Tag: Siminalayi Fubara

Dr Darlington Orji, Special Adviser to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara on Political Affairs and Strategy, said on Friday that his principal would not be distracted from the efforts to make Rivers a model.

Orji was reacting to the accusation by the Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, that Fubara’s administration had no vision and direction.

It would be recalled that Okocha on Tuesday in a press briefing in Port Harcourt, accused the administration of Fubara of being “visionless”.

Okocha also accused the administration of spending the state’s fund frivolously, saying that the governor was not consolidating on the achievements of his predecessor Gov. Nyesom Wike.

But Orji, in a reaction, stated that Fubara could not be visionless when he understood the need of promoting civil servants and the importance of paying workers and pensioners their salary arrears and gratuity.

“The governor has ensured that construction of roads and bridges are ongoing in Alesha road in Eleme.

“When you go to Bori internal roads, you will see the signature of the governor which shows that he is focused and not ready to be distracted.

“I thank God that Okocha agreed that the governor is carrying out the ring road project; the ring road is one of the signature project of the governor.

“Gov. Fubara is focused and he believes in the feelings of the people, that is why he directed that the Local Government workers should be promoted and paid the 30 percent minimum wage.

“The governor is generally accepted by the people because he is doing what the people want.

“We can see the rehabilitation of the Psychiatric Hospital ordered by the governor, and the reopening of the employment project at the Ignatius Aguru University and other programmes done by his administration,” Orji said.

According to him, Okocha may have deliberately decided not to see or appreciate the effort of the governor.

“The accessibility of the governor has shown clearly that he is working for the people and the people will continue to rally round him.

“We are satisfied with Fubara’s developmental stride and the way he is carrying out his electioneering promises made to Rivers people.

“Government is a continuity and the governor has continued with the projects that were not completed by his predecessors.

“Let it be on record that the governor is not funding the thanksgiving that Okocha described as a jamboree, rather people are happy, thanking God for the victory at the courts; it is worth thanking God for.

“This is the reason the opposition parties have continued to align themselves with the governor for his good works.

“Yes, criticism is part of governance, but it should be in good faith. What we are seeing is criticism meant to undermine all the good development that the governor has brought to the people,” Orji added.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, in his reaction, said that Okocha had lost touch with happenings in the state.

According to Johnson, Fubara is the best thing that has happened to the state and the majority of Rivers people are appreciative of his ability to rewrite the political history of the state.

“We are rebuilding the entire state and the revival fire is sweeping through the entire 23 LGAs, not by making noise.

“The governor has completed most projects initiated by his predecessors within the few months of his administration.

“Some of these projects are the completion of Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri, Port Harcourt Local Government Area and the Government Secondary School, Eneka, Obio Akpor Local Government Area.

“Other projects completed are the Government Secondary School, Emohua, Emohua Local Government Area and Government Secondary School, Okehi, Etche Local Government Area.

“He has also completed the 19.1 kilometer Oyigbo-Okoloma (Afam) road in Oyigbo Local Government Area and the 8.1 kilometer Abua-Omoku-Iyak-Ighom-Elok road, in Abua-Odual local government area.

“Fubara has completed the Egbeda Internal road in Emohua Local Government Area and the 10.3 kilometer Indorama-Agbonchia-Ogale-Ebubu-East/West link road.”

Johnson also listed the University of Port Harcourt Convocation Auditorium, the Mgbuodohia internal roads in Obio Akpor Local Government Area and the Gbene-nu/Ohoro road in Tai Local Government Area as projects completed by Fubara.

“The Dental Maxillofacial, Ear, Nose, Throat & Ophthalmology Hospital, Garrison junction and Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Mile 2, Diobu, in Port Harcourt Local Government Area, have also been completed by Fubara.”

The Commissioner also highlighted some of the projects initiated by Fubara’s administration outside that initiated by Wike.

They include the 50.15km Port Harcourt Daul carriage Ring Road, the Elelenwo Internal Roads in Obio Akpor LGA, ongoing Omuakali-Eberi Road, Omuma LGA, ongoing 10 kilometer Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo road (old Port Harcourt-Bori Road) in Eleme LGA and ongoing Igbu-Ehuda Internal Roads in Ahoada-East.

“Fubara also initiated the ongoing Bori City Internal Roads in Khana Local Government, ongoing Emohua-Ogbakiri Road in Emohua LGA and the ongoing 6.5 kilometers Woji-Aleto-Alesa-Refinery link road with 200 meters bridge,” Johnson added.

Johnson further said that the governor was eager to see the lives of Rivers people improve tremendously with the signing of N4 billion Small, Medium Enterprise Scales Fund with Bank of Industry to encourage small businesses.

“Currently, the Rivers State Micro Finance