engagement of the youth in constructive activities in order to reduce crime in the country.

    Reaffirming their commitment to the unity, development, peace, and security of our oil-rich region, the youth leaders resolved to collaborate and closely monitor development efforts in the area, adding that government should collaborate with various youth and communities leaders to provide a better waterway security in the region to boast the blue economy. 

    Given the significant economic resources in the region, the summit further urged the federal government to make positive and impactful investments to transform the region into the economic hub of the country.

    “The gas flaring effect fund that is a being collected by the federal government should be directed to the impacted communities rather than going into the federal government purse. The federal government should as a matter of urgency start the implementation of the 3 percent host community fund.”

     The summit then called on the governors of the region to unite in combating our common enemies, which were identified as poverty and underdevelopment. 

    “We urge the governors to leverage their positions to champion peace and security in the region and to ensure that external forces like Herdsmen do not undermine people.”

  • Rivers crisis delayed my administration’s take-off – Fubara

    Rivers crisis delayed my administration’s take-off – Fubara

    • Says state performing below par in health sector

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara yesterday confessed that the political crisis in the state distracted his administration and real governance started only three months ago.

    But he said that despite the initial delay, his administration’s project and service delivery record has surpassed the achievements of some of the past governments.

    Fubara, who is currently locked in a protracted standoff with predecessor Nyesom Wike, spoke at Ngo town during the inauguration of the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road project, in Andoni Local Government Area.

    He said one of the challenges requiring the immediate attention of his administration is the low ranking of the state in health service delivery, citing recent statistics.

    The governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, quoted him as saying the challenge would be handled appropriately.

    “I was in Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting on Wednesday, and we were given an update from the chart on medical position of all the states. It was in zones,” Fubara said.

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    “You won’t believe that in that chart, everything that has to do with enrollment, even the level of facilities that is on the ground in that assessment, Rivers State was classified as below benchmark. It is a pity.

    “It is not something that just happened in a day. It is not something that just happened within my time in government. No, no. It is a statistics collated over a period of time.

    “So, it means when we tell you that our target is education, healthcare and agriculture, we didn’t make any mistake.

    “We might have done other things, but those key areas have not been adequately attended to. And we promise our people this afternoon that by the special grace of God, in the next six months, there will be a total change in the health sector of Rivers State.”

    He expressed satisfaction that the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road project has been successfully delivered at last, having been initiated by former governor Peter Odili.

    Fubara said that his driving principle remained putting the people first and vowed not to renege on the promise of internal roads that he made to Andoni people during campaigns.

    The governor directed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, to liaise with Monier Construction Company (MCC) to do scoping for commencement of reconstruction of Ngo internal roads and new contract for extension of the road to Oyorokoto Town.

    He said: “”I know that if it is this road, we are already done with the road. The politicking of the road is already done. I don’t want to politick on this road anymore.

    “I want to say here that we need to develop our own, and if we have to do it, we have to do it ourselves. So, I promise my people that we are going to do more jobs, more connecting roads for the Andonis by the special grace of God.

    “I remember when we came for campaign we did promise our people that when you support us, we are going to give you the internal roads. And by the special grace of God, the Andonis gave us their support, and the election was won.

    “A lot of people were thinking that this place would be empty today. Some people had other plans. But to the glory of God, we are getting natural support.

    “People that we didn’t pay money are here to say that they are identifying with this government and appreciate what this government is doing.

    “For that alone, I want to direct the Permanent Secretary to immediately liaise with the contractor to ensure first, that the internal roads in Ngo, and connecting this road to Oyorokoto is immediately awarded.”

    Fubara urged the people to have good faith in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, and appealed for their total support to the Federal Government so that it could continue to undertake life-changing programmes that would trickle down to the state and local government areas.

    He said: “I am also aware that we have issues in the other communities in Andoni. Some of them are flooding issues, which is even the more critical issue.

    “I know of a place called Oronija. They are having very serious erosion and flood issues, and other places. We are going to do something about it. It is my promise to my dear people today.

    “I also want to say in this gathering, please, support the government at the centre. I am happy when our leader was mentioning the activities of the oil companies here, and said that there is no interruption. I was impressed by that.

    “It shows that we are contributing positively, and we understand the meaning and importance of peace. So, let me enjoin you: continue to show this good faith, and be a good host.

