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Tag: Fubara

  • Wike to Fubara: don’t pull down ladder you used in climbing 

    Wike to Fubara: don’t pull down ladder you used in climbing 

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has told his estranged political godson to resist the temptation of pulling down the ladder he used in getting to his position.

    Wike said: “Don’t pull the ladder that you use in climbing. When you are coming down, the ladder may not be there. And leave the ladder too so that other people can also climb the ladder.”

    The former governor reportedly spoke at his residence in Port Harcourt, the state capital while addressing the traditional ruler of Ogbaland, who came to felicitate with him on the occasion of his birthday.

    The chiefs and other members of the traditional institution from Ogbaland in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the state were led by their traditional ruler, Nwachukwu Nnam.

    Read Also: Kano: No deal with NNPP to compromise Supreme Court judgement, APC dispel rumour

    Wike assured the monarch that he would listen, insisting that he was disposed to peaceful resolution of the crisis.

    The minister debunked claims that the political impasse was an ethnic war, insisting that it had no tribal colouration.

    He said: “We didn’t vote based on ethnicity…but for the unity of Rivers. We shall never be part of violence but will always support peace.

    “There are rules within the political group you emerge. You cannot say that because an Oba has emerged and then an Oba will not follow the rules of the traditional institution. 

    “No; an Oba will always obey the rules. So also in politics, there are things you must not do and there are things you must do.”

  • Fubara takes Rivers to the brink

    Fubara takes Rivers to the brink

    A few activists suggest that last Tuesday’s attack in Rivers State that led to the killing of four soldiers and two drivers, and the abduction of two South Korean Daewoo construction workers, is symptomatic of the old Rivers State when militants ruled the roost. They blame the rising spate of kidnappings and militancy in the state on the disagreement between ex-governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Some of the activists argue that the disagreement between the two political leaders is due to the governor resisting the former governor’s control. The past two weeks have seen relations between the two, which had been simmering with discord for months, plummet to a new low, leading to acrimonious debates in the House of Assembly and open discord between legislative officers. In the melee, a part of the legislative building was put to the torch in October.

    There is clearly tension in the state. What began as an executive kerfuffle has obviously snowballed into a political maelstrom threatening to consume the state. There is no consensus on the exact causes of the disagreement between the two leaders, but there is general agreement on its course, if not its consequences. First the legislature, which is largely pro-Wike, attempted to douse the crisis by threatening to impeach the governor. Mr Fubara, who appears unpopular with the lawmakers, responded by splitting the legislature. He, however, only managed to win over to his side four lawmakers. To prevent the impeachment process from taking roots, someone torched a part of the assembly and threw the state into bedlam. Since then, the state has known no peace.

    Drawing a connection between the political crisis and insecurity flare-ups may be stretching the issue too far. But whatever connections exist are, however, probably tenuous. It is of course disturbing to murder soldiers and others on a routine escort assignment. What many analysts fear is that the eyes of the governor may have been taken off the security ball on account of his fixation with the political logjam in the state, though he is expected to multitask. Not only is he failing to multitask, his handling of the political crisis has been largely bewildering. He showed no interest in apprehending the culprits who torched the House of Assembly, and in counteracting the threatened impeachment against him, he behaved without the characteristic maturity and dexterity expected of him. If insecurity is rising in the state, it may be partly because miscreants sensed the loopholes in his overall approach to the difficult and complex issues of governance.

    Read Also: Group condemns Fubara’s demolition of Rivers Assembly, says it’s executive rascality

    Activists should be careful in drawing connections and conclusions between the state’s political crisis and the killings and abductions returning to the hitherto volatile state. Even if a state or country is at war, it does not prevent the enunciation and execution of measures to curb insecurity. If such measures are not forthcoming, it is not just a reflection of political crisis as it is an indication of the chief executive’s inattentiveness and dilatoriness. It may be expedient to excuse insecurity on political disagreements, especially when that disagreement is attributed to external provocation, but in reality the governor should be expected to have zero-tolerance policy against arson, not to say bloodcurdling killings of security agents on escort duties.

