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Tag: Rivers elders

  • Rivers elders defend Odili, demand apology from Wike

    Rivers elders defend Odili, demand apology from Wike

    About 16 Concerned Elders of Rivers State and supporters of Governor Siminialayi Fubara have faulted the  recent attack by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja Nyesom Wike, on former Governor Peter Odili and his family. 

    Wike, while responding to Odili’ s claim that Fubara stopped him from cornering Rivers, said he rescued Odili from political oblivion; built a mansion for him and funded his university 

    Wike called Odili a ‘General Overseer’ saying that he cornered his nephew’s appointment in Fubara’s government for his daughter and benefitted from other appointments.

    However, the  elders in a statement in Port Harcourt by former Governor Sir Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru and 12 others described Wike’s comments as unbecoming and disrespectful. 

    The statement said:  “We the Concerned Elders of Rivers State issue this statement with a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to uphold the values of respect, unity and decorum that have long been the foundation of our society.

    Read Also: ‘Wike too busy to respond to Rivers opportunistic elders’

    “It has come to our attention, again sadly, that the former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike through his words, at an event in a Church this week at Oroigwe, has directed insults against a former Governor of the State, Dr Peter Odili, and a highly respected national Elder statesman of our dear Country Nigeria and his family. 

    “Such behaviour is not only unbecoming but also stands in contrast to the time-honoured traditions of mutual respect, especially respect for elders and deference to wisdom and experience that we all hold dear in Rivers State” 

    The elder said they believed in the power of dialogue and the importance of addressing grievances through constructive and respectful means, but frowned on the act of disrespecting elders 

    They said:  “Elders are custodians of our heritage, wisdom and values, and any affront to their dignity is an injury to the entire community. 

    “This is why we stand tall against the unfortunate remarks of Nyesom Wike and his penchant to throw caution and decency to the wind by insulting dignified persons and institutions including respected traditional rulers and clergymen whenever he pleases. 

    “Otherwise, how would anyone justify the current disrespect to the Odili’s..Or would we forget so soon how he denigrated Sir Celestine Omehia, a former Governor of Rivers State or the other leaders including Prince Uche Secondus or the King of Eberi Omuma, Onyekachi Amaonwu?”

    The elders said Wike’s insults were  triggered by Odili’s opposition to  his alleged impeachment plot against Fubara 

    The statement added: “The only reason why Nyesom Wike went berserk against Dr Peter Odili is that Dr Odili, in a statesmanly manner, advised him against the impeachment plot of the incumbent Governor of Rivers State Siminalayi Fubara in a little over three months in office. 

    “When Nyesom Wike refused and continued to plot the destabilisation of the government, Dr Odili took sides with the Governor in the interest of the people of Rivers State. 

    “That is why Nyesom Wike found himself in the burning furnace like the proverbial child who found himself in the burning fire against his father’s advice to stay away from the furnace.

    The elders defended Odili’s achievements, including founding the Pamo University of Medical Sciences, which Wike has taken a swipe at, saying, “Pamo University of Medical Sciences is founded and solely funded by Dr Peter Odili and family. 

    They said: “The potential success story of PUMS attracted the Rivers State Government to seek collaboration for the training of quality health care personnel to serve the health needs of the people of Rivers State. 

    “The support that Rivers State Government gave to PUMS is for the benefit of Rivers State and her people. His Excellency, Dr Peter Odili must be commended for his vision and not vilified”.

    They further reacted to Wike’s allegations against Odili, including his presidential ambition, the appointment of his wife, Justice Mary Odili, as Pro Chancellor of Rivers State University, as well as the appointment of his daughter, Dr Adaeze Oreh as Rivers Commissioner for Health.

    The statement said:  “Dr Peter Odili did not chicken out. In retrospect, we commend the loyalty of Dr Peter Odili who obeyed the call by the PDP to step down for Late President Musa Yar’ Adua as the PDP Presidential candidate in the 2007 presidential election to ensure North-South balancing.

    “As a partyman and team player, Dr Peter Odili courageously obeyed without pulling down the house or insulting other Nigerians even though it was certain he would have won the primaries.

    “Nyesom Wike is quarreling with the appointment of Hon Justice Mary Odili (Justice of the Supreme Court rtd.) as the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt. 

    “In fact, this is one of the best appointments that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has made as Governor. If a Supreme Court Justice who rose from the ranks to the top does not qualify as Pro Chancellor of Rivers State University, then who else?”

    On his daughter’s appointment as Health Commissioner, the elders noted: “There is no law which says that the children of former Governors or their wives should not hold public offices if they are qualified. 

    “If that is the case, then should we query why Nyesom Wike is a Minister and his wife is a Justice of the Court of Appeal? No, we shall not do so. It is good in his house, but he sees it as bad in Dr Odili’s case. 