    “In the governance of this country, the success of the centre is the success of the sub-national. And when the sub-national succeeds, which is the state, the local governments will succeed. And when the local governments succeed, it means more projects, more life-changing activities will be seen in your domain.”

    In his welcome address, the member representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, said the road is less than 30km long but regrettably took three different contractors to deliver it after 24 years.

    Abiante explained that this was the first time since the dawn of the current democratic dispensation that the Andoni people would gather for an inauguration of a development project within Ogbolo land.

  • Ododo, Fubara and crippled law enforcement

    Ododo, Fubara and crippled law enforcement

     The political tragedies playing out in Rivers and Kogi States are a clear indication of how troubled Nigerian democracy is. Though those tragedies can be equated more specifically with leadership failing, the results are no less ramifying, involving not only failure of the executive but of, and more importantly, the legislature and the executive. Indeed, it is becoming clearer that once law enforcement is trammeled by contradictions, the executive, legislature and the judiciary are susceptible to malfunctioning. That malfunctioning has in turn led national legislators and a few former presidents to propose the complete jettisoning of Western liberal democracy without first resolving what had led to the trouble or malfunction.

    Rivers and Kogi exemplify the conundrum. Last October, perhaps to forestall the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara who had fallen out with his benefactor, ex-governor Nyesom Wike, the Rivers State House of Assembly was torched, thus stalling legislative functions of Mr Wike’s 27 loyalists. Soon after, in December, the complex was brought down by the state government on the pretext that the structure had become unstable and needed to be rebuilt. In the interim, six suspects, including alleged loyalists of Governor Fubara led by one-time factional speaker of the assembly Edison Ehie, were fingered over the arson. In January 2024, the police approached a Federal High Court in Abuja to issue a warrant for the arrest of Mr Ehie and five others over terrorism charges. But shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu waded into the Rivers imbroglio and helped fashion a political solution, Mr Ehie resigned his position and became Mr Fubara’s chief of staff. After a ding-dong legal combat between Rivers High Court and Abuja Federal High Court spanning many months between January and April, the warrant issued for Mr Ehie’s arrest was eventually vacated.

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    It was not just the chronological progression of the legal and political combat between Mr Fubara and Mr Wike that rankled lovers of democracy, it was the passivity of law enforcement agents. The House of Assembly was torched in October and demolished in December. In-between, the police who saturated the Rivers Government House, and had for months approached the investigation of arson at the assembly ham-fistedly, turned a blind eye to the presence of Mr Ehie in Port Harcourt until the same Abuja FHC vacated the warrant of arrest against him. Even if the warrant is vacated, what stops the diligent investigation of the crime of arson and the prosecution of the five alleged accomplices? In addition, since Mr Ehie still does not have immunity, what stops the police from plugging the legal loopholes that saw him initially escape censure and prosecution? There is of course the increasingly disturbing allegiance most state High Courts pay to state governments, but this obstacle is not insurmountable to a determined law enforcement agency and the federal government. Yes, the judiciary has in the past few decades become incapable of coaxing judges to the straight and narrow path, and the executive has also become unconscionably exploitative and manipulative. But if the law enforcement agencies also give up, play deaf and dumb when it suits them, and feel more comfortable conspiratorially allying with their paymasters, it is not only democracy that is threatened, the entire country is in danger of unraveling.

    If the ugly details of the executive, law enforcement and judicial sloppiness in Rivers are sobering, the story in Kogi, as Governor Usman Ododo helps his predecessor Yahaya Bello thwart the law, is also mindboggling. Just like Rivers, the Kogi government is complicit, with no fear of future consequences after the governors might have lost immunity. Obviously, the governors conclude that no one is keeping records, or that it is more expedient to get what they want now by hook or crook and leave a hypothetical tomorrow to take care of itself. Then, the courts, both by intellectual vacuity and general administrative ineptitude at the highest levels, became complicit either in issuing countervailing rulings in quick succession or even delivering bewildering judgements full of empty jurisprudential contrivances and leprous logic. And to complete the political mimicry undermining the rule of law and democracy in Nigeria, both the police and the Department of State Service (DSS) have tiptoed around the fleeing Mr Bello and the conniving Mr Ododo. It is a reflection of the depth of decay democracy has sunk that in both Rivers and Kogi the police would declare leading politicians wanted and the suspects would be shielded by governors, while law enforcement agents in close proximity to the fugitives would pretend as if all was well. It is indeed a very tragic indication that the men and women in high places saddled with the responsibility of ensuring good governance have no clue or interest in carrying out their tasks, and no idea what duty to country means.