    Rivers people have been strangely somnolent on the crisis. They can’t afford to be. More, they can’t afford to be as facile in their appreciation of the ongoing crisis as activists who attribute the whole problem to Mr Wike’s intolerance and obtrusion. Mr Fubara is also partly to blame. If the state is not to degenerate into worse chaos, the governor must now take the bull by the horns. He has a responsibility for the safety and security of the people. His nemesis, Mr Wike, has not kept administration of the FCT in abeyance; Mr Fubara cannot excuse the new wave of insecurity threatening to break out in his state. He must assume urgent responsibility in getting the two kidnapped South Koreans freed and the killers apprehended and brought to justice. To shrug the shoulders and see the abductions as routine is to give criminals the signal that they could get away with murder. And to kick-start his renewed interest in combating insecurity, let Mr Fubara apprehend those who torched the House of Assembly in October.

  • Group condemns Fubara’s demolition of Rivers Assembly, says it’s executive rascality

    Group condemns Fubara’s demolition of Rivers Assembly, says it’s executive rascality

     A group, ‘Concerned People of Rivers State (CPRS)’ has condemned the demolition of the House of Assembly by the state government. 

    The group, in a statement by its leader, Jackson Elechi, described the demolition as a manifestation of executive rascality.

     He said: “Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a man in whom we had invested our hope and trust to take Rivers state to greater heights after the super performance of our political leader and mentor, Nyesom Wike in the past eight years. 

    “We  also learnt that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has  also  presented the 2024 budget estimates to the  Hon Edison Ehie group of four lawmakers  at the Government House, Port Harcourt. 

    “We consider both actions which Gov Fubara has taken as acts of lawlessness and executive rascality as never before.”

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: Two federal lawmakers lead youths in solidarity march for Fubara

    He further stated: “Why would a governor who swore on oath to uphold the Nigerian Constitution and protect democracy embark on the demolition of the parliament building where laws are made for the good governance of our people?

    “Why would a governor duly elected by the people present the state  budget to four  members of a 31 member House of Assembly. 

    “It is an absurdity that a Governor is dealing with a minority  and has excluded 27 members of the Rivers  State House of Assembly. 

    “We condemn in very strong terms these actions and we call on the political leaders of our state to wade into the crisis before it gets out of hand. 

    “Democracy is truly under attack by the  political jackboots in Rivers State. 

    “We cannot continue to play the ostrich and hope that these issues will resolve themselves.  Gov Fubara must be called to order and the  rule of law must prevail in our dear state.”

  • I will make Rivers varsity among best in Nigeria, says Fubara 

    I will make Rivers varsity among best in Nigeria, says Fubara 

    Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to strengthen the capacity of the Rivers State University (RSU) and make it one of the best in the country. 

    Fubara spoke at the 35th convocation ceremony of the Rivers State University that took place at the Convocation Arena of the institution in Nkpolu-Orworukwo, Port Harcourt on Saturday.

    The governor said education remained the the cornerstone for a firm, equitable and progressive society.

    He said: “Bear in mind that funding is a problem, not just to this university system but also to governance. But as you all know, education is cornerstone of a firm, equitable and progressive society. 

    “Therefore, we will continue to do our best to finance our own university. Our commitment to make RSU one of the best in this country is a target and a process we have just started today.”

    Fubara acknowledged the result-oriented approach adopted by the leadership of RSU to achieve the success being celebrated including securing full accreditation for all programmes in the institution despite the challenges.  

    He said: “Let me commend the VC for his innovation, result oriented approach to administration of this university. Let me here promise this university community that the grant approved but not released will be released by Monday, 18th Dec., 2023.

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: More commissioners quit Fubara’s government

    “The essence of our commitment to education development is reflected in our 2024 budget where it received the third highest allocation. 

    “Let me, therefore, assure you that we will disburse a fair share of these resources to address the University’s most critical challenges, including support for the full and effective development of the new campuses, the provision of a stable power supply, the building of student hostels, and effective CCTV coverage to enhance safety and security in the campuses.”

