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Tag: Port Harcourt

  • APC group backs call for Oshiomhole’s resignation

    A good governance advocacy group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Rivers Unity House (RUH), has thrown its weight behind calls for the resignation of the National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

    The group, through its Convener, Kingsley Wali, in an interactive session with reporters on Friday in Port Harcourt, stated that Oshiomhole was responsible for 96 per cent of the challenges that faced the governing APC during the 2019 general elections.

    It said: “It is a natural thing in politics that whenever there are losses, people have to be held accountable for those losses. There is need to identify the people who made it possible for the party to suffer any kind of loss.

    “Just like if the party enjoys a decent measure of victory, it will obviously point out those who made it possible and then compensate them for making it possible. So, those who are responsible for the body blows APC received should be identified and made accountable. So that it will discourage this kind of attitude.

    “Oshiomhole is 96 per cent responsible for the problems APC had. It boils down to nothing but somebody feeling that he knows everything and no other person is smarter than him.

    Read Also: Oshiomole, Osibanjo to receive decampees from PDP

    “The reasonable thing to do is for APC as a party to ask Oshiomhole to vacate the seat. If we insist on understanding or characterizing the next level slogan of APC, the kind of attitude that Oshiomhole exhibited cannot be in tandem with President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision for Nigeria.”

    RUH also hailed the Deputy National Chairman (North) of APC, Alhaji Lawan Shuaibu, for the courage to tell Oshiomhole to vacate his office.

    It said: “Of what significance is a party chairman who does not take any form of criticism. Even if it is a councilor in Karadamuda or Akassa that says something about Oshiomhole, he replies in the same measure.

    “Like the Deputy National Chairman of APC clearly stated, Oshiomhole should immediately resign, because he is running a one-man show. Where APC is heading for may not be too nice. All it takes for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to control the National Assembly is two seats or seven stubborn APC senators.

    “In other political climes, once you lead a party and the party did not do well on an election, you have to go. Let us not demean ourselves with the fact that APC won the Presidency. What about the governorship seats? Did we gain more senatorial seats now that we did in 2015? No. So, if you look at it properly, APC lost in the last elections.”

    The group also stated that APC was just lucky that the profile and integrity of President Buhari helped to win the presidential election, while stressing that it would have been a disaster.

     

  • Amaechi: sharing govt cash not the best

    It was his 54th birthday celebration in Port Harcourt, but it provided immediate past Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi with the opportunity to share his belief about looting public funds among others, reports Bisi Olaniyi, Southsouth Bureau Chief

    A former Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government (SSG), Senator Felix Oboro, who chaired the 54th birthday celebration of ex-Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi at the highbrow Aztech Arcum Event Centre on Ken Saro-Wiwa (formerly Stadium) Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on May 27, described the celebrator as a consistent politician.

    Oboro, who said he closely worked with Amaechi, a former Governor of Rivers state (2007-2015), in the old Rivers state, before Bayelsa state was created out of the old Rivers state on October 1, 1996 by the regime of the late Gen. Sani Abacha, also stated that he and the Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers-born politician (Amaechi) related very well, when Chief Rufus Ada-George and Dr. Peter Odili were Rivers governors.

    The ex-SSG (Oboro), a Bayelsan, noted that Amaechi, as the Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly (1999-2007), Chairman of Forum of Speakers in Nigeria, Rivers Governor, the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Director-General in 2015 and 2019 of the victorious Buhari/Osinbajo Presidential Campaign Organisation and Minister for Transportation, performed excellently.

    Read Also: Why we suspended floating national carrier – Amaechi

    Oboro said: “Amaechi has been very consistent, loyal and dedicated to the just cause. He is a performer. Amaechi’s reappointment by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Director-General of his re-election campaign organisation is an indication that the President was satisfied with his impressive performance.

    “I am proud of Amaechi, a fair minded, detribalised, disciplined, humble and simple politician. He has helped many persons, irrespective of where they come from. Amaechi is trying his best to ensure the election of a riverine person as the Governor of Rivers State, to end the domination by the uplanders. Very soon, Rivers State will have a riverine person as governor. When it is the turn of Southsouth to produce Nigeria’s President, I am very sure that the people of the zone and other Nigerians will support Amaechi.”

    The chairman of the occasion also urged other Nigerians to always emulate the transportation minister, who is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state and the Southsouth zone, fondly called the Lion of the Niger Delta.

