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Tag: Rivers

  • Rivers : Elections as war

    Whenever it is time for elections, Rivers State goes into war mode. Port Harcourt, the capital, and environs come under tension. Movement is hindered; people stockpile food at home out of fear. Do not blame them, they are only taking precautions in order not to be caught on the wrong side when hoodlums and other miscreants hired for the election start their thing. The state is now on edge as it prepares for a rerun election on Saturday. The ruling party in the state does not want to lose, while the opposing party, All Progressives Congress (APC), which is ruling at the national level, wants to win.

    This has been the case since Governor Nyesom Wike took over from his former political godfather Rotimi Amaechi on May 29, last year. For years now, there has been no love lost between Wike and Amaechi. They used to be bosom friends and political soulmates before they fell apart. Since they became estranged, the state has become their battle field. Now that they are in opposing camps, they see every election as a battle for supremacy and they approach it as  such. Saturday’s will not be different and the signs are already there. As in the past, the signs are ominous. The drums of war are being beaten and we can all hear the sound, but how do we stop this impending bloodbath?

    This is the challenge before the police, which have promised to do all they can to ensure free and fair election. We should not have our hearts in our mouths whenever election is coming in Rivers. Elections should not be seen as war not only in Rivers, but in all states of the federation.

    If our politicians truly love us and not just our votes, our lives will matter to them. They are using us as cannon fodders to attain power. It is 48 hours to the legislative rerun, yet the country has known no peace because of the election that will hold in only a fraction of Rivers. The din over the poll is deafening. Because of its determination to keep its turf come what may, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is throwing everything into the election. Led by Wike, the party has been accusing virtually every institution of state, beginning from the Federal Government to the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of plotting to rig in favour of APC.

    During a campaign at Khana Local Government Area of the state on Monday, Wike, who will not allow any opportunity to go by without blaming his arch-political foe Amaechi of one thing or the other, was as usual unsparing in his criticism of those he believes are out to deprive him and his party of victory on Saturday. The rerun is a contest between Amaechi and Wike on who owns the state. Who is more popular between them? And in a free and fair election who will carry the day between them? In their days in PDP, they fought elections together and always won. But since their relationship became sour, they have personalised elections and other matters.

    In their characteristic manner, they want to use this rerun to prove a point about their strength. Their positions are reversed today. During the last general elections, Wike had federal might on his side because his party was then in power. Today Amaechi is enjoying federal might with his party in power in Abuja. Wike has been making noise all over the place for the fear that Amaechi, who was President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign chief, may use federal might against him.  Wike is used to having federal might on his side and deploying it in his use as we saw in the 2015 governorship election when former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan relocated to the state to give him maximum support. He won hands down.

    Why should he now be afraid of the same federal might? Your guess is as good as mine. He knows that you cannot beat the federal might no matter how powerful you may be. Wike is afraid of being given a dose of his own medicine. He believes that he should cry out now in order to have something to hold on to if his party loses the election. There were governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states with minimal fuss. So, why has Wike suddenly turned megalomaniac over a rerun? He and others interested in the rerun should allow peace to reign so that the election will be free and fair. He is alleging that his life is in danger. The governor specifically accused the police of planning to kill him. What will the police gain by doing that? He has also accused INEC of planning to rig the election in favour of APC.

    The police and INEC have denied his allegations, describing them as unfounded and baseless. Police Commissioner Francis Odesanya said Wike lied about his claim that 200 policemen were withdrawn from the Government House, telling reporters : ‘’Go to the Government House, the policemen are there…if the governor said I have withdrawn his police personnel, then it is the work of an investigative journalist to find out the truth in the allegation…’’ In its reaction, INEC accused Wike of instigating violence ahead of the rerun. Wike should stop blowing hot over this election in order not to send the wrong signal to the outside world. He should, like other  politicians interested in the election,  work towards its peaceful conduct. There should be no room for trouble makers this time around in Rivers over this rerun. Enough of bloodshed during elections in that state.

    The police must provide adequate security for INEC workers, election monitors and voters. It is their job to ensure that everything goes well during the exercise in order not to give Wike and his ilk something to hold on to if anything goes wrong. They must see to it that trouble makers are kept at bay during the poll. Anything short of this, the police would have failed in their duty and also opened themselves to public scorn and ridicule. We cannot continue to lose precious lives to elections in Rivers. This cycle of bloodletting must stop.

     

    The NYSC way

    No matter how hard hearted a person may be, the story of the late Ifedolapo Oladepo will melt his heart. She was deployed in Kano for the one-year mandatory  National Youth Service. Ifedolapo left home hale and hearty. But on getting to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Camp in Kano, she took ill. Everything was said to have been done to save her life, but she died. Since her death, the social media has been abuzz, with many commentators blaming the NYSC for not doing enough to save her life. The NYSC has since denied that it was negligent in the handling of her case. It said it did all it could to save Ifedolapo. At a briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, NYSC Director-General Brig Gen Sule Kazaure said the camp doctors battled to save Ifedolapo’s life, all to no avail. The doctors probably did not know what the first class Transport Management graduate was suffering from beyond the rashes she complained of having on some parts of her body. The autopsy, according to the NYSC,  showed that she died of kidney infection. What happened to the medical test Corps members are expected to undergo before being allowed into camp? Did she do that test? What is the result? Perhaps, if the NYSC had known that she had such serious condition, it might have exempted her from service on health ground, to enable take care of herself. What has happened has happened. I hope that we have all learnt a lesson from this so as  to avert a recurrence in future.  My heart goes out to Ifedolapo’s family, especially her grandmother. May her soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.