    In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof Nlerum Okogbule said 6,326 graduands were conferred with first degrees, postgraduate diplomas, Masters and Doctor of Philosophy. 

    Okgbule said that all 24 programmes in the university had full accreditation and that the admission quota for medicine and surgery programme increased from 100 to 200 students; nursing and midwife from 50 to 100 and all its four satellites campuses in good operation.

     In his remark, the Chancellor of the University, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad 1, who is also the Emir of Lafia Bare-Bari and Chairman of Nassarawa State Council of Chiefs demanded adequate funding of tertiary institutions to strengthen then to undertake researches that address developmental needs of the country.

  • Rivers crisis: More commissioners quit Fubara’s government

    Rivers crisis: More commissioners quit Fubara’s government

    • Two federal lawmakers lead youths in solidarity march for gov
    • I must deliver on mandate, says Fubara

    Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, came under more pressure yesterday following the resignation of three  additional commissioners from his cabinet.

    Dr. Jacobson Nbina (Transport); Austen Ben-Chioma (Environment) and Dr. Gift Worlu (Housing) turned-in their resignation letters,worsening the crisis between the governor and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

    Nine commissioners have so far dumped the governor.

    However, two members of the House of Representatives  from the state yesterday threw their weight behind the governor.

     Awaji-Inombek Abiante from Fubara’s Andoni/Opobo/Nkuro and Boma Goodhead from Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru  led various youth groups to rally through  the streets of Port Harcourt, the state capital in support of Fubara.

    Some of the  existing commissioners cited personal reasons for the resignations while  others stated no reason but simply thanked Fubara for giving them the opportunity to serve in his cabinet.

     On Thursday the Commissioners for Finance, Isaac Kamalu: Justice and Attorney-General, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor; Works, Dr. George Kelly-Alabor; Special Duties, Emeka Woke and Special Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Inime Aguma, left Fubara’s cabinet.

     The Abiante and Goodhead-led protesters marched from the UTC Junction along Azikiwe Road through to Government House and ended at the State House of Assembly located on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

     They urged President Bola Tinubu  to call Wike to order ,claiming that the governor was being intimidated by the Minister because he (Fubara) refused to be loyal to a godfather but chose to be loyal to the people who gave him the mandate to govern them.

    Abiante commended Fubara for taking steps to renovate the Rivers State House of Assembly complex and showing leadership amidst the political crisis in the state.

     He said: “There have been some happenings in the state, we are here to encourage the governor and to tell Rivers people that this is the position of their representatives and offer explanation where necessary and also engage with our constituents to understand if there is any shift in the position that they have taken.

    “There is always a prize to be paid for liberty and that is standing strong, standing firm. The governor decided after a structural integrity test that the chambers failed to give the Rivers people befitting chambers for legislative function and while  that is ongoing an alternative has been provided.

    “No king reigns forever, this is the time for another king who has been lawfully elected.”

    Speaking to reporters at the protest march, the President General of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Benjamin Okoba asked President Bola Tinubu to call Wike to order  and stop alleged political interference in the state.

    Okoba threatened that the group would sabotage oil installations in the state should the ‘interference’ continue.

    The 2023 governorship candidate of the Labour Party, (LP) in Rivers, Mrs Beatrice Itubo, asked  the gladiators in the crisis to sheathe their swords.

    Read Also: Shettima inaugurates core working group on fight against malnutrition

    Itubo, a former chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC,) said the crisis was scaring holiday makers  away from the state

    She said  that she visited the governor to seek peace in the interest of people who he said were the casualties of the crisis.

    She said: “Holiday seekers are no longer coming into our state, the hotels are empty, other businesses are beginning to feel the impact of the trouble that is going on and if we do not as neutral persons reach out to these gladiators and their fans now, a time will come when we will no longer be safe going out of our houses because of fear of being  caught in the crossfire in the hostilities.

    “May I ,as a mother and stakeholder in the governance of this state, appeal to the immediate past governor of the state, Nysom Wike, to as a matter of urgency and as a father to immediately leave whatever grievances he may have against the governor.