    “Consequent upon the foregoing, we demand that Nyesom Wike tenders an unreserved apology to Dr Peter Odili, his wife and children for the magnitude of disrespect and abuses he rained on them.

    “He should also apologise to the people of Rivers State for the monumental embarrassment he is causing the state”

  • Restructuring: Nigeria must return to 1963 Constitution – Rivers elders

    THE Rivers Elders and Leaders’ Council has stated that to ensure proper restructuring, unity and peaceful co-existence, Nigeria must return to the 1963 Constitution. They also kicked against the inclusion of Rivers State by agitators in the Southeast in the proposed Biafra Republic, declaring that it would never happen, in view of Rivers people’s unpleasant experiences during the civil war, between 1967 and 1970.

    The Rivers elders and leaders, through their Chairman, and the pioneer Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Chief Albert Horsfall, stated this on Thursday in Port Harcourt, while briefing reporters at the end of their meeting. He said: “Our position is 1963 Nigeria. In 1960, we had Independence Constitution. In 1963, it was turned into law, as a Republican Constitution. We want a return to that situation.

    “Biafra has no place whatsoever in Rivers State. Rivers State belongs to Rivers people. The first experience with the place called Biafra, being Ojukwu’s Republic of Biafra, was such an agony for Rivers people, that they do not wish any reference or return to Biafra anymore, ever again.”

    Rivers elders and leaders also asked the state governor, Nyesom Wike, to frontally tackle insecurity in the state, and ensure the safety of lives and property. “We intend to send a letter to the Rivers State government, drawing attention to the insecurity in the State) and the consequences thereof. “It is in everybody’s interest that we have security in Rivers State. For the government’s economic policy to work, there has to be security.”

     

  • For proper restructuring, let’s return to 1963 Constitution – Rivers elders

    For proper restructuring, let’s return to 1963 Constitution – Rivers elders

    The Rivers Elders and Leaders’ Council said on Friday Nigeria must return to the 1963 Constitution in order to ensure proper restructuring, unity and peaceful co-existence.

    They also kicked against the inclusion of Rivers State by South East agitators in the proposed Biafra Republic, declaring that it would never happen following the unpleasant experience of the Civil War.

    The leaders, through their chairman, Chief Albert Horsfall, the pioneer Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), stated these during a press briefing held on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

    They said: “Our position is 1963 Nigeria. In 1960, we had Independence Constitution. In 1963, it was turned into law, as a Republican Constitution. We want a return to that situation.

    “Biafra has no place whatsoever in Rivers State. Rivers State belongs to Rivers people. The first experience with the place called Biafra, being Ojukwu’s (Chukwuemeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu’s) Republic of Biafra, was such an agony for Rivers people. We do not wish any reference or return to Biafra anymore.”

    The leaders also asked Governor Nyesom Wike  to tackle insecurity in the state.

    The group added: “We intend to send a letter to the Rivers State government, drawing attention to the insecurity and the consequences thereof.

    “It is in everybody’s interest that we have security in Rivers State. For the government’s economic policy to work, there has to be security.”

     

     

  • Rivers elders, others seek more action against persons with illegal arms

    SOME elders and professionals in Rivers State have urged security agencies to intensify their efforts in ridding the state of illegal arms.

    They hailed security agencies for the raids on homes of ex-militants with guns and other weapons.

    Under the aegis of the Leaders of Thought and Elders, the elders, in a statement, condemned Governor Nyesom Wike’s stance on the raid.

    The professionals, speaking as Rivers Professionals, urged the governor to support the security agencies rather than attack them.

    The Leaders of Thought and Elders, in the statement by  its Chairman, Chief Edwin Erewari and Publicity Secretary Theophilus Igwe said: “Our attention has been drawn to reports credited to Governor Nyesom Wike criticising security agencies for carrying mopping-up arms with cultists, who call themselves ex-militants. The statement, which had since inundated the print, electronic and social media, said Governor Wike’s reason for his grouse about the military action was that those cult groups, whose hideouts in the forest were attacked and different types of guns recovered, are PDP members.

    “Governor Wike’s anger is also that the security agencies should have invited leaders of the cult groups before attacking their base in ONELGA (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni) Local Government, ASALGA (Asari Toru) Local Government, GOKANA Local Government,  Abua-Odual LGA( Abolga)  and OGU Bolo LGA( Obolga).

    “Armed robbery, gunrunning, killing and intimidation of citizens got to a crescendo in Rivers State recently. Residents can hardly move about. People are leaving Port Harcourt in droves daily  and the economy is almost grounded. Should Nyesom Wike not be concerned about this horrible state of affairs in a state he claims to govern? Is Wike proving his opponents right that he has no plan to govern Rivers State or does not have the interest of Rivers State at heart? This is the height of wickedness.