  • Appeal to Rivers’ electorate

    SIR: Many have asked if this is the type of democracy Nigerians hungered after in the 1990s. The fate of the people of Rivers State now rest with them, as they prepare for the Senatorial elections on December 10. It will be ridiculous, if the voters in that state, allow themselves to be persuaded to elect candidates based on the enticement of cooked rice, or bags of rice and sundries. That would be an insult to the people and by extension all Nigerians.

    They should have nothing to do with the politics of deceit and avoid been passive? This country is in ruins because the voter has made poor use of their influence and authority and what has happened? The result is the endless gulf between haves and have-nots.

    Today some office-seekers being proactive of their political ambition, set in motion a resemblance of service to the people whilst in reality it’s a scheme to clinch political power and when this is achieved they watch citizens die from diseases that care could prevent. It is now common for people to beg on the streets for alms, and in the newspapers for donations to bring medical care to their loved ones.

    And as they do, those elected on their promise of Utopia continue to fail the voters in their pursuits of self-interest. People of Rivers state in Nigeria today, are bleeding and wonder how long they would have to wait for their modest dreams to come true?

    Now is the time for them to look at the candidates eyeball-to-eyeball and ask them what they can do to stem the tide of rural-urban migration which has only added to the congestion and the problems of high-density living where infrastructure and services remain under-developed.

    Now is the time to ask them what plans they have to expand access to quality education? We have our public schools in Nigeria, unsupported and decaying with unqualified teachers and lack of funding.

    And this remains the status quo where only the poor send their children to learn in these schools. Ask them what plans they have to lift you out of poverty, to give you decent healthcare, quality life and meet all of your needs.

    Do not fall victim easily to promises made, so sincerely, hand-on-heart by those who seek your votes? Seek instead the candidate who can firmly protect your homes, provide education for your children and regular income for breadwinners.

    There is no better time to change Rivers State than now and the burden of change rests on you (voters).  This time, let voters not be swayed by the same promises that deliver nothing.

    Let voters not be seduced again. Let them not sell their precious votes for a handful of coins scattered to the masses. They are worth less than the coinage from which they are made.

    Fellow Rivers voters, do not allow a single vote to be wasted on those who will only fail you again. They do not deserve your precious vote. Not this time around. Remember: Only the small-minded keep repeating the same mistakes and hope for better outcomes.

     

    • Simon Abah,

    Port Harcourt.

  • ‘There is impunity in Rivers’

    ‘There is impunity in Rivers’

    On December 23, last year, the Court of Appeal ruled that Hon. Victoria Wobo Nyeche should be sworn-in as a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Port-Harcourt 1 Constituency. On February 15, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain received her certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Up to now, she is yet to be sworn-in by the Speaker. In this interview with PRECIOUS DIKEWOHA, she speaks about her long walk to justice and other intrigues that have prevented her from taking her seat in the hallowed chamber.

    You won an election and you have not been sworn in; why?

    On April 11, 2015, the people of my constituency came out in their numbers and voted for me as their representative in the Rivers State House of Assembly and since then it has been a long walk to justice. First, we went to the tribunal and later to the Court of Appeal. By the mercy of God, on 23rd of December 2015, the Court of Appeal returned me as the duly elected member representing Port Harcourt Constituency 1. Since that 23rd of December 2015, until now, I am yet to be sworn in, and as we know, the Court of Appeal is the final court that has jurisdiction on the House of Assembly matters.  Even the Attorney-General of the Federation has written something to that effect, asking them to obey the order of the Court of Appeal. He wrote to the Speaker of the House of Assembly and the Attorney-General of the state as the chief law officer. But, it is unfortunate that the rule of law is not what we have observed in Rivers State. Give me reason why a court of competent jurisdiction will give order and that order will be ignored. Since then, we have had rerun and people that won have been swore in. When INEC issued me a certificate of return, I went to the assembly; it was there that the Speaker told me that they have an order from High Court ordering them to maintain status-quo. He was saying that the eight assembly is law-abiding, that they will stick to the decision of the court. Since December 2015, when I was declared the winner and on February when I was issued a certificate of return, I wrote to them that I have been issued a certificate of return, that I am available, but they ignored the letter. I remembered that a High Court Judge, Justice Enebele, informed the parties including, the Rivers State House of Assembly, who is a party in the suit that the ex-parte order only last for seven days. That, there was no reason whatsoever why I shouldn’t be sworn- in, and for my constituent, they thought that an end to the matter was. And I was wondering since then that I have been issued a certificate of return and they are giving me excuses. What is happening now is not about law, but unfortunate and undemocratic kind of politics that is playing out in Rivers State.  I wonder what their excuses would be. it is a reign of impunity and today, you hear them saying something about rerun election and the one that has been concluded since December, 2015, is yet to be implemented. At the end of the day, my people has spoken that I should represent them. But, Rivers State government is showing that they are certainly not democratic.

    Who is blocking your swearing-in?