    The colourful event also had in attendance, Amaechi’s wife of 28 years, Dame Judith; a former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas; Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who was represented by Nkem Osuagwu: the 2019 governorship candidate of APC in Rivers, Pastor Tonye Cole, and his running mate, Chief Victor Giadom, who is now the Acting National Secretary of APC; the Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside; and the 2019 governorship candidate of African Action Alliance (AAC) in Rivers, Biokpomabo Awara, an engineer.

    Senators Andrew Uchendu, Ovie Omo-Agege and Ifeanyi Araraume; the Acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Prof. Nelson Brambaifa: the Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration (EDFA) of the Federal Government’s interventionist agency (NDDC), Dr. Chris Amadi; Rivers Chairman of APC, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree; and a former member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Dawari George, among other eminent personalities were also at the well-attended event.

    The Founder and Senior Pastor of Trinity House, Lagos, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, was the guest preacher, while other renowned clerics were also in attendance.

    Music was supplied by the iconic Prof. Laz Ekwueme, legendary Buchi, Joe Praise, Precious Omuku, Steve Crown and Magnificent Choir, among others, while the Masters of Ceremonies (MCs) included Julius Agwu, Basorge Tariah Jnr. and Amaechi’s “son” in secondary school, Dr. Michael Ogbolosingha, who is a former Mayor (Chairman) of Yenagoa Local Government Council of Bayelsa state.

    At the event, tagged: “Evening of Hymns and Songs,” had the Bishop of the Niger Delta North Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Wisdom Ihunwo, taking the opening prayer, shortly after the transportation minister got to the well-decorated arena at 4:41 p.m. on May 27, while the only Bible reading, from Psalm 145: 1-21, was taken by Dame Judith Amaechi.

    In the sermon, titled: “The Lessons of Life,” the guest preacher (Pastor Ituah Ighodalo), who quoted Psalm 90: 4-12, described life as a series of lessons that must be learnt, stressing that people must be willing to learn and they must be teachable.

    Pastor Ighodalo said: “Consistently fear the Lord and obey His instructions. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom. Always study the word of God (Bible). Wicked, selfish and violent persons will not make it to heaven.

    “Nigeria is in need of great, selfless and outstanding leadership that will be concerned about the poor, for Nigeria to be great.”

    The cleric (Pastor Ighodalo) also prayed that God would give the transportation minister wisdom, understanding and he will not be put to shame.

    The President of the National Union of Nigerian Students, Danielson Bamidele Akpan, in his remarks, reiterated that Amaechi stood strong in the face of intimidation, while believing in the empowerment of young people.

    Akpan noted that the transportation minister had been supporting President Buhari to greatly reform the system, while praying that God would continue to strengthen him.

    Amaechi, while speaking before cutting his birthday cake, along with his wife, stated that there was the need for religious tolerance, considering a large number of his Muslim friends who honoured him at the event while hailing them and others for coming.

    He said: “One funny thing about my 54th birthday is that the people of my mother’s village also organised a thanksgiving service yesterday (May 26). I thank you all, including the Chief of the village. God bless all of you. My church in Abuja also organised a birthday thanksgiving service for me. I am very grateful. I thank my dear wife, who organised a birthday dinner for me. A group of people also organised a reading session in Lagos on my birthday. Many persons and groups also organised birthday activities for me. I thank you all.

    “I ought to be in a meeting in Abuja today (on May 27), but President Muhammadu Buhari said today is my birthday, I should travel to Port Harcourt for my birthday celebration. I thank him. He is a wonderful President. He is not a normal politician. Nothing to share (Federal Government’s fund). The money that should have been used to build roads, schools and to embark on other development projects, they were sharing it in the previous administration. Now, they are being called to accountability, but there are no roads, no schools, no power, no hospitals, among others, because the money was shared among themselves.

    “One sad thing about sharing of money for development projects is that some people feel that it is the best, but the people who get more from the looted fund are the people who bring out the money to be shared. When they steal $20 million, they give people around them $2,000 and keep the balance. Sharing is not the best. The best is what we are doing now, by embarking on people-oriented and capital-intensive projects.”

    The ex-transportation minister also reiterated that there was a time that Port Harcourt International Airport was described as the worst airport in the world, noting that the situation had changed for the better, with President Buhari recently inaugurating one of the best airports in Nigeria in Port Harcourt.