    “And the governor too, should on his part caution his fans to stop all comments on and off social media that may tend to further exacerbate the already tense situation in the state.”

    Itubo appealed to  Fubara to engage more mediators to interface with all the actors, insisting that there must be sacrifice for there to be peace.

    She said: “The governor should engage more mediators and peacemakers to help quell the situation and we must all understand that we do not have another state aside from Rivers State and the interest of Rivers State should supersede every other interest all of us has. We must make sacrifices for our continued peace and development.”

    I must deliver on my mandate, says Fubara   

    A defiant Fubara declared yesterday that his administration was not fighting anyone  and was only  preoccupied with delivering on its mandate by taking care of the needs of the people, and protecting the interest of the state.

    He spoke while kicking off the 20,000 housing units for low income earners in the State at Mbodo-Aluu, along International Airport Road.

    Fubara said: “In protecting the interest of the state, his administration will continue to do what is right before God and men while encouraging a robust participation of the people in governance.

    “For our people, I want to assure you, our government has nothing to do with fighting anybody. Our governance is to take care and defend our people. I can assure you here, that this is the beginning of our service to the people of Rivers State.

    “It is not service to the elites, but to the poor and low income earners. Those are the people we want to stand with and we are standing with them from today.”

    Fubara noted that his administration had started a new history with the 20,000 units of housing by giving new hope to Rivers people, particularly the poor.

    He pledged  that in a few months, the first phase of the project would be completed and the housing units allocated to the low income earners through a transparent process.

    He said: “I want to also say it here, let it also be my own commitment that this facility, once it commences and gets to the stage of allotment, it will go to the rightful people and not one big man to allocate to his family. It will be transparent so that the targeted people will access and benefit from it.

    “First of all, we need to give our people hope and today, I believe that everybody in our dear state has seen that light. How did we come about this magic? We opened our doors for negotiation and  opportunities, knowing that government cannot do it alone. We had to invite people that are ready to invest in our state.

    “I make bold to say it, Rivers State is a safe haven for investment. What we are doing today is to let the world know it, and not what you hear in the media. I tell you that Rivers State is safe and secured for anybody anywhere to come and invest. Your investment is safe in our hands.”

    In his remark, the Acting Administrator of the New City Development Authority, Mr Aaron Obele  said the 20,000 units of housing would seat on a 1000-hectare of land.

    On his part, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa Global explained that the project was the largest housing initiative on a public-private partnership in Africa and the Rivers State government would not incur any financial cost in accomplishing the project.

  • Rivers crisis: Two federal lawmakers lead youths in solidarity march for Fubara

    Rivers crisis: Two federal lawmakers lead youths in solidarity march for Fubara

    Two members of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, Awaji-Inombek Abiante and Boma Goodhead on Friday, December 15, led various youth groups to march on the streets of Port Harcourt in support of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. 

    Abiante represents Andoni/Opobo/Nkuro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives while Goodhead represents Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Rivers Housing, Transport Commissioners resign from Fubara’s cabinet

    They marched from the UTC Junction along Azikiwe Road through to Government House and ended at the State House of Assembly located alomg.Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

    Details shortly…. 

  • FULL LIST: Commissioners who resigned from Gov Fubara’s cabinet

    FULL LIST: Commissioners who resigned from Gov Fubara’s cabinet

    No fewer than eight commissioners in total have tendered their resignation as the crisis in Rivers state deepens further.

    Those who have resigned are reported to have strong ties with Nyesom Wike who is the current minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    According to political watchers, the resignations are apparently linked to the power tussle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

    Out of the six commissioners, five served under Wike’s administration in the same capacity, while Woke was Wike’s Chief of Staff for eight years.

    Chief Dr Jacobson Nbina resigned his appointment as the Commissioner for Transport in Rivers State.

    He becomes the eighth commissioner to resign from the state executive council.

    The state’s Attorney-General (AG) and Commissioner for Justice Prof Zacchaeus Adangor was the first to lead the wave of resignations.

    The Commissioner for Works, Dr George-Kelly Alabo, and that of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs Inime Chinwenwo-Aguma, tendered their resignation letters on Thursday.