    The stumbling block is the Speaker,  Adams Dabotoru. It is a constitutional duty he ought to have performed. He is giving excuses. Of course, the people of Port Harcourt Constituency 1 are law abiding. They have carried out peaceful protest. The last time they did, a day before the protest, the PDP supporters claimed that they wanted to pay solidarity visit to the Speaker, maybe, for not being law abiding because this is an  Assembly that is up to one year now  and they have not passed up to five bills. So, what is there that they are congratulating him for, apart from the fact that he has failed to perform his duty as a speaker? If not for the intervention of the police, it would have been a bloody clash. We were matching peacefully, and they were also there. According to the Speaker, they have all its takes to match the police fire for fire. So, you need to imagine how armed or unarmed they were to match the police fire for fire.

    You are the only female elected member and you have not been sworn-in. Do you think that the government is gender sensitive? 

    For me, actions speaks louder than words. It is easy to say we are gender sensitive, we promote the affair of women, but it is wrong when you carry out action that is contrary to your word. This is because if you have a government that is sensitive to women you will know.  APC is the only party that filled two women in the Rivers State House of Assembly. In fact, no woman emerged as PDP candidate in the House of Assembly to the best of my knowledge. When you say you are sensitive may be in the executive and judiciary and it was not applied in the legislature. And if you want to be fair and positive to gender sensitivity it must be applied in all area. And moreover, we have a woman that is not just a woman but someone that is performing. I made bold to say that as a member of the seventh assembly I received an award from my colleagues as the most outstanding member. This is an award that was given to me by my colleagues, not all those awards will get from the roadside. If my colleagues have recognized that I am outstanding and my constituency has said I should represent them, for me it is the time for the government to actually show by their action. Let me inform you that the APC is more gender friendly, for me I certainly will not agree that this government under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike is gender sensitive.

    Your absence at the Assembly has created a vacuum…

    For us,  we need to pass the laws that will improve the lot of our women, which will improves the lot of family and that of the society. And these can only be achieved through lobbying and cooperation; it is something one person cannot do. That is why I feel saddened about what is happing in Rivers State. That tells you that we need statesmen and women who would rise above self. We need people who would put the people and their constituents first. We need people who would do the right thing. But unfortunately we are yet to see anyone.

    With what is happening, are you considering calling on the National Assembly to intervene on this matter.

    We have already written to the National Assembly. both the Speaker of National House of Representative and the President of Senate are aware of this matter. we have written to them. And we are expecting them to act and to call the Rivers State House of Assembly to do the proper thing. Because the constitution provides that, where the state Assembly cannot perform a certain duty, the National Assembly should assist. I think that is what I will do. I will present myself to the National assembly for swearing-in because it appear there are forces beyond their control to perform the duty.

    This trouble started when they accused you of impersonation. What really happened?

    As a lawmaker I have to be law-abiding, though I have decided not to talk on this matter because the issue is in the court. At the same time I have to put the record straight. What makes you a member of the house is when you are elected by the majority of the lawful vote. It is not the swearing in that makes you a member of the house. If you are not a member of the house you cannot be elected as Speaker or Deputy Speaker. The constitution has made it clear that a member can be elected as speaker or deputy speaker even before the swearing in. As I speak to you now, I am a member of the house, people use to say member –elect,  I have read the constitution but I am yet to see where it  was written as member-elect.  I have not seen that word in the constitution, what I have seen is member and that member can take part in the election of the speaker even before the swearing-in. Even when I wrote to the assembly for them to swear me in yet they refused to swear me in, instead what they did was to be holding PDP cuscus meeting. When they purportedly claimed to have screened the chief judge and they did not invite me to their sitting.  We wrote to the chairman of National judicial commission (NJC) because, the head of the judiciary in Rivers State which is the Chief Judge should be protecting that institution of judiciary. So, in a situation where the chief judge of a state will be screened by less than 10 person it was the against the letter and the spirit of the constitution.  So I wrote as a member of the house not as the speaker of the house, I was writing in the capacity as a member that was elected to represent Port Harcourt Constituency 1.  And I stated it clearly that I was elected, but I am yet to be sworn in, nothing in that letter that said I was acting on behalf of the house or that I was sworn in. there was nothing fraudulent about the letter.  When you talk about impersonation, it is a criminal offence and it is only the police that can prosecute criminal offence even if an individual want to prosecute criminal offence you must have a fiat to do so. And you cannot have Mr. Living storm Weche to prosecute a criminal offence, now who are mine  impersonating, are mine impersonating myself, the law says I am a member of the house, I  cannot impersonate myself, I  was expecting the  NJC to intervene on this matter.

    Why did you visit the House of Assembly recently?

    I was contacted that the Assembly was waiting for me. Though I wrote to them before I got a call that the House was waiting for me. Though I was mindful, based on my past experiences. When I got to the house there was a motion at the floor of the House, I sat quietly. Later, I told the Sergeant at Arms that he should inform the Speaker that I was around.  They went for a closed door meeting, came back and adjourned; even the Speaker did not recognise my presence. In a normal circumstance, even as a former member, your presence must be recognised.

    Is it because of your relationship with the former governor that you are being treated this way?

    I don’t know, I can’t be sure of what is their problem, I reluctantly conclude that they are afraid of me because of my relationship with my leader, the former Governor of Rivers State, who is now the honorable Minister  of Transportation. But I am a member of APC and there is no going back

    How would you relate with your colleagues if at the end you surpass the hurdle?

    This is one of the prices of leadership, as a leader you don’t expect everything to go freely, practical is different from theory. I have learnt to work with difficult people. I believe that I will work well with my colleagues; I am not going to allow this hamper my relationship with them. In democracy it is all about team work, I will do my best, I am looking forward to do the assignment which my people elected me to do.