    He said: “So, Port Harcourt International Airport is no longer the worst airport in the world. Before May 29, 2015, there was no airport in Port Harcourt. The Federal Government of Nigeria, headed by President Buhari, is currently constructing the Bodo-Bonny Road in Rivers State, abandoned for many years. From N49 billion to N120 billion. It is a big project and the Federal Government is fully committed to delivering it on schedule. The destructive critics are still claiming that the APC’s administration of President Buhari has done nothing in Rivers State. You have now known who the liars are.

    “As at today (May 27) that I am speaking with you, we have just applied for a loan to do Port Harcourt-Warri railway, which is part of the coastal rail, to join the Itakpe-Warri rail. Another segment of the coastal rail is the Benin City to Onitsha. The Benin-Onitsha rail will join the Itakpe-Warri rail at Agbor.

    “The man who takes care of your welfare is your brother. You have a brother from Niger Delta, who does not care about you, and you have a Hausa man who cares for you. Then, who is your brother?”

    Amaechi also expressed displeasure on the insecurity in Rivers state, stressing that the gains of his administration in the area of safety of lives and property had been reversed.

    “In Rivers State now, people are being slaughtered every day. We no longer have enough policemen in Rivers State, because all the big men and women have taken almost all the policemen in the state. Night clubs are almost dead in Port Harcourt and its environs because all the big men who patronise them are stocked in their houses, because of insecurity, especially kidnapping, armed robbery, assassination and cultism.

    “Just watch out for population explosion, with husbands and their wives being forced to remain indoors for many months. Although, the wives are very happy that their husbands are now at home. The husbands are not at home, because they love their wives, but as a result of insecurity in Rivers State. If you stay with your wife for six months, if care is not taken, you will have a child.

    “As the Governor of Rivers State, I restored security, but the criminals that I chased away are now back. With my administration’s restoration of security, night clubs came back. As a governor, I went to night clubs, with minimal security. I also placed the emphasis on massive infrastructural development and I created employment opportunities for the teeming qualified people, including many non-indigenes, who are still happy with their jobs.

    “We will quickly round off this birthday celebration because I cannot guarantee your security after here (Aztech Arcum Event Centre). Some days ago in Ogoni (Rivers State), forty persons were killed. Just yesterday (May 26), some innocent persons were killed in Port Harcourt and one of them was beheaded.”

    The transportation minister also urged Nigerians to get united and pray more, stressing that during the March 23 and March 9, 2019 elections, the people did not pray enough, while reiterating that during the 2015 elections, everybody was fasting and praying, until God delivered Nigerians, admonishing the people to work much harder and pray more.

    He wished Nigerians the best and assured that President Buhari would do better in his second tenure than in the first term.

    Amaechi also thanked everybody that honoured him on his birthday, especially his colleagues in the Federal  Ministry of Transportation and particularly the Permanent Secretary.

    He disclosed that when many of his colleagues at the Federal Executive Council were complaining about their permanent secretaries, he was always telling them to leave his permanent secretary alone.

    The former Rivers governor (Amaechi) also expressed gratitude to the organisers and sponsors of the birthday bash, revealing that he did not put in a Kobo for the grand event.

    It is good to always celebrate persons who have positively impacted society, for the younger generations to be emulating their selfless services to the society and humanity, in order to move forward.

  • Police kill one notorious criminal in Rivers

    The Police in Rivers state on Tuesday said that they have killed a notorious criminal in the state, ThankGod Nwandiko (a.k.a Commander Buky).

    The State Commissioner of Police (CP), Musa Belel disclosed this in Port Harcourt, the state capital, while parading a group of criminal suspects arrested in the state within the month of May, 2019 and part of March, 2019.

    Belel said the victim who was arrested in his Omarelu community of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA) of the state following a tip-off, was however killed when he attempted to  escape while taking the Police to arrest his gang members at Isiokpo community also in the same LGA.

    The CP described Nwandiko as a notorious kidnapper, armed robber, murder and cultists who was responsible for the heinous killings and beheading of members of his rival cult groups as well as the attacks on motorists along the Omerelu/Owerri road axis of the LGA.

    The police equally paraded a Bank driver Chris Kani who supplies information to armed robbers and kidnappers about customers and key bank officials for ransom and handsome rewards.