    Also, the State Commissioner for Housing, Dr Gift Worlu resigned.

    The political crisis also took a toll on the state’s legislature – 27 lawmakers who defected from the PDP, of which Fubara is a member, to the APC, had their seats declared vacant by a factional speaker who is loyal to the governor.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Rivers Housing, Transport Commissioners resign from Fubara’s cabinet

    As it is, the House of Assembly is run by only four out of 31 members.

    The four lawmakers are loyal to Fubara while the 27 are with Wike.

    The commissioners, who tendered their resignation so far are:

    1. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN).

    2. Commissioner for Works, Dr Des George-Kelly

    3. Commissioner for Special Duties, Emeka Woke.

    4. Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs Inime Aguma.

    5. Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu.

    6. Commissioner for Education, Prof. Chinedu Mmom.

    7. Commissioner for Housing, Dr Gift Worlu.

    8. Commissioner for Transport, Dr Jacobson Nbina

  • Crisis: Six commissioners resign from Fubara’s govt

    Crisis: Six commissioners resign from Fubara’s govt

    • 27 lawmakers sit at Assembly complex

    • Governor signs N800b budget passed by four lawmakers

    A major crack has hit the Rivers government.  

    Six of the 18 commissioners yesterday quit Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s Executive Council, complicating the political imbroglio in the state.

    Also yesterday, the 27 members of the House of Assembly, who on Monday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), sat at the auditorium of the Assembly quarters.

    This is despite the demolition of the House of Assembly complex by the government and an ex-parte injunction granted by Justice Justice M.W. Danagogo.

    On Tuesday, relying on the injunction, four members of the House met, received and passed Governor Fubara’s 2024 Appropriation Bill.

    The governor signed the Bill yesterday.

    As the Appropriation Bill signing ceremony was underway, the news of the resignation of key commissioners, including Attorney-General and Justice Commissioner, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor filtered in.

    Read Also; Sanwo-Olu promises medical palliatives to residents

    Adangor’s resignation letter dated November 24 and addressed to the governor, reads: “I hereby give Your Excellency notice of my resignation as the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Rivers State with effect from the date of this letter.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the resignation is based purely on personal principles. 

    “I wish to thank Your Excellency for the opportunity and privilege granted me in your administration to serve as a member of your cabinet (exco). 

    “My family and I are indebted to Your Excellency in gratitude. I wish Your Excellency a successful tenure.”

    A long-time friend of Wike, Adanor was among the first set of Fubara’s appointees. 

    He occupied the same position when the FCT minister was governor.

    Others who resigned are George Kelly-Alabor (Works), Isaac Kamalu (Finance), Emeka Woke (Special Duties), Inime Aguma (Special Welfare and Rehabilitation) and Prince Chinedu Nmom (Education).

    Kelly-Alabor, who held the same position during Wike’s administration, said his decision to quit was anchored on conscience, personal principles and professional ethics.

    While thanking Fubara for the opportunity to serve the state, he said he decided to resign after deep introspection.

    Woke, who was the Chief of Staff under Wike’s administration, confirmed his resignation, but did not give a reason.

    Aguma cited personal matters and “other pressing commitments..”

    Governor signs N800b budget 

    Fubara yesterday signed the state’s N800 billion Appropriation Bill.

    The ceremony took place a day after he presented the 2024 financial estimates to a group of four lawmakers, led by Edison Ehie.

    The event was also held a day after the government rolled in caterpillars to demolish the Assembly complex to prevent 27 other lawmakers loyal to Wike from sitting in the chamber.

    While the signing of the budget was ongoing, the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers gathered at the auditorium of their Legislative Quarters where they passed two bills.

    In the “Budget of Consolidation,” the governor proposed over N410 billion as capital expenditure and N361 billion for recurrent projects.

    Governance has the largest chunk of N161 billion, followed by Infrastructure, N128 billion.

    Education got N40 billion, Agriculture, N20 billion and Investment, N1 billion. 