  • Rivers governor’s comment on rerun dangerous, says INEC

    Rivers governor’s comment on rerun dangerous, says INEC

    The  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has condemned Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike for accusing the commission of conniving with some people to rig next Saturday’s rerun in the state.

    INEC said the governor’s comment was dangerous and capable of inciting the people to commit violence.

    Wike had accused INEC of releasing a list of ad hoc workers of allegedly being dominated by All Progressives Congress (APC).

    According to him, INEC included an APC ward chairman and ward secretaries as assistant presiding officers.

    But in a statement by its Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, INEC said: ”The commission condemns, in very strong terms, the relentless false allegations, provocative and dangerous comments being made by some political actors, especially the Governor of River State, Mr. Nyesom Wike, against the commission, all of which are capable of inciting people to commit violent acts that could derail the election.

    “We appeal to stakeholders to henceforth refrain from making pronouncements that could either overheat the state or instigate their followers to violence. We also appeal to all the political parties and their supporters to abide by extant laws governing the electoral process.

    “We wish to reassure all Nigerians that the commission will remain impartial and committed to conducting credible, fair and transparent elections at all times.”

  • Peterside: era of impunity has ended in Rivers

    Peterside: era of impunity has ended in Rivers

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State in last year’s general election, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has said impunity by the Nyesom Wike-led administration in the state has ended.

    Peterside, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), spoke at the weekend during a thanksgiving/grand reception in honour of a former Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, at Buguma, the local government’s headquarters.

    Flag-Amachree, a chieftain of the APC, was on November 24 granted bail by the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt for alleged murder charge by the Rivers State Government.

    The politician was released from the Port Harcourt Prisons on November 25, after almost eight months in captivity (from April 20) in what most people described as politically motivated.

    Peterside, a former member of the House of Representatives, likened what was happening in Rivers State to the period of King Nebuchadnezzar in the Bible, where children of God were constantly subjected to various forms of indignity, until God showed His mightiness.

    The APC chieftain berated Wike, who he said was behaving like an emperor with conquered people.

    He said: “Today, individuals are boasting that they can pick anybody, put them in detention. They are boasting that by their power, they became leaders. They are boasting that by their power, they conquered everybody and that by their power, they will shut everybody’s mouth in Rivers State.

    “The people of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, go and tell them that the Almighty God, who said to King Nebuchadnezzar that the end had come, has said to them that their end has come.

    “The end of impunity in this land has come. The era of arresting an innocent man, put him in detention and go about boasting that they kept Ojukaye behind bars is gone. The era when they said Ojukaye would not see the light of the day, that Ojukaye would not witness the next election and Ojukaye would not vote for APC in the next election, has ended.

    “It shows that they have no power. The power is with Almighty God. And because we are the people of God, because we know that God will always triumph over Satan, light will always triumph over darkness, this is the time to vote with boldness and courage. This is because we are the children of the Almighty God. They can talk, they can threaten. We know that their power will come to nothing.”

    He added: “On December 10, as we go to cast our votes, let us know that we have the Holy Spirit behind us. We have the people of Asari-Toru Local Government Area behind us. We know we have the people of Rivers State behind us. God is giving us one more opportunity to liberate ourselves. Cast your votes for the liberation of our people. Vote for the candidates of the APC.

    “The era of threatening electoral officials, the people of Rivers State and the people Asari-Toru Local Government Area is gone. We will not rig any election and we shall win. The fact that Ojukaye was released is a sign that they have lost the election.”

    Flag-Amachree thanked APC leaders, residents of Asari-Toru Local Government Area and party members who honoured him.

    The politician assured that he remained a committed member of the APC, despite the alleged threats from Wike and his allies.

  • Rivers re-run: Your comments provocative, INEC tells Wike

    Rivers re-run: Your comments provocative, INEC tells Wike

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has condemn Governor Nyesom Wike over his comment about the Commission.
    INEC said the governor’s comment was dangerous and capable of inciting people to commit violence.
    Wike had accused INEC of releasing an APC dominated list of ad-hoc staff, for the December 10 rerun elections. According to him, INEC had included APC ward chairmen and ward secretaries as assistant presiding officers.
    But in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the commission strongly condemned the governor, stating that his comments were capable of inciting the people to commit violence.
    The commission therefore appealed to stakeholders to henceforth refrain from making pronouncements that could either overheat the state or instigate their followers to violence.
    The commission also reassured Nigerians it’s  impartiality and commitment  to conducting credible, fair and transparent elections at all times.
    The statement reads:  ” Commission condemns, in very strong terms, the relentless false allegations, provocative and dangerous comments being made by some political actors, especially the Governor of River State, Mr. Nyesom Wike against the Commission, all of which are capable of inciting people to commit violent acts that could derail the election.
    “We appeal to stakeholders to henceforth refrain from making pronouncements that could either overheat the state or instigate their followers to violence. We also appeal to all the political parties and their supporters to abide by all the extant laws governing the electoral process.
    “We wish to reassure all Nigerians that the Commission will remain impartial and committed to conducting credible, fair and transparent elections at all times.”
    The Commission hereby restates its determination to conclude the elections in Rivers State in a free, fair, and transparent manner on the said Saturday, 10th December 2016.
    The recent Edo and Ondo governorship elections, according to the commission, “eloquently speak of the feat that can be achieved if all stakeholders do the needful.”
    The Commission also stated all the various efforts made to ensure that the elections were concluded, which include stakeholders meetings.
    After months of wide consultations with stakeholders aimed at creating a conducive atmosphere, the Commission announced on 3rd November 2016  that the elections would hold on Saturday 10th December 2016.
    It will be recalled that in obedience to court orders resulting from disputes over the 2015 General Elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted re-run elections in Rivers State on 19th March, 2016, to fill various seats in the National and Rivers state House of Assembly. Unfortunately, the outbreak of violence forced the Commission to suspend the exercise.