    The criminal during interview with newsmen at the parade ground that had ones released information concerning one of the banks big customers who was later attacked and some money was given to him.

    He also admitted that he also planned the kidnap of his bank manager and head of marketing of his bank, but however said he later called up the arrangement by lying to the kidnappers that his manager had travelled overseas.

    Addressing news men, the CP said, “Operatives of the Eagle Crack Squad, acting on credible information, smashed a gang of arms dealer and arrested one Is real Amadi (41) and Micheal Okunna (35).

    “They were arrested on May 16, 2019 at Elele Alimini Barrack road in Emohua Local Government Area of the state and a total of 889 live cartridges concealed in a big sack bag, driven in a tricycle. The cartridges were meant for supply to hoodlum terrorising the East/ West road

    Also the Eagle Crack team of the Police Commamd led by Jovinus Iwu, a Superintendent of Police (SP), paraded a gang of kidnappers/armed robbers age between 19 and 31 years. They were arrested for different parts of the state and suspected to be the criminals terrorising the state, and various kinds of dangerous weapon recovered from them, including 3 AK-47, 29 rounds of ammunition six magazine s, assault rifle, locally made gums, four different cars, millitary shoes and uniforms among others.

    Also speaking on the Governor Nyesom Wike swearing-in for the second term, Belel assured of adequate security access the state as he warned trouble makers to steer clear or drop any plan to format trouble in the event.

    He said, Let me strongly assure the good people of Rivers state that the state police command under my watch, ensure that the swearing-in ceremony is hitch free, devoid of violence or acrimony.

    “Our security arrangements are so elaborate that every aspect of the state is covered in our deployments. This is intended to give everybody in the state a renewed sense of security, including those that will be viewing the event from their homes.

    “I want to state for the umpteenth time, that the state police command will not tolerate, console nor welcome any act that will undermine and/ or compromise the security situation in the state before, during and after the swearing-in programme.

    “Hence I call on those issuing threats to disrupt and disorganize the event to jettison the idea as quick as possible or prepare to face the full wrath of the law.” The CP stated.

  • LG electronics launches second free wash centre in P/Harcourt

    LG electronics has commissioned a new free wash centre tagged “Life’s Good with LG Wash,” equipped with state of the art facilities to meet the laundry needs of people living around Mgboba community and its environs.

    The Wash centre is the second free laundry outlet is situated at the LG Fouani showroom on NTA road, Mgboba, Port Harcourt.

    It was launched by top management staff of LG Electronics West Africa operations. The event was attended by Mr. Hari Elluru, Head of Corporate Marketing Division, LG Electronics West Africa operations; Mr. Jiung Park, General Manager, Home Appliances Division, LG Electronics West Africa operations; Mr. Mahmoud Youssef, Branch Manager, Fouani Nigeria Limited Port-Harcourt; alongside other key staff, media and general public.

    It is important to note, that the pilot initiative of the Free-Wash CSR initiative was first launched in Ogba area of Lagos state just over a year ago, with the intention of replicating it across strategic locations in the country. The free wash centre is designed to operate on a daily basis in order to improve the living conditions as well as support the daily washing needs of people in the area.

    The Corporate Marketing Head LG Electronics, Mr. Hari Elluru in his opening remarks said, “The whole idea about the project is to encourage proper hygienic living amongst the people. It is instructive to note that this initiative is LG Electronics modest way of saying thank you to her esteemed consumers living within this community for their unwavering support and believe in our brand and most importantly for patronising us.”

    Also commenting at the occasion, General Manager, Home Appliances Division, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Jiung Park said, “This is want I truly call giving back to the society because the real beneficiaries of this project are directly the people, whom I believe will utilize it very well to make life better for them. You can be rest assured that life is always good with LG. The facility is fully equipped to operate optimally.”

  • Buhari will not islamise Nigeria – Arewa Pastors

    Religious leaders under the aegis Arewa Pastors Non-denominational Initiative for Peace on Saturday assured Christians that President Muhammadu Buhari will not Islamize Nigeria.

    The assurance is in reaction to comments made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo accusing Buhari of trying to Islamize the entire country.

    National Chairman of Arewa Pastors Non-denominational Initiative for Peace, Bishop Abu Richard while briefing newsmen on President Muhammadu Buhari’s pre swearing in prayer meeting held in Abuja said Buhari is not the cause of the killings in the country.