    The governor assured that his administration holds a lot of hope for the people of the state, in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    He noted that with the budget providing a framework for spending in 2024, his administration would undertake notable critical road projects that will connect more communities across many local governments to meet age long yearnings of Rivers people.

    Fubara said: “This budget shows that we have a plan for our dear state. One of the reasons why our budget is in the volume of N800 billion is that we intend, not just by desiring, to ensure that one key request of our dear state is met.

    “God being our helper, we will commence immediately, by next year, flagging off the actual and main Trans-Kalabari road project Phase 2.

    “We have also, in our budget, provided to take care of the Elele-Omoku road project; a road that cuts through Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government areas. 

    “We are also taking that project as one of our cardinal achievements of this administration. We are not going back on it.”

    The governor assured that no efforts would be spared in implementing to the fullest, the planned-out quality projects and services itemised in the budget.

    He emphasised that the budget would be driven in a manner that will make a positive impact on the lives of all residents because they will see and feel development at their doorsteps.

    Fubara said: “I want to assure you that this administration has the best interest of our people. It is an administration that wants everyone to have hope. 

    “We have keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President Bola Tinubu to continue to assure our people of hope. The best of us will be seen by everyone.

    “We will continue to protect the interest of our people, do the best for everyone, not minding your position or class. Our government is responsive and inclusive. 

    “Our eyes and ears are open to the needs of our people. We will not disappoint you.”

    The governor commended the legislature for its support for his administration and assured them that God who has continued to make way out of the challenges facing the state will continue to embolden them.

    The leader of the House of Assembly, Adolphus Orubienimigha, said members diligently deliberated on each item before passing the budget.

    Also, Ehie pointed out that the items as articulated were in line with current realities and demonstrated the resolve of Fubara to provide more infrastructure and strengthen sectors like education, health, and the economy to deliver optimal services including youth empowerment.

    27 lawmakers pass bills

    The 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, led by Martins Amaewhule, reconvened at the House of Assembly Quarters along Aba -Port Harcourt Road and held a plenary.

    A statement by Amaewhule’s Media Assistant, Martins Wachukwu, described the plenary as the 88th Legislative Sitting of the Assembly.

    They passed the State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023 and the Local Government Law, No. 5 of 2018 (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

    The lawmakers also adopted a motion to convert the Auditorium of the Assembly quarters into their hallowed chamber.

    They condemned the demolition of the Assembly complex without their approval and knowledge as heartless and brazen.

    The lawmakers drew the attention of the Federal Government, the Inspector-General of Police and the international community, to the constant attack by the governor on the state legislature.

    Ada-George, others sue for peace

    Former Governor Rufus Ada-George and other leaders called on politicians to embrace peace and stop provocative comments in the interest of the state.

    Ada-George, in a statement he signed, said: “I am deeply pained and worried over these embarrassing events and flagrant demonstration of impunity, power, and lawlessness because of the grave danger they portend to the peace and security of Rivers and Nigeria as a whole. 

    “As the oldest former Governor of Rivers State, I call on all former governors and their deputies to close ranks, come together, and collectively and frankly speak to our younger colleagues in the best interest of the state.

    “Remember, we are duty bound to intervene in times like this by prioritising Rivers State first and above all other personal, sectional, and parochial interests.”

    Also, some leaders of the state under the aegis of the Coalition of Rivers Leaders of Thought warned that the political tension in the state could abort the dividends of democracy.”

    “It has become necessary for the coalition to continue to cry for peace in the face of the heinous political conflict that is threatening to engulf the state,” it said in a statement by its Convener, Sunnie Chukwumele Fosha and Secretary, Josiah Onoriode.

  • Rivers Crisis: APC considering impeachment proceedings against Fubara

    Rivers Crisis: APC considering impeachment proceedings against Fubara

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it is considering the option of initiating impeachment proceedings against Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, over a number of Constitutional infringements.

    Mr Tony Okocha, the Chairman of the state APC Caretaker Committee said this on Thursday in Abuja when he briefed newsmen.

    “Although I am not a member of the state House of Assembly, but impeachment is a democratic process. Impeachment is not a coup detat,” he said.