    “The Rivers Leaders of Thought and Elders commend the security agencies for their efforts and determination to save the state from criminal elements by recovering the illegally acquired weapons by those who call themselves ex-militants, who terrorise the state by killing, kidnapping and robbing innocent citizens.

    “The council expresses surprise that the  Nyesom Wike administration will subject the life and freedom of the people he claims he is protecting to politics. The elders wonder why Governor Wike will not call a spade a spade and support the security agencies to ensure that the arms held by unauthorised persons are mopped up and destroyed.

    “Why will the Government of Nyesom Wike quarrel with security agencies that have come to help save his people from the menace of these hoodlums? If he has lost his grip on them after using them to run election, he should settle them and save the state from their anger against him.”

    The Rivers Professionals, a social watchdog and coalition of sons and daughters of Rivers State,  said: “While we concede the right of Wike under the Constitution to hold and express his opinion on any subject, we submit that the exercise of such individual right is, and must at be subject to the higher corporate interests of the state and its people. It is on this sound moral and legal foundation that we have resolved to disagree with the  position of this government on the raids of dangerous criminal hideouts and known militants across the state by security forces.

    “Of course, with the huge harvest of cache of arms and ammunition resulting from these raids, it is clear that Wike’s outburst best qualifies as insensitivity to the peace, safety and security of the people he desperately wants to lead. Consequently, we take serious exception to the governor’s crying foul over this development and urge the security agencies not to succumb to this nauseating blackmail. A quick recap of the incidents and the history behind how the state arrived at this Hobbesian state of nature where life is ‘nasty, brutish and short’ would suffice. Under the watch of Wike’s government, bloodthirsty cultists, kidnappers and murderers have carved Rivers State into territories where the people live at their mercy. Women are raped daily. Kidnappers are on a perpetual prowl and pick their targets without restraint. For instance, regardless of the socio-economic consequences on the people of recurring strikes by doctors in protest against the abduction of members of that key profession, kidnappers in Rivers State continue to have a field day at the expense of this humanitarian community of professionals.”

     

  • Rivers elders reject Biafra

    Rivers elders reject Biafra

    The Rivers Elders and Leaders Council (RELEC) Chairman Chief Albert Horsfall and Secretary Lawrence Ibiayenie, yesterday warned that Port Harcourt should not be turned to a battle ground by pro-Biafran agitators.

    The elders described the protests by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as uncalled for. Rivers people are not Biafrans, they insisted.

    According to them, it is wrong to transport Igbo youths in trailers and buses from the five states in the Southeast zone, to protest in Port Harcourt, thereby halting commercial activities, destroy property and cause untold hardship for motorists, commuters and pedestrians.

    RELEC said: “The attempt by these elements (IPOB members) to focus on Port Harcourt for their political rascality is totally unacceptable and is hereby condemned by Rivers Elders and Leaders Council. The action so far taken by the Biafran protesters in Port Harcourt is highly provocative to all genuine sons and daughters of Rivers State, who have so far restrained themselves from confronting the demonstrators in Port Harcourt.

    “The choice of Port Harcourt (for IPOB’s protests) may be a deliberate ploy to make the Rivers State capital the battle ground for any fracas that may follow their rascality. We reject these moves in its entirety and hereby repeat our warning that they (Biafran protesters) must desist forthwith.

    “Rivers State people are not Biafrans and had never been and will never be. The RELEC wishes to call on all elders and leaders of the states from which these youths have been pouring into Port Harcourt, for this unwelcome and unwholesome political rascality, to call their youths to order and forbid them from forever staging further demonstrations and protests in Port Harcourt and other parts of Rivers State.

    “RELEC wishes to observe the good neighbourly relationship which has always existed between Rivers people and their neighbours. We wish that the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship should continue to exist. Persons responsible for the pro-Biafra protests must immediately halt the unfriendly activities forthwith.”

    Rivers elders and leaders also stated that they “strongly” supported Wike’s ban of protests in Rivers state, which they said would go a long way to promote peace, thereby moving the state forward.

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike in a broadcast on Wednesday banned further protests by IPOB members and demonstrations by other groups.

    The Rivers Commissioner of Police, Musa Kimo, also noted that his command would not allow lawlessness or breakdown of law and order.

    Senate minority leader Senator Godswill Akpabio also condemned the Biafran agitators.

    Speaking at the venue of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) conference in Abuja, Akpabio, a former Akwa Ibom State governor, called on the Federal Government and the states where the militias are protesting to stop the spread of the agitation.

    “The Biafra agitators must be told that those who witnessed the Nigerian civil war will never wish to experience another war in their entire lifetime.

    “If you don’t like the government of the day, you must wait for another election to vote them out”, Akpabio said.