    After contemplating these anomalies, which have replayed themselves in Kogi and Rivers, former president Olusegun Obasanjo reiterated last week that Western liberal democracy had failed this part of the world, and there was need to find an indigenous fit. But as suggested in this place when he first mooted the heresy months ago, the problem might be both structural and idiosyncratic to Nigeria’s political elite. Whatever system is designed, as the former president himself showed by his unconstitutional approach to the opposition and militants, will more likely than not be exploited, manipulated and despised by political and business leaders who always regard themselves above the law. Chief Obasanjo may have experienced an epiphany in his twilight years, but because the system did not exact a price from him after he lost immunity, there is no precedent for governors, strongmen and other political actors like Mr Ehie to take as a dissuasive lesson.

  • Governance began only three months ago due to Rivers crisis – Fubara

    Governance began only three months ago due to Rivers crisis – Fubara

    Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has lamented that his administration only settled down to work three months ago due to the crisis rocking the State.

    Fubara said despite the delay, his government had achieved better project and service delivery than eight years government of some other administration.

     Fubara spoke at Ngo Town during the official inauguration of the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road project, in Andoni Local Government Area on Saturday.

    The Governor insisted that the accomplishments were secured within three months that his administration had actually settled down to work, given the festering political crisis.

    Revealing what would be done soon in the health sector, Fubara said it was appalling that recent statistics classified Rivers as below the set benchmark in terms of enrollments and health facility availability.

    The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, assured that in the next six months, Rivers people should expect to see evidence of significant investment that his administration had made to change the narrative.

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    He said: “I was in Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting on Wednesday, and we were given an update from the chart on medical position of all the states. It was in zones. 

    “You won’t believe that in that chart, everything that has to do with enrollment, even the level of facilities that is on ground in that assessment, Rivers State was classified as below benchmark. It is a pity. 

    “It is not something that just happened in a day. It is not something that just happened within my time in government. No, no. It is a statistics collated over a period of time. So, it means when we tell you that our target is education, healthcare and agriculture, we didn’t make any mistake.

    “We might have done other things, but those key areas have not been adequately attended to. And we promise our people this afternoon that by the special grace of God, in the next six months, there will be a total change in the health sector of Rivers State.”

    Commenting on the project, Fubara said the project said it has been delivered successfully, and applauded the initiator of the project, former governor Peter Odili and successive administrations that contributed their quota in realizing the Unity Road, for the people.

    Fubara said that his driving principle remained putting the people first and vowed  not to renege on the promise of internal roads that he made to Andoni people during campaigns.

    The governor directed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, to liaise with Monier Construction Company (MCC) to do scoping for commencement of reconstruction of Ngo internal roads and new contract for extension of the road to Oyorokoto Town.

    He said: “But, I just want to say this: what is important today is the section of the Unity Road that connects Andoni to Ogoni and Opobo/Nkoro has come to reality. That is the important thing. 

    “We have to thank first, the initiator, Dr Peter Odili. We have to thank other successive governments which also contributed before we finally made this day to be.

    “It is important we set this record straight. The Permanent Secretary has mentioned the cost of the job and the review cost. The beauty of it is that we are not owing any dime on this particular project.

     “We are happy that it is happening in our own time. Our motto remains: ‘The People First’, and anything that has to do with the people, we must take it very seriously.

    “I know that if it is this road, we are already done with the road. The politicking of the road is already done. I don’t want to politick on this road anymore.

    “I want to say here that we need to develop our own, and if we have to do it, we have to do it ourselves. So, I promise my people that we are going to do more jobs, more connecting roads for the Andonis by the special grace of God.

    Fubara added: “I remember when we came for campaign, we did promise our people that when you support us, we are going to give you the internal roads. And by the special grace of God, the Andonis gave us their support, and the election was won.

    “So, let me use this opportunity to thank you, first for that support. Thank you, that even after the election, you have continued to support the government, not minding the situation that we find ourselves.

    “A lot of people were thinking that this place will be empty today. Some people had other plans. But to the glory of God, we are getting natural support, people that we didn’t pay money are here to say that they are identifying with this government, we appreciate what this government is doing.