    Richard called on Nigerians both Christians and Muslims to continue to pray for a better government in the next four years of Buhari.

    The cleric who expressed sadness over the kidnappings and killings in the country, advised Buhari and security operatives to be proactive rather than reactive to avoid crisis.

    Richard, who is also the founder Warriors of Christ Cathedral in Port Harcourt, commended the gathering for their peaceful initiatives, humble disposition and commitment to national unity.

    He also advised the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to involve all Christians in the activities of CAN.

    His words: “The accusation of islamization by former President Olusegun Obasanjo is highly condemnable. As a child of God and by my exposure President Muhammadu Buhari cannot Islamize Nigeria with the Vice President who is a Christian.

    READ ALSO: COCIN berates Buhari for issuance of Radio Fulani license

    “President Buhari is not the cause of these killings. Most of these killings have been going on before he took over power. That is why we have fasted today and prayed that God should strengthen him.

    “We also call on the security agencies to put in more efforts to stop these killings and we pray for a good 9th National Assembly that will be able to work with the government of the day with good policies to develop this country.

    “We pray for Buhari to do much better as he will be sworn in for the second tenure. As from his statement and all that we have been hearing we believe that through God he will perform better.

    “Buhari is a retired general and what we owe him is to pray and fast that God will touch him and touch the security organizations to change more tactics and also see how they can device other means and be more proactive instead of been reactive.

    “You do not wait until people are killed before you now react. We are not happy with what is happening in the country. Attacking the President Muhammadu Buhari will only worsen the situation.”

    Bishop Musa Kastina, National Secretary of the group prayed that God should grant the President the ability to distinguish between righteous counsel and the deceitful counsels of the wicked.

    Kastina said that God would help the President surround himself with righteous men and women who would give him sound advice.

  • Six suspected kidnappers killed in shootout with police in Rivers

    The  Rivers Police Command on Friday  killed six alleged kidnap suspects in shootouts with the police.

    Police Commissioner Usman Belele told reporters in Port Harcourt that  his men had stormed the suspects’  hideout at Eneka in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers.

    On sighting the police,  the suspects allegedly opened fire ,wounding  two police officers.

    Belel said when his officers returned fire, five gang members were “fatally wounded.”

    They were taken to University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UTPH) but were confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

    The CP also said  that one Ntuariuwa a.k.a “change the world”, described as a notorious kidnapper on police wanted list, was also “fatally” wounded and killed in a separate shootout with the police, bringing the number of killed alleged kidnappers to six.

    In another development, the command also arrested 20 suspected criminals in connection with various offences.

    According the commissioner, 12 of the suspects were arrested in connection with alleged cult activities, four for alleged kidnapping and another four for alleged robbery.

    Read Also: Rivers family launches foundation to honour late Dad

    He said the command foiled two robbery attempts, recovered three AK47 assault rifles and five locally made pistols.

    Others included three pump action guns, eight machetes, five magazines, 60 ammunition and 40 cartridges.

    The CP said the feat was recorded in May, adding that the command would make Rivers uncomfortable for criminals.

  • Rivers’ foremost monarch dies

    The pioneer Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Imperial Majesty, Eze Robinson O. Robinson, Eze Ekpeye Logbo II of Ekpeye land in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State is dead.

    In a statement by his son, Prince R.O. Robinson (Jnr.) in Port Harcourt, the state capital, the late monarch joined his Akalaka ancestors of the Great Benin Empire last year.

    The Prince also described the late traditional ruler as one of the longest reigning kings in Rivers State, even as he added that the monarch left behind legacies that are worthy of emulation.

    Funeral activities for the late monarch, a retired Flight Lieutenant, according to the Prince, would commence on May 8, with the body arriving at the Garden City and moved to his Palace Guest House in the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Port Harcourt.

    On May 9, there will be valedictory session at the Port Harcourt secretariat of Rivers Council of Traditional Rulers, while on May 10; the body will leave for Ekpeye House for another valedictory session, after which there be night of remembrance/Christian wake at Odiereke-Ubie in Ahoada West Local Government Area.

    On May 11, there will be funeral service/celebration of life at his palace in Odiereke-Ubie, while there will be thanksgiving services on May 12. The traditional burial rites will begin on May 13.

  • Man docked for killing wife over her sexual demand

    A 46-year-old man has been remanded in prison custody in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, for allegedly murdering his wife in the heat of a quarrel over the victim’s demand for sex.

