Tag: Fubara

●  Vows to protect people’s interest

Rivers State Governor, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration operates a transparent accounting system disclosing that the state’s Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) increased from about N13bn to N27bn monthly.

Fubara spoke when he played host to the leadership and members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts in Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, recalled that when he was appointed the Accountant-General in 2020, he changed the public accounting reporting position of the state because he understood the numbers and how to clearly present the details.

He said that a culture of prudence and transparency had been maintained as he assumed governorship of the state despite the challenges that had confronted his administration.

Fubara noted that in managing the finances, the increased IGR of the state was being judiciously deployed to deliver on the core target areas of his administration.

He said the government inherited 52,000 civil servants and a wage bill of about N5.3bn but added that bill had increased to about N8bn because of the ongoing implementation of promotion arrears.

He said:  “As an organised Government, when we came on board, we met a very big challenge. For 11 years, there was no promotion in this State Civil Service. So, imagine a Government that inherited about 52,000 civil servants, and you want to pay them for years that they had been denied their dues.

“What we were paying before I came in was an average of N5.3billion. Let us even do 25 percent of it: it can’t be anything less than 8 point something billion that we are doing now. That was what we started paying.

Read Also: Tinubu appoints new Board for NAICOM

“How much is our allocation? So, we needed to think outside the box. That was where we now did a rejig of our Internally Generated Revenue. And I can tell you today that all the projects we are doing, we don’t borrow.

“We are very transparent. We are not hiding anything. That is why I boldly would say it. The least we do this period is N26billion – N27billion. The highest they were doing before was N12billion – N13billion.”

Fubara emphasised that everything would be done to apply the funds in areas that bring positive change in improving education, healthcare and agriculture in the state.

He said: “We will also do a few roads but the most important things are these three sectors. That is the only way we can save ourselves from this present situation of hardship. Save ourselves from the issues of societal ill: you call it cultism and others.

“Education is the only instrument we can use to fight social vices. And we need quality healthcare. You need to be alive to even drive a good car on the roads. You can imagine how much we spend on medical tourism.

“Then, agriculture: we have to ensure food security and sufficiency. We have to feed ourselves to tame hunger. So, those are the targets of this government.”

The governor assured that no matter the challenges facing his administration, his eyes would still be on the ball, and will not lose focus.

He said: “We have promised our people that our government will be for the people. We care for the people. The people are more important to us. When you have the people, you have everything.

“It doesn’t matter the high and mighty, the number of policemen that you carry around. The people are most important. Because the people are the ones who, in their sub-units, control people who at the end, make the decisions when the time comes.

“It is not the policemen. It is not the army. It is not the escorts. It is the people. So, our concern is how to meet the needs of the people.”

In his address, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Bamidele Salam, said they were in the state for the first retreat of the committee.

Salam pointed out that they chose the State because it was peaceful, and had a governor, who understood what governance truly meant and had never been distracted by the political crisis confronting his administration.

He commended the governor for achieving over 26 projects in his first 100 days in office and urged him to continue to deliver dividends of democracy to Rivers people.

About 36 members of the committee, their aides and the retreat consultants were on the delegation for the visit.

Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration operates a transparent accounting system disclosing that the state’s Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) increased from about N13bn to N27bn monthly.  

Fubara spoke when he played host to the leadership and members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts in Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, recalled that when he was appointed the Accountant-General in 2020, he changed the public accounting reporting position of the state because he understood the numbers and how to clearly present the details.

He said that culture of prudence and transparency had been maintained as he assumed governorship of the state despite the challenges that had confronted his administration. 

Fubara noted that in managing the finances, the increased IGR of the state was being judiciously deployed to deliver on the core target areas of his administration.

He said the government inherited 52,000 civil servants and a wage bill of about N5.3bn but added that bill had increased to about N8bn because of the ongoing implementation of promotion arrears.

He said:  “As an organised Government, when we came on board, we met a very big challenge. For 11 years, there was no promotion in this State Civil Service. So, imagine a Government that inherited about 52,000 civil servants, and you want to pay them for years that they had been denied their dues.

“What we were paying before I came in was an average of N5.3billion. Let us even do 25 percent of it: it can’t be anything less than 8 point something billion that we are doing now. That was what we started paying.

“How much is our allocation? So, we needed to think outside the box. That was where we now did a rejig of our Internally Generated Revenue. And I can tell you today that all the projects we are doing, we don’t borrow.