    “For that alone, I want to direct the Permanent Secretary to immediately liaise with the contractor to ensure first, that the internal roads in Ngo, and connecting this road to Oyorokoto is immediately awarded.”

    Fubara urged the people to have good faith in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, and appealed for their total support to the Federal Government so that it could continue to undertake life-changing programmes that would trickle down to the state and local government areas.

    He said: “I am also aware that we have  issues in the other communities in Andoni. Some of them are flooding issues, which is even the more critical issue. 

    “I know of a place called Oronija. They are having very serious erosion and flood issues, and other places. We are going to do something about it. It is my promise to my dear people today.

    “I also want to say in this gathering, please, support the government at the centre. I am happy when our leader was mentioning the activities of the oil companies here, and said that there is no interruption. I was impressed by that. 

    “It shows that we are contributing positively, and we understand the meaning and importance of peace. So, let me enjoin you: continue to show this good faith, and be a good host.

    “In the governance of this country, the success of the centre is the success of the sub-national. And when the sub-national succeeds, which is the state, the local governments will succeed. And when the local governments succeed, it means, more projects, more life-changing activities will be seen in your domain.

    “I also remember that another vital area that we need to touch in our governance was mentioned: the issue of hospitals. We are coming here, and we will make sure that we attend to that need.”

    In his welcome address, the member representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, said the road is less than 30Km long but regrettably took three different contractors to deliver it after 24 years.

    Abiante explained that this was the first time, since the dawn of the current democratic dispensation, that the Andoni people would gather for an inauguration of a development project within Ogbolo land.

    He expressed gratitude to Fubara for making it happen and said that more critical infrastructure projects were needed in the area to place the people in good position to be part of activities in the blue economy sector, whose potentials abound in the area.

    Abiante, who expressed gratitude to Fubara for accomplishing the feat and making it possible for them to drive on land from the city to their various communities, assured that the people would work to ensure the success of his administration.

    Also speaking, former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, said it was important to explain that the Unity Road, initiated by Dr Peter Odili, had its inaugural foundation stone laid on the 3rd January, 2005, and not in 2004.

    Secondus thanked Fubara for completing the project, which served as a miracle, enabling the people to drive on land to Andoni from the city.

    Providing the description of the project, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works,  Atemea Briggs, said the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Andoni/Opobo Unity Road project is 27.5Km long, 7.3 meters width size, and has side drains of 2.5Km in length.

    Briggs emphasised that the project, which was re-awarded on July 13, 2023, by Governor Fubara to MCC, had the contract sum reviewed from N9.984billion to N11.1billion because of escalation of prices of materials and petroleum products.

    He said: “Many of us know the story of this road, but it took the bold step of His Excellency to finally deliver the road that the Andoni people have long yearned for. 

    “The road project was initially handled by RAFFOUL Nigeria Limited until July 13, 2023. At that time, the project was re-awarded to Monnier Construction Company, MCC by His Excellency to ensure its speedy completion.

    “The original contract sum of the project was N9.984billion, but was later reviewed upward to N11.1billion due to fluctuation and escalation of the prices of working materials and petroleum products. This contract has been fully paid and completed for commissioning today.

    “This road is 27.5kilometers long, and it has the width of 7.3 meters. The asphalt thickness, you can see, is 100 millimeters; that is made up of 60 millimeters of binder course, and 40 millimeters of asphaltic wearing course.

    “It has side drainages within the community, totaling 2.5kilometers long. It has side case totaling 12.6 kilometers, and a bridge of 3 spans of 20, 20, 20 meters long being a total of 60 meters.

    “Today marks a special occasion as this road stands as a significant gift to the Andoni people. It fulfills His Excellency’s promise and commitment to deliver it within his first year in office. Now, that promise has become a reality, delivered within a record time of 5 months”, he added.

  • Asari Dokubo applauds Fubara’s performance

    Asari Dokubo applauds Fubara’s performance

    Ex-Leader of the defunct Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, Muhajid Alhaji Abubakr Dokubo Asari, has congratulated Rivers State governor Siminlayi Fubara, on his first year in office.

    Dokubo, an advocate for human rights and good governance in a statement said Governor Fubara’s leadership has been characterized by patience, wisdom, and a commitment to peace, key components in resolving conflicts and promoting unity in Rivers State. “With Governor Fubara leading the way, there is hope for a future of growth and development, free from division and discord,” Dokubo said.