  • Rivers rerun and do-or-die politics

    The treasure base of the nation, Rivers will on December 10 host the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in respect of rerun elections into the National Assembly which was earlier quashed by the court. Major contenders emanated from the two dominant political parties in the country; All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples’ Democratic Party (Party).  And as notoriously known of the metropolis, tensions, threats of brimstones, of bury alive, of slay and dry, of cultists’ annihilations and others have continued to gather momentum. Luckily, Ondo State governorship election held on Saturday November 26, has set a positive precedent that elections can actually be conducted in a civilized manner instead of opting up for bizarre. The electorates, candidates and the electoral officials proved to the world that Nigeria is no longer a nascent democracy. The upcoming election in Rivers must not witness further bloodshed or grotesquely odd remarks. Violence, forcefulness or belligerency is never a characteristic of democracy as peddled to some folks in some quarters. Succinctly, it is intellectual pursuit for power, and definably, the act of selecting the representatives of the people in free and fair manners purposely for good governance.

    Elections ought to not be a do or die affair as witnessed in previous elections in the state to an extent that a prominent indigene under the cloak of political bullying was beheaded and displayed as Olympic Cup’s trophy. Undeniably, this is symptomatic of psychosis. What an inhumanity to man; parading a fellow human’s head in pool of blood publicly on account of mere political affiliations – APC, PDP, APGA, AD, Labour or any other party? Imagine the trauma and fate of the family the beheaded-politician left behind, and numerous others that lost lives during political struggles between APC and PDP rivals.

    Today, the two arrowheads, Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi and the state governor, Nyesom Wike are believably akin to then Iraq and Iran; while the grassroots parochially fight for them, crossing boundaries and cutting down barriers, unknown to them, by the indisputable feature of our politics, they may be later witness the two leaders eventually in one party dining together in the nearest future. All it may take is just a closed-door meeting in a five star hotel in United Kingdom or United States of America with few other bigwigs. At that point, those that grossly bullied opponents, beheaded fellow indigenes, killed political opponents, kidnapped or committed other atrocities of intimidation will be left alone. The deeds by then had been already done and cannot be reversed. Or does anyone assume that Amaechi and Wike will remain in opposing political parties for life? Absolutely not. Rivers people should emulate the people of Ondo State and maintain amity and decorum. Whoever wins is a victory for democracy and for the state. Enough of political extremism, mediocrity, terrorization, hedonism and debauchery!

    At the moment, the state is administratively under Governor Wike’s control, and therefore, should as the political leader proactively douse all the political tensions in the state. Politics is not a do or die affair and political statements must reflect maturity, decency and administrative know-hows. What is vital is to conduct a free and fair election. No political party ever emerged both a winner and loser at the same time and any democracy must be characterized by victory and defeat. The finest priority any selfless leader could set on motion is to ensure that the will of the people take superiority in sync with Section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Nigeria’s Constitution which provides that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”. Hence, any government that creates unwarranted scenes that are inconsistent is anti-people, anti-democracy and agent of destruction. Some roads particularly inner roads even in Port Harcourt are, for instance in horrible shapes and some deserted by owners of the properties within the area due to inaccessibility alongside other amenities in shambles. The resources for arming political thugs could be judiciously channeled to that direction. At this juncture, violence-free election mantra should be amplified by the leaders from both sides rather than incitingly making the people misappropriate values on anyhow victories just for peanuts. Any adventures that recklessly waste human lives are calamitous. Democracy itself is strictly centered on people’s wellbeing, improvement and empowerment, and never programmed for obliteration. Rivers residents must shun all aberrations knowing that all political parties in the country are identical including manifestoes. Hence, politicking must be conducted within the ambits of civility and laws.

    Regrettably, the same politicians that make things happen today in a particular party may defect and assume leadership positions in another without consultation or even intimating the grassroots aficionadas. If violence-free election could be witnessed in Ondo, it can be done in Rivers too. All the public funds earmarked to service and make thugs combatant-ready from both sides should be converted for their empowerment particularly as recession has dealt a big blow on low income earners. Above all, imperative to note that lethal weapons provided to thugs, mercenaries and feasible assassins during elections are rarely withdrawn same way ‘giving a cup of water to a monkey is no big deal but to retrieve it’. Without a doubt, political leaders could maximally protect themselves with security aides, drive in bullet-proofs, and sleep in-between combatant soldiers with latest sophisticated security gadgets. However, their helpless relatives, friends and colleagues might be the victims of attacks with these weapons after the election. Let all stakeholders keep to the rules of the game.  A fascinating attribute of democracy is time limit; whoever wins has a specified period in office, thus, needless of do or die.