“We are very transparent. We are not hiding  anything. That is why I boldly would say it. The least we do this period is N26billion – N27billion. The highest they were doing before was N12billion – N13billion.”

Fubara emphasised that everything would be done to apply the funds in areas that to bring positive change in improving education, healthcare and agriculture in the state. 

He said: “We will also do a few roads but the most important things are these three sectors. That is the only way we can save ourselves from this present situation of hardship. Save ourselves from the issues of societal ill: you call it cultism and others. 

“Education is the only instrument we can use to fight social vices. And we need quality healthcare. You need to be alive to even drive a good car on the roads. You can imagine how much we spend on medical tourism. 

“Then, agriculture: we have to ensure food security and sufficiency. We have to feed ourselves to tame hunger. So, those are the targets of this Government.”

The governor assured that no matter the challenges facing his administration, his eyes would still be on the ball, and will not lose focus.

He said: “We have promised our people that our government will be for the people. We care for the people. The people are more important to us. When you have the people, you have everything. 

“It doesn’t matter the high and mighty, the number of policemen that you carry around. The people are most important. Because the people are the ones who, in their sub-units, control people who at the end, make the decisions when the time comes. 

“It is not the policemen. It is not the army. It is not the escorts. It is the people. So, our concern is how to meet the needs if the people”.

Fubara also said that the country was at a crossroads, and emphasised the need to stand on the side of truth no matter the number supporting you.

He said: “What is important is any decision you make, you weigh it. What matters in life is, not coming on radio or television to talk about integrity. No. There are things that matter! Display evidence, public signs on your body and around you that show if you have integrity.”

In his address, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Bamidele Salam, said they were in the state for the first retreat of the committee.

Read Also: Fubara launches Rivers health insurance scheme, CHPP

Salam pointed out that they chose the State because it was peaceful, and had a governor, who understood what governance truly meant and had never been distracted by the political crisis confronting his administration.

He commended the governor for achieving over 26 projects in his first 100 days in office and urged him to continue to deliver dividends of democracy to Rivers people.

He also urged the governor to continue to anchor his administration on peace, saying that without peace, there could  never be any meaningful development in the state. 

About 36 members of the committee, their aides and the retreat consultants were on the delegation for the visit.

Anger has enveloped the camp of the Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, following the alleged arrest of two of his loyalists at the Wadata Plaza, Abuja during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It was gathered that the lawmaker representing Ahoada East Constituency in the state House of Assembly and one Ezebunwo Ichemati were arrested by the police during the meeting.

A party leader and PDP spokesman in Rivers, Sydney Tambari Gbara, who confirmed the development in a statement accused the Ikwerre Local Government Chairman, Samuel Nwanosike of supervising the arrest.

Gbara, who had since declared his loyalty for Fubara, claimed that the arrest was a part of the plans by enemies of the state to intimidate Fubara’s loyalists and provoke crisis that could spill over to Rivers despite efforts by Fubara to maintain peace in the state.

He said: “The arrest at the Wadata House where party men of timber and calibre from the PDP were meeting to forge unity in the rank and file of the party is another sad and embarrassing experience of unending acts of harassment suffered by PDP members loyal to Governor Fubara.

“It was unimaginable that associates and supporters of governors and leaders from other states were cheering their leaders as they arrived at the Wadata House unhindered, those from Rivers who came to identify with Governor Fubara were being harassed, intimidated, arrested and detained by the Police without provocation. 

“We have time without number advise the police to remain neutral and not allow themselves to be used by political jobbers to settle political scores, especially those concerning Rivers State”.

Gbara also called on Rivers people, particularly supporters of Fubara to remain strong and unwavering in their commitment to the success of his administration.

But the Ikwerre Local Government Area swiftly denied the involvement of Nwanosike in the ordeals of the two Fubara’s supporters.

Chris Omodu, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Nwanosike said the chairman never supervised the arrest of some Rivers youths “who were fomenting trouble at the PDP NEC’s meeting and were arrested by the police”.

Omodu said: “I want to put the record straight that the Executive Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Council,  Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, is not a law enforcement officer that will supervise and arrest people. The persons arrested by the police know the offenses committed by them”.

He insisted that Nwanosike had no hand in the arrest of some of the youths, whom he said were sponsored by some unscrupulous elements in the state to cause trouble at the meeting.

Read Also: Junior Pope: Fubara promises to honour late crew member, Precious

He said the youths, who claimed to be supporters of the governor went to Abuja to disrupt the peace of PDP NEC meeting and to abuse the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike.