    Rivers State, according to him, boasts of abundant natural resources that, when properly utilized, can elevate the region into an economic powerhouse, creating opportunities and prosperity for its people. “By following in the footsteps of the visionary founding fathers of Rivers State, like Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye and Chief Godfrey Kio Jaja Amachree, who championed unity and inclusivity, it is possible to build a united and prosperous future for all.

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    “As we celebrate this important milestone, Muhajid Alhaji Abubakr Dokubo-Asari calls on all residents of Rivers State to embrace peace, forgiveness, and inclusivity. By working together with Governor Fubara, regardless of political differences, a brighter and more prosperous future for Rivers State is within reach.

    Commending Fubara for his achievements and dedication to equitable development across the state, the paramount ruler of Edi Abali Group of War Canoe and Chieftain of the Kalabari kingdom in Rivers State said, “With unity and collaboration, the wounds of the past can be healed, paving the way for a better tomorrow for all those who call Rivers State home. Congratulations to Governor Fubara on this significant milestone – may your leadership continue to inspire greatness in all.”

  • Our actions on Rivers crisis guided by rule of law, Fubara boasts

    Our actions on Rivers crisis guided by rule of law, Fubara boasts

    Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has boasted that all the actions of his government in the ongoing political crisis in the State are guided by the rule of law.

    He said his government decided to follow its course lawfully to the end insisting that he was already ahead of his detractors.  

    Fubara urged supporters and all Rivers people to eschew violence and conduct themselves in compliance with the rule of law, boasting that he was already on top of the situation.

    The Governor spoke at Tema Junction during official inauguration of Emohua-Kalabari (Tema Junction) Road project in Asari-Toru Local Government Area on Friday.

    The project was inaugurated by Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West). 

    Fubara said that he would  continue to lead the state with the fear of God and guided by the laws of the land, promising that he would not let Rivers people down, including all those, who believed in his leadership.

    The Governor said the people were with him noting that his detractors were boasting that he had no assembly member and local government chairman supporting his administration.

    He said:  “I want to thank everyone of you for your support. I want to thank you specially for your support during the time of the election; before, during and the wonderful support we are getting now after the election. And the support is what is shocking the whole world. 

    “We don’t have any Assembly member, like they said. We don’t have any local government chairman, like they said. But we have the people. Having the people is the most important thing. I assure the people that we will not disappoint them.

    “We will lead as a Government that has the fear of God, purposeful for the people. I assure you that we will not let you down. We will not bring any form of disgrace. 

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    “But I am not asking you to be violent. No need for it. The most important thing is our course: we will follow it lawfully to the end. And by the special grace of God, we are on top of the situation.”

    Fubara encouraged the people to continue to support the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government, and ensure the protection of  important government installations in Kalabari land.

    The Governor lamented the unabated illegal bunkering activities and vandalism of critical infrastructure of state, which he said caused a depletion of inflow of revenue to the federation accounts.

    Fubara, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, said that recurring reports of the Nigerian Navy showed  preponderance of such activities in the area and tasked youths to stop engaging in such economic sabotage.

    He said: “When you watch or read most of the reports on the activities by the Nigerian Navy, you will see that greater part of these bunkering activities are done, more especially in this area. 

    “I want to appeal to you, there are other justifiable and clean means of livelihood. We must not subject ourselves to economic sabotage. Please, I am appealing to you, it is better we desist from it.

    “I am going to constitute a very high-powered delegation that will visit these areas, and talk to the leadership: the chiefs and the community heads and leaders, so that we can improve on our present state. 

    “When we have (exploited) more crude oil resources from this area, it brings in more resources (finances) to the state, it brings more resources (finances) to the country. Mr President can do more projects and the State can also do more projects. Afterall, you will want me to do more projects. So, support me in this fight to end illegal bunkering and oil pipeline vandalization.”

    Speaking on the Emohua-Kalabari Road project, Fubara said it was awarded on the 18th February, 2023, by the immediate past administration at the cost of N21.2bn but only paid N6bn.

    Fubara said that his administration paid the remainder of N15.2bn, and completed 70 percent of the job to confidently claim it as part of his projects delivered for the good of the people in Kalabari land.

    He said: “Although the Permanent Secretary did mention a few things, and I know that when we leave here, some agents will want to say one thing or the other. So, I came prepared.