     

    • Umegboro is a public affairs analyst and publisher.
  • Shell builds public library in Rivers

    Shell builds public library in Rivers

    In its effort to promote literacy in the Niger Delta region, the Anglo-Dutch multi-national company, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Nigeria Limited, has built and donated a standard modern public library for members of Port Harcourt Literary Society (PHLS). Built and equipped at the cost of N2. 574 billion, Shell invested the sum of $5 million while the sum of $1.5 million was raised from other sources. The library is adjudged by professionals as the only standard library facility Nigeria has ever had, having facility for every strata of the society, ranging from babies to the very old.

    Located at the Nigeria Air Force in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, the facility is being managed by members of PHLS. The facility is meant to carter for the learning and research needs of everyone in any sphere of life.

    The company has always shown commitment in the education of the people to enable them to improve their economic well-being. In achieving this, Shell designed and operates different educational scholarship and training programmes annually for different categories of people in the region.

    On the firm’s annual Cradle-to–Career (C2C) educational programme for gifted but indigent kids in public primary schools in rural communities in the three main operational states of the company, namely Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta, the company gives scholarship to 60 graduating primary school pupils (20 from each state), to the best private secondary school in Port Harcourt, with Cambridge/A’Level classes on full boarding bases.

    The first batch of the students has graduated. As at the last award months back, the company has given out scholarships to over 400 students.

    The company also operates an expanded robust university scholarship, in which opportunities are given to undergraduate and post-graduate students of Nigerian origin to be sponsored under its social responsibility programme. This year, over 500 students received the award nation-wide.

    The scheme is Shell/NNPC/Agip partnership; the latter has existed for over 50 years in the country.

    Speaking at the event, the Managing Director, SPDC Nigeria, Okunbor Osagie said the project is one of the three library projects the company has planned for each of its main states of operation, expressing the delight on its impacts on the education and learning of residents of the oil-rich region.

    Quoting Alan Moore he said: “Knowledge, like air, is vital to life. Like air, no one should be denied it.” Okunbor noted that library being a fountain of knowledge would be freely available to all. “This completed library project by SPDC will provide unfettered access to knowledge for all people who seek it,” he said.

    The MD explained why the company decided to build the multi-purpose public library.

    “When you look at Shell companies in Nigeria, this project is one of our boldest social investments and it’s one of the three N2 billion projects we are sponsoring to mark Nigeria’s centenary anniversary in the Niger Delta region.

    “Our choice of these centenary projects and this one in particular is a demonstration of our continued belief in the future of this country and our commitment to its socio-economic development especially in the Niger Delta.

    “SPDC has exclusively funded this library project because of its strong conviction that it will deliver significant benefits and positively impact the lives of people.

    “The journey to the delivery of the library was implemented using a Memorandum of Understanding with the Port Harcourt Library Society and our objective was to deliver a modern public library that would rank as one of the biggest and most IT-driven in the Niger Delta. Without sounding immodest, our objective has been achieved.

    “To ensure that this project is sustainable, the library will be managed by the PHLS and will be a component of the Book Centre that will serve as the hub of activities that will promote access to information and economic growth through education in general and literary arts in particular,” he said.

    Speaker after speaker harped on the significance of the project to Rivers State as World Book Capital and the region in general.

    After inspecting the library facility, the Chief Librarian of National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Lenrie Olatokunbo Aina, said it met international standard. According to him, the structure has sections for every stage.

    “Having toured round the facility, I discovered that the facility has something for every strata of society, from kindergarten to the very old; that is what a public library ought to be. I am satisfied with what I have seen,” he said.

    Prof.  Aina adjudged the facility as the first and currently the only public library the country has ever had.

    He urged young mothers to take advantage of the facility in raising their babies with ease by bringing them there when they are busy, have places/shopping to do, stressing that the facility’s environment and its baby section is conducive to safe and quiet learning.

    “More importantly, one is happy that our mothers can now bring their children here on weekends or week days, go out for their shopping and other businesses and come back and pick them when they are done.”

    He pledged the support of National Library, and enjoined other states of the federation to replicate the facility in their own states to promote reading culture and effective child-raising.

    On the criteria for accessing the facility by the public and its capability in addressing the yearnings of Niger Delta students and researchers alike, the Chairman of PHLS, Dr. Chidi Amuta assured that the facility is open to everyone with the membership registration card (e-card), which also serves as the access card to the main entrance gate.

    He assured that the facility would be able to solve all research and writing requirements of users.

    “The vision for setting up the facility is to provide the word-class facility, which, however, is accessible and available to the public. This is because the users will not have second thought on the safety and friendliness of the facility and its environment.

    “The library was opened for public use on September 1 and is already receiving students and pupils from various schools on excursion visit and registration. The place is available for individual or group registration. The registration fee is just a token for the provision of e-card to open the entrance gate. Already families are beginning to register their children and wards.” Amuta said.

    He further said: “PHLS is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation, but the monies we raise from donors, contributions and goodwill from the public is meant to ensure that the library functions optimally.”

    On why much funds is spent in building library in the current economic situation of the country, Okunbo said: “Education is very key in the social investment programmes of SPDC. It was the quest on how best to achieve this that informed our partnership with

  • Excitement as Rivers govt pays seven months’ pension arrears 

    Excitement as Rivers govt pays seven months’ pension arrears 

    There was excitement in Rivers State at the weekend as the government cleared over seven months’ pension arrears it owed retired workers.

    The pensioners said the development was rare, adding that they could foot their health and other bills.

    The senior citizens regretted the failure of the government to pay their pensions as at when due.