He said: “Mr. Tambari Sydney Gbara should not be taken serious, he lacks the power to issue a statement on behalf PDP in Rivers State because he is no longer the Publicity Secretary of Rivers State PDP.

“For the avoidance of doubt, NWC of PDP has released the list of state Caretaker Committee of Rivers State. He is seeking for attention and more money from his paying machine. Sydney Gbara should save himself from cheap popularity.”

Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the state chapter of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and Nollywood practitioners that his administration will give deserving honour to Precious Chimaobi Ofurum, a Rivers indigene, who died alongside Junior Pope in the ill-fated boat.

Fubara gave the assurance when members of the organisation visited him in the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday, April 17, to show solidarity with their late member and to formally inform the Government of the unfortunate incident.

Fubara, who was represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, George Nwaeke, said their visit brought to the knowledge of the government that an indigene of the state was one of the victims.

The governor in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, commended the Nollywood practitioners for demonstrating solidarity with one of their own, saying it was an indication that the 26-year-old Precious Chimaobi Ofurum was distinguished among them.

Fubara described the passing of Precious as unfortunate saying he was already an exemplary Nigerian.

He said: “The entire Rivers State extends our condolences to the family. No one can heal the wound better than God. We heard of the sad news, but honestly, I never knew Rivers person was involved. So, as I came and heard of the subject of this visit, I was devastated and the entire people of Rivers State were very sad.

“I want to tell his family, as sad as it is, you should still draw consolation from this: that your son died a hero. He was one of the heroes that Nigeria has ever produced.

“People of his age are leaving the shores of Nigeria but he was very proud of Nigeria, and remained here to salvage the image of and create a name for Nigeria. I am happy to say Precious Chimaobi Ofurum was our ambassador in the comity of actors.

“The governor is a development-friendly leader. He is a youth like you. Our Governor is one who loves to make the State proud. He is happy when people from the State excel. He will always identify with them. So, even in death, I can assure you that the Governor will do honour to our departed son, Precious Chimaobi Ofurum.”

Read Also: Fubara launches Rivers health insurance scheme, CHPP

In his presentation, the Convener of the solidarity visit, Mr. Eric Stevenson, said on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, some actors returning from a movie set, were involved in a boat mishap in Asaba, Delta State.

He lamented that Precious, an indigene of Rivers State, was among those who died in the incident.

Stevenson explained that other states had reached out to claim their own and offered support to the families but regretted that none had come to Precious.

He expressed satisfaction with the Governor’s response and hoped that the state government would fulfill its promise.

Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has launched the state’s health insurance scheme known as the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (CHPP).

The governor said the CHPP was designed to offer households a measure of financial protection against healthcare costs and help resolve inequality in the provision of available services.

Fubara charged managers of the scheme to be unbiased in their administration insisting that the most vulnerable in the society should not be deprived of accessing critically needed healthcare services.

The governor, who unveiled CHIS shortly after inaugurating the Comprehensive Primary Health Centre in Ndoni Town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, became the first to be enrolled in the scheme followed by his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu.

He said the scheme must foster inclusive and equitable healthcare access for the people of the state.

Read Also: Fubara vows to protect Rivers interest

Fubara said: “With what I am seeing here, we didn’t make any mistake in ensuring that the Health Insurance Programme commenced in our State. It is to increase access to healthcare for the people.

“With this, most families that cannot afford expensive healthcare services outside their means can leverage this service that has been rolled out.

“But it is proper for me to also add that while we are doing this, we shouldn’t undermine the scheme. The services should be properly utilised and the funds released should be applied prudently to achieve the purpose.”

In her remarks, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Contributory Health Insurance Protection Programme, Dr. Vetty Agala, said the scheme would enhance chances of achieving universal access to healthcare services in the state.

Agala explained that with the official kick-off, her team would embark on a round of enrollment of persons in all 317 political wards in the 23 local government areas of the state.

He said: “Today, we are here to flag off the enrollment of the scheme. Your Excellency, we want to thank you for graciously permitting and approving the Rivers State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme to be implemented.

“Rivers people can now, indeed, access healthcare without having to pay at the point of service. At all of our programmes, women, people living with disability, the aged and children under five years can walk into this centre or where they are registered, show their cards and be attended to free of charge”.

The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme Bill was signed into law on June 21, 2021, but was never implemented until Fubara reactivated the programme to enable people to participate in it.

The Rivers State Governor, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, has lamented that his administration inherited a near comatose health sector that operated without secondary healthcare facilities.

Fubara said it would come to a waste if the health of the people was not adequately factored into the development of the state.