    Okocha said that the party would do everything possible to protect the 27 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers who defected to the APC.

    “So, we are telling the governor that he cannot thrive on illegality, we will petition the judge before the National Judicial Council (NJC)for giving that jankara order against our members.

    “So we want to appeal to our party to join us to defend our members who are being ill treated by the Rivers House of Assembly.

    Speaking on the demolition of the state House of assembly complex, Okocha said the APC would not allow illegality to thrive in the state.

    He added that the defected lawmakers would continue to meet else where, so long as they had the mace, which was the symbol of authority with them.

    “You cannot place something on nothing and you expect it to stand. Illegality is illegal.

    “Let me also let you know that what makes an assembly is not the structure, but the human beings in that assembly.

    “So, an assembly can be moved to anywhere, provided the mace which is its symbol of authority is there. As at yesterday, about 27 members sat and took far-reaching decisions on state matters,” he said.

    He said the APC had the majority members at the House of Assembly, having 27 out of its 32 members.

    This, he said, was in line with the mandate given the party National Secretariat, to reach out to members of opposition parties in the state.

    Read Also: Rivers Crisis: Wike now Dean of Politics in Nigeria – APC

    “We will fight illegality, we will not allow illegality to fester in our state. It is our duty now to defend our 27 members who are members of the State Assembly.

    He also appealed to Chief Nyesom Wike the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to come to the assistance of the party in the state.

    “I have wooed him personally, we have told him publicly to come over and help us. He is a political juggernaut not just in Rivers, but in Nigeria at large.

    “He is a force, and that is why we won the presidential election after losing the three senatorial seats and all the State House of Assembly members,” Okocha said.

    (NAN)

  • UPDATED: Fubara signs N800b 2024 Appropriation Bill into law

    UPDATED: Fubara signs N800b 2024 Appropriation Bill into law

    Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assented to the 2024 appropriation bill of N800bn, vowing to pay special attention to road infrastructures.

    The governor signed the bill at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, December 13, a day after he presented it to the four-man House of Assembly members led by Edison Ehie.

    Fubara said his administration would undertake critical road projects that would connect more communities across many local government areas.

    He said: “This budget shows that we have a plan for our dear State. One of the reasons why our budget is in the volume of N800bn is that we intend, not just by desiring, to ensure that one key request of our dear State is met. 

    “God being our helper, we will commence immediately, by next year, flaging off the actual and main Trans-Kalabari road project phase 2.

    “We have also, in our budget, provided to take care of the Elele-Omoku road project; road that cuts through Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas. We are also taking that project as one of our cardinal achievements of this administration. We are not going back on it.”

    Fubara stated that efforts would be made to implement in full all the planned quality projects and services listed in the 2024 appropriation.

    The governor said the budget would be driven to make a positive impact on the lives of all residents in Rivers to enable people see and feel development at their door steps.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Rivers attorney-general resigns as Wike/Fubara’s saga continues

    He added: “I want to assure you that this administration has the best interest of our people. It is an administration that wants every one to have hope. We have keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President Bola Tinubu to continue to assure our people of hope. The best of us will be seen by everyone.

    “We will continue to protect the interest of our people, do the best for everyone, not minding your position or class. Our government is a responsive and inclusive government. Our eyes and ears are open to the needs of our people. We will not disappoint you.” 

    Fubara commended the legislature for its support and assured that God that had continued to make way out of the ongoing would keep emboldening the lawmakers. 

    In presenting the budget to Fubara, the Leader of the lawmakers, Adolphus Orubienimigha said members gave due diligence in deliberating on each item.

    He said the lawmakers gave careful considerer them appropriation bill thoroughly and urged the governor to remain resolute in discharging the duties of his office.

    In his speech, Ehie noted that the budget figures and items as articulated were in line with current realities and demonstrated the resolve of Fubara to provide more infrastructuren, strengthen sectors like education, health, and the economy to deliver optimal services including youth empowerment.

    Ehie assured that the legislature would continue to stand with Fubara, by providing the required support that would secure success for the administration.