    They wrote Governor Nyesom Wike, who ordered A biometric verification of the pensioners.

    Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) State Chairman Edward Abibo said the governor saved the pensioners from avoidable deaths.

    Abibo, who thanked Wike for fulfilling his promise, added that the governor paid the arrears from April to October.

    The NUP chief urged pensioners to praise the governor for his action.

    He said the beneficiaries would support Wike’s administration with prayers.

    Abibo said: “The executives and members of the NUP in Rivers State most heartily thank Governor Wike for his sincerity of purpose and being a man of his word, especially for paying the backlog of the pension arrears from April to October.

    “Rivers State pensioners are, therefore, elated that their tears were wiped off as they can now meet up with their medical bills associated with old age and meet up with family needs as well as educational responsibilities for their children.”

  • Rivers’ amnesty: Vigilance groups reject ban

    Rivers’ amnesty: Vigilance groups reject ban

    The Rivers State amnesty committee has submitted its report to Governor Nyesom Wike. This marked the end of the amnesty programme in the state. PRECIOUS DIKEWOHA reports that some vigilance groups have criticised the committee’s report, rejecting moves by Wike to ban them. 

    On November 15, the Rivers State Amnesty Committee headed by Sir Ken Chinda, Special Adviser to Governor Nyesom Wike on Amnesty, submitted its report on the disarmament of cultists, militants and other criminal elements. But some of its findings have been criticised by some stakeholders who said they rejected the report and its implementation.

    Members of the committee, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services were present at Rivers State Government House where the weapons and ammunition were displayed before reporters.

    Though, before now, many, including the opposition party, have criticised the amnesty programme offered to cultists by Rivers State government. Some described it as amnesty for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thugs in Rivers State.

    Presenting his report to Governor Wike, Sir Chinda, who said 22,430 cultists and militants renounced cultism and embraced the amnesty programme offered by the state government recommended that security vigilance groups should be disbanded.

    He said various arms and ammunition were recovered from cult groups, militants and other criminal elements.

    He noted that the committee took time to explain to the cult groups and other criminals that the governor does not want money to be paid in exchange of the surrendered arms and ammunition.

    He also said the amnesty programme which provided honest and brighter future for the repentant youths recorded a huge success, adding that those who did not embrace the amnesty programme should be declared enemies of the state and subsequently arrested.

    Chinda said: “I wish to present an executive summary report of Rivers State Amnesty Committee on disarmament of cult and other criminal elements in the state.  In line with the governor’s execution of power to exercise the prerogative of mercy as it is enshrined in section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

    “The committee observed that there are cult groups in every community and local government area in Rivers State. The committee took time to explain to the groups that money will not be paid in exchange of the surrendered arms and ammunition. We also observed that cult and violence groups exist in all communities and local government areas in the state. Some communities have weapons which they use to prosecute communal wars. Community vigilance groups are also members of cult groups.

    “The reasons behind cult clash include communal wars, chieftaincy tussle, economic hardship and criminality. The fight for supremacy battle has led to some killings that are experienced in some communities. These cult groups parade with heavy firearms. Meanwhile, 22,430 cult members and militants renounced cultism and embraced the amnesty offered by the state government.”

    Responding immediately after the chairman of the committee presented his report, Governor Wike thanked the committee for proving the critics of the amnesty programme wrong, adding that he is satisfied with the job done by the committee.

    He called on the security agencies to arrest any cultist, militant that has refused to embrace the amnesty programme, stressing that “vigilance groups henceforth have been disbanded in the state”

    But the vigilance groups in Rivers State saw the amnesty report on the activities of the security vigilance group as an insult and discouragement to some vigilance groups that are rendering selfless services to various communities.

    Though, they accepted that members of some vigilance groups are committing atrocities in the name of rendering vigilance services, they added that governor Wike must act fast to lift the ban on some vigilance groups whose operations have nothing to do with criminality but service to the community.

    The Secretary, Diobu Vigilance Volunteer Group (DVVG), Prince Amatari Bipeledei said the ban of security vigilance groups is nothing but to give criminals license to operate freely, especially as the festive season is approaching.

    He said despite lack of encouragement on the part of the state government, his group, which is the only known and recognised group by the Police in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, has arrested more than 65 suspected criminals and recovered more than 200 stolen items since it began operation in 2011.

    Bipeledei said: “Diobu Vigilance Group is calling on Governor Wike to take a second thought on the disbandment of vigilance groups in Rivers State. We are not against the report of the amnesty committee; we maintain that the committee should have investigated thoroughly on the activities of security vigilance groups before sending its report to the governor.

    “It amounts to discouragement and disrespect to selfless service.

    “The disbandment of Vigilance groups in Rivers State will only give criminals the license to operate freely. The government should know that granting amnesty and recovery amunition from criminals does not put an end to criminality in any society. DVVG which operates in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area needs commendation and encouragement instead of humiliation. Diobu is calm today because of our relentless efforts in collaboration with the police.

    “Don’t forget that hoodlums in Diobu have started celebrating following the Governor’s ban on vigilance groups. We are expecting the government to investigate the operations of the vigilance groups.

    “The Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) within our jurisdiction are aware of our operations and they are in a good position to report on our contributions to the state in terms of security. But if the government refused to lift the ban, it will be disastrous.”

    Chairman, Ubima Vigilance Group, Mr. Innocent Elem, said he is in support of the  ban but disagreed that they shouldn’t have banned all the vigilance groups, insisting that not all vigilance groups operating in the state are into criminality.