The governor disclosed that his administration was intensifying efforts at reviving the near comatose health sector.

Fubara spoke when he received a delegation of the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) led by its National President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, also confirmed the appointment of Prof. Chizindu Dike Alikor as the substantive Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).

He said workers and all citizens needed to be healthy to enable them to become productive and contribute their quota to advance governance.

Read Also; Our economy ‘ll roar back to glory in coming months – Tinubu

He said: “The governor and his team cannot succeed without your support. That is the truth, and any government that has the interest of its people at heart must pay adequate attention to the provision of quality healthcare services.

“Healthcare goes with development. That is the truth. Your workers need to be healthy to be productive. If you put everything in place and you don’t have good health, then your people will be under-productive.”

Fubara said that as an administration that meant well for the people, it was solving the plethora of issues inherited in the health sector without making noise about it.

He explained that health facilities, particularly those that provided intermediary services were being rebuilt and strengthened, zonal hospitals would be revived while the personnel were adequately being motivated as critical partners in government.

He said his administration approved and implemented promotion for health workers, consequential salary, paying hazard allowances and many other incentives.

He said: “I don’t think when you do what you’re supposed to do, you need to be commended. It is not proper. It is the duty of the government to care for its workers and that is what I’ve done.

“I will put it this way: I want to appreciate the NMA – both national and state chapter – for your support, your patience. I know it wasn’t easy, it has never been easy for them even with what we have done, it’s still not sufficient. We need to do more.

“I want to thank you for your support, and we, on our part, will continue to do our best to ensure that, at least, the relationship between us does not go bad,” the governor said.

In his speech, the National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Uche Ojinmah, said he led the delegation to thank Governor Fubara for what he did to better the lot of medical personnel in Rivers State.

Ojinmah said, two years ago, he was in Port Harcourt to beg the government then to promote medical workers, increase their salary, pay them hazard allowances plus other incentives but that the last administration ignored him.

He noted that Fubara had, without prompting, attended to those concerns, including employing more personnel, and rescuing the NMA Secretariat from crumbling.

Also speaking, State Chairman of NMA, Dr. Ebi Robinson, said they wrote their national body to inform them what they had started enjoying under the leadership of Governor Fubara.

Robinson cited the promotion of personnel, who were stagnated for 10 years, increase in salary payment, gift of utility bus to the association, appointment of their members into several boards, and pledged continued support of the association to the government.

The Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has lamented that his administration inherited a near comatose health sector that operated without secondary healthcare facilities.

Fubara said it would come to a waste if the health of the people was not adequately factored into the development of the state.

The governor disclosed that his administration was intensifying efforts at reviving the near comatose health sector.

Fubara spoke when he received a delegation of the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) led by its National President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, also confirmed the appointment of Prof. Chizindu Dike Alikor as the substantive Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).

He said workers and all citizens needed to be healthy to enable them become productive and contribute their quota to advance governance.

He said: “The governor and his team cannot succeed without your support. That is the truth, and any government that has the interest of its people at heart must pay adequate attention to the provision of quality healthcare services.

Read Also: Fubara is Rivers political leader, says Odili

“Healthcare goes with development. That is the truth. Your workers need to be healthy to be productive. If you put everything in place and you don’t have good health, then your people will be under-productive.”

Fubara said that as an administration that meant well for the people, it was solving the plethora of issues inherited in the health sector without making noise about it.

He explained that health facilities, particularly those that provided intermediary services were being rebuilt and strengthened, zonal hospitals would be revived while the personnel were adequately being motivated as critical partners in government.

He said his administration approved and implemented promotion for health workers, consequential salary, paying hazard allowances and many other incentives.

He said: “I don’t think when you do what you’re supposed to do, you need to be commended. It is not proper. It is the duty of the Government to care for its workers and that is what I’ve done.

“I will put it this way: I want to appreciate the NMA – both national and state chapter – for your support, your patience. I know it wasn’t easy, it has never been easy for them even with what we have done, it’s still not sufficient. We need to do more.

“I want to thank you for your support, and we, on our part, will  continue to do our best to ensure that, at least, the relationship between us does not go bad,” the Governor said.

In his speech, the National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Uche Ojinmah, said he led the delegation to thank Governor Fubara for what he did to better the lot of medical personnel in Rivers State.

 Ojinmah said, two years ago, he was in Port Harcourt to beg the government then to promote medical workers, increase their salary, pay them hazard allowances  plus other incentives but that the last administration ignored him.