    “Let me also say it here, maybe, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC was being economical with their presentation. On my table as I am talking to you, there is a request for variation of the cost of this project.

    “This is because, as at the time this project was awarded, and while the project was on-going, there was serious exchange rate differences. But I told them not to worry that they should go ahead and complete this project, and I assured them that we will sort them out and they accepted.

    “For the records, this project was awarded on the 18th of February, 2023, by the immediate past administration. In the month of March, the first payment for the project was done, and the next one was in April, and the third one was in May.

    “The total value of this project is N21.2billlion, and out of that, only N6billion was what the previous administration committed. 

    “When we came on board, we said to the contactor, go ahead, assuring that we are not cutting it short because we know that the project is for the benefit of our people. I can boldly say here that the balance of N15.2billion has been paid completely.

    “So, for those of you that are mathematicians and even those of you who understand elementary statistics, you will understand that 70 percent of this project was done by this administration. Therefore, we can boldly say that this project was delivered by this administration.

    “That is not even an issue but the reason why we have to go on this line is just to explain to our people, so that you will understand where we were and exactly where we are now.

    “Originally, our mantra was supposed to be ‘Consolidation and Continuity’. And if that is our mantra, the success of our administration should not be ascribed to anybody, but to the success of the administration, to the success of governance, knowing fully well that one will serve out our tenure and another will continue, and government is a continuous process.

    “But with what we are faced with, we have no other option but to do this explanation so that we will understand the works that we are doing. For those people who say that we have not been doing anything, they will know that we have been doing a lot silently, not with noise or media exaggeration.”

     Fubara assured that he would continue to deploy resources of the state to better the conditions of the people and directed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works to commence the process for the immediate extension of the road from Tema Junction to Abonnema Town.

    The governor explained that the Trans-Kalabari Road project was re-routed away from the Ogbakiri axis because of the high maritime line entailed in the construction work and the associated cost but assured that the road would still connect to Tombia Town.

    He said: “Let me assure our people, as I have said before, this Government is a Government that is focused. This Government is a Government that wants the forgotten people to feel the impact of governance. 

    “This Government is a Government that wants to give opportunity to everyone. You don’t need to be close to me to benefit, that is the truth. This is because I see it as sycophancy. What we need to do, we will do it for our people.

    “So, let me thank the four local government areas which co-operated to make this project a success: Emohua, Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru. And let me also thank the traditional leadership of the Kalabari Kingdom, please just be peaceful, everything that we desire, by the special grace of God, will definitely come our way.”

    Inaugurating the project,  Dickson, said that crisis would normally make  some people to forget governance but that Fubara had refused to be distracted by crisis.

    Dickson, who was former Governor of Bayelsa State, said the project was a life-changing development  because his experience plying the road when it was deplorable was also unpleasant 

    He said, “Today, we have seen what you are doing. When we led that delegation last week to you at Government House, I didn’t know that you are embarking on life-changing projects like this across the length and breathe of this area.

    “Not many people will see this and doubt your commitment and your understanding of the imperatives of development. Your love for our people, your love for Rivers people, and your understanding of the challenges facing your people, if anyone was in doubt, looking at this wonderful road, such doubts, clearly will be misplaced.”

    He praised the governor for what he had achieved in such a short time, despite the deliberate distractions, and urged him to remain focused to do more for the people.

    He added as a competent accountant, he was sure that the governor would prudently deploy every taxpayer’s sweat into meaningful developmental projects that would positively impact the majority of the people of the state.

    Providing the description of the project, the Permanent Secretary of Rivers State Ministry of Works, Atemea Briggs, said the Emohua-Kalabari Road is 15.24km in length, and was awarded at the cost of N21.26bn by the previous administration, which paid only 28 percent of that sum amounting to  N6bn.

    In her welcome address, the Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Mrs. Tekena Daphne Wokoma, recalled that the road, which was properly constructed with bridges first in the 1990s, eventually collapsed few years after.

    The unattended deplorable condition of the road, she said  created motoring discomfort for commuters with kidnappers and armed robbers finding it easier to operate on the route but added that  Fubara had wiped  their tears, saved them from the nightmare and associated difficulties.

    Wokoma said the road would.further improve the economic potentials of the benefiting communities in the four local government areas of Emohua, Degema, Asari-Toru and Akoku-Toru.