    He called on Governor Wike to immediately set up a security committee to investigate the activities of the vigilance groups, stressing that the report of the committee would help the governor to know vigilance groups that are involved in criminality.

    Mr. Elem said: “As the Chairman of Ubima Vigilance Group,  I want to inform the governor  that we don’t bear guns. What we use are our phones for communication with the military and the police. The police are aware of our operations. Since we started operation, crime in our community has drastically reduced. So, it would be a setback for the government to ban us at the time when we have recorded success as confirmed by the people. I will also advise other vigilance groups that are into criminality to use this opportunity to amend their ways.”

    In separate reactions on the amnesty offered to the armed youths in Rivers State, some of the residents said there was no sincerity in Governor Wike’s amnesty even when it was obvious that some youths did not embrace the amnesty programme and did not denounce their cult membership.

    Mr. Emenike Amadi  said many armed youths did not accept the amnesty offer, alleging that the present government is  only compensating hoodlums who worked for them before, during and after the bloody 2015 elections.

    Amadi said: “Who are the youths that are being offered amnesty? We want to know if it is amnesty or compensation for a job well done. The government is compensating the bad boys in the name of amnesty.  Then, what happened to the families of those they murdered. As far as I’m concerned, I lost confidence from the day the amnesty committee was inaugurated.”

    However, the State Publicity Secretary of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Sammuel Nwanosike said Governor Wike cannot be deterred by cheap blackmail and allow youths who willingly accept amnesty to go back to their old ways.

    Nwanosike said: “Governor Wike did not give any cultists or militants money but settting up  a process that will better their lives. The committee has already recommended for their immediate rehabilitation and training. The amnesty programme was a successful one. The governor has the fighting spirit to end criminality. Offering amnesty for those who deserve it was right to give them the chance to become better persons in the society. And that was what Governor Wike did for those repentant youths who took a bold step to make history.

    The Chairman of Ikwerre Youths’ Movement (IYM) in Emohua Local Government Area, Sir Lucky Worluh said amnesty was not offered to those who deserved it but to those who are still into criminality.

    He said for someone to be given amnesty, the person must have genuinely repented of his evil ways and not youths who are not ready to change from their old ways.

    “If man gives amnesty, God has not given you amnesty. The governor has just given amnesty to criminals who have not repented. These boys are still killing, causing trouble in the state.

    Mr. Chigozi Orlu-Orlu, a legal practitioner said governor Wike should consider the porous security condition of the state in his decision to ban vigilance groups. He said the governor must think for an alternative measure to reduce stealing, burglary and other criminal acts.

    Orlu-orlu said: “I am in support of the ban of vigilance groups based on the report of the amnesty committee. But we must not forget that the groups are also assisting in curbing crimes. They fill the loophole created by inefficiency of the police. There are areas that these vigilance groups are needed. Though, some of them may be cult members at the same time it is the work of the security agency to scrutinise and profile them and not to ban all of them.”

    One of the challenges noted by the chairman of Rivers State amnesty committee was that some youths refused to embrace the amnesty offered to them. The governor, however, ordered for the arrest of cultists who declined the amnesty offered to them.

    Investigation revealed that some militants and cult groups gave reasons why they declined the amnesty.

    Two groups, Egi Freedom Fighters in the Ogba/ Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area and the Kalar Bomber in Ikwerre Local Government Area said they refused to accept the amnesty offer based on certain reasons.

    Egi Freedom Fighters who commended the Rivers State Government for the introduction of an Amnesty Programme for those involved in armed struggle said its members refused to join the accept the amnesty because they are not cultists or militants but freedom fighters.

    While reacting to the report of the amnesty committee, the spokesperson of the group, Jenniffer Black, insisted that they are not criminal gang and does not indulge in criminal activities.

    Black said they resorted to arms struggle as a way of drawing the attention of government and other stakeholders to the age-long oppression, intimidation and injustice on the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

    She said the group demanded the rebuilding of all houses damaged in Egi communities by alleged security forces sent by some companies in the area, and the release of all the people arrested during the raid of Egi community.

    Black said: “We want Total Nigeria Plc and other companies operating in the area to create job for the teeming youths of the host communities and to maintain all existing structures in the host communities.

    “Other conditions in the demand include that the beneficiaries of scholarship opportunities must be the less-privileged in the community. And the company must create special opportunities for the widows whose houses were affected by the raid. We also demanded that the Federal Government should be a signatory and must be aware of whatever understanding to be reached. So, this is what we are fighting for and there is no reason why they should brand us as cultists or militants.

    Another group, Kalar Bombers said their refusal to accept the amnesty programme was that the sgovernment did not enter into agreement with them.

    The leader of the camp, who simply gave his name as Machete said his group want a proper agreement and not a television and radio announcement to accept amnesty programme.

    Machete claimed that the ammunition in his camp alone is worth more than N500 million, adding that his group will not accept to submit that kind of asset that is providing food for them just because of state amnesty offer.

    He said: “The state announced on radio and television that we should submit our guns and other ammunition for skill acquisition, maybe in addition to small cash. They might have taken us for granted. We don’t want a repeat of what happened at the Federal Government’s amnesty. One of the leaders of the strongest group in this area was recently arrested after he submitted his weapon and embraced the amnesty. That exactly was our fear why we refused to accept the offer because there was no proper deal to protect us after denouncing our membership from cult group.”