    A chief magistrate ordered the remanded of the suspect, Ifeanyi Nwokolo, after he reportedly killed his wife, Ijeoma Nwokolo on April 6, because she demanded for sexual pleasure on the fateful while he was preparing for church vigil.

    It was gathered that the couple had lived Rumuigbo area of the city before the fateful, when they fought over the wife’s demand that the man made love to her before leaving the house.

    “We learnt that they had misunderstanding because Mrs. Ijeoma Nwokolo asked her husband to have sex with her on the fateful day, but the man was uncooperative because he said he had to attend church vigil service and could not indulge in the act.

    Read Also: Woman docked for alleged stealing N297,000

    “In the course of the argument, the husband pushed the woman away but he must had pushed her too hard, as she fell and hit her head on the concrete wall in their bathroom,” a usually reliable police source told our reporter.

    Those familiar with the case said when the women fell, the man thinking that his wife was feigning injury, carried and laid her on the bed before leaving for the church vigil.

    “It was later when he met the woman still as he left her on the bed that he raised alarm and went to the police station to report the case. He was arrested and detained.”

    The charge was not read to the suspect when he was arraigned on Monday, because the magistrate court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.

    The file was sent to the Department of Public Prosecution for advice.

    Magistrate Andrew Jaja ordered that the accused person should be remanded in prison custody, before adjourning the case till June 13,

  • Rivers SDP reaffirms commitment to work with Wike

    The Social Democratic party (SDP) in Rivers State, has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to work with Gov. Nyesom Wike, to restore peace in the state.

    The SDP also pledged its unwavering support to Wike in his efforts to develop and move the state to greater heights.

    Mr. Joshua Worlu, SDP State Party Chairman, disclosed this in a statement after a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s office in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    Read Also: Court declines jurisdiction in Rivers SDP matter

    Worlu said that the party would join hands with the governor to ensure sustainable peace, security and development in the state.

    The Chairman, on behalf of the party in the state, congratulated Wike over his victory at the March 23, Governorship Election.

    Worlu therefore urged all Rivers citizens and stakeholders, to join hands with the government to move the state forward.

    NAN

  • Rivers APC makes peace with Wike

    Members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state on Monday laid down their swords and pledged support for success of Governor Nyesom Wike-led government.

    Led by Senator Andrew Uchendu(Rivers East), the members under the aegies of  “Elected and appointed members of the APC” told reporters in Port Harcourt, the state capital that the war of attrition was over.

    At the press conference was the State secretary of APC, Charles Bekee and spokesman, Chris Fynbone among other party chieftains.

    Uchendu expressed willingness of the opposition party to accept Wike’s call for peaceful coexistence of the all political parties.

    He said this call was in tandem with Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi’s appeal in his Easter goodwill message.

    The senator announced end to all forms of hate speeches in the state, saying “it is time for governance.”

    According to him: “Wike’s live broadcast marked the end of hate speeches in this state. We want to believe that for the sake of peace in the state that Wike is sincere in the state wide message, and base on that, days of hate speeches are over for is in the APC in the state.

    Read Also: Supreme Court seals Rivers APC’s fate

    “We want to allow Governor Wike to discharge his constitutional responsibilities, primary roles of the government are provided in the constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria to provide security for live and property in the state, no other person takes that responsibility l, and we are saying, we will join in that boat but only one captain will be piloting the boat and that captain is Gov. Wike, we will only help him to take the boat to the shore

    “When two captains are in one boat, there will be no headway. His clarion call we hope is one that should signal the end of politicking and the beginning of governance.

    “It is our considered opinion that Rivers people must now become the centre of all politics and governance.

    “We cannot continue to toy with the lives of our people or take them for granted any longer.

    “A key indicator of good governance is the return of peace and security in the State.

    On what should be the focus of Wike, Uchendus said: “Revitalization of the C4i Security architecture of the previous administration is necessary in fighting these criminal elements.

    “Rehabilitation of sons and daughters roaming the streets of foreign lands because of the cancellation or stoppage of their scholarship awards.

    “Re-activation of the Greater Port Harcourt Project and to decongest the state capital of the present overpopulated state

    “Completion of some of the laudable pro-people projects embarked upon by the administration of the Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. These done, we can expect to begin to see some changes.