He noted that Fubara had, without prompting, attended to those concerns, including employing more personnel, and rescuing the NMA Secretariat from crumbling.

Also speaking, State Chairman of NMA, Dr. Ebi Robinson, said they wrote their national body to inform them what they had.started enjoying under the leadership of Governor Fubara.

Robinson cited the promotion of personnel, who were stagnated for 10 years, increase in salary payment, gift of utility bus to the association, appointment of their members into several boards, and pledged continued support of the association to the government.

He said that the implementation of such welfare packages had motivated medical doctors and workers to put in their best to improve healthcare service delivery for the benefit of Rivers people. 

• Our plans align with Tinubu’s vision, says Fubara
• Ex-CoS: plot to pit Wike against President has failed

Former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili has publicly aligned with  Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, are locked in a battle of supremacy.

But Odili yesterday pronounced Fubara as the political leader of the state.

Odili, who was Rivers State governor between 1999 and 2007, praised Fubara for protecting the interest of the state.

He insisted that having won at last year’s election, which the court had validated, Fubara would remain the state’s political leader.

Odili spoke yesterday at the inauguration of a primary healthcare centre his PAMO Foundation donated in Ndoni, his hometown in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.

He said: “The time for politics is over; it is now time for governance. You have done well by hitting the ground running. You have touched all sectors: education, agriculture, and now health. This is in line with Mr. President’s agenda.

“Regard your office as key. Don’t look back. It is not a matter of age. What is important is that your people are with you.

“The people of the state said I should tell you that you are the political leader of the state. Whatever you say stands and wherever you go they will follow.”

Also, Fubara has said his administration was working in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu to address the issues of housing affecting low income earners in the state.

He said the synergy would reduce the challenges of housing in the country, especially among low and medium income earners.

The governor spoke at the Government House in Port Harcourt when he hosted the management of the Federal Housing Authority of Nigeria (FHAN), led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oyetunde Ojo. 

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, the governor said: “Let me use this medium to say a big thank you to Mr. President. We all know the basic needs of a family: food, clothing, and shelter. In our country today because of the cost of living, housing has become an issue.

“It is no longer an issue of medium income earners because medium income earners cannot even afford housing again. So, it is an issue that the government at federal and state levels must work together to find a lasting solution to. Maybe, we may not completely eradicate the problem, but we can reduce that pressure on the citizens.

“We are thinking in the same line with Mr. President. In our dear state, some months back, we did flag off a 20,000-housing units’ project, specifically for low income earners. What is the purpose? How many persons can afford housing in the GRAs? Just a few of us.

Read Also: Former Gov Odili hails Fubara’s achievements in Rivers

“We need to make provision for our civil servants. We need to make provision for our traders and taxi drivers. We need to make provision for our teachers and other classes of workers. That is what gave birth to that programme.”

Also, a former Chief of Staff (CoS) at the Rivers State Government House, Chukwuemeka Woke, has berated critics of his former boss and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

He said their plot to pit Wike against President Tinubu was dead on arrival.

Woke spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting of Emohua Local Government Area at the council’s secretariat on Wednesday night.

He said: “Our leader, Nyesom Wike, had, in a recent media chat, informed Nigerians on the activities of the FCT Administration. Of course, arising from a question asked by one of the panelists, he talked about politics in Rivers State.”

“Rather than addressing those issues, what we see is name-calling, people trying to malign the person of the FCT minister and trying to blackmail him to see whether they can cause any disagreement between him and the President. Of course, they will not succeed.”

Former governor of Rivers state, Peter Odili, has praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for standing up for the people’s interests and endorsed him as the state’s political leader.

Odili, who held office from 1999 to 2007, claimed that Fubara is currently the political head of the oil-rich south-south state since he won his election through both the ballot and the legal system.

He spoke on Thursday, April 11, at the commissioning of a Primary Healthcare Centre donated by his PAMO Foundation in Ndoni, his hometown in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.

He emphasised the strategic importance of Rivers state, saying that if the state sneezes, the entire nation catches cold, urging him to act with this awareness in all his decisions.

Odili also ranked Fubara high for his accomplishments in his first year of office, highlighting his emphasis on improving the welfare of the populace in particular.

Read Also: Housing: Rivers working in line with Tinubu’s vision, says Fubara

He added that Fubara’s administration is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision, particularly in the health sector, given the recent Federal Government introduction of the Primary Healthcare Fellows program.

Odili encouraged the governor to continue aligning with the president and his policies to garner federal government attention and support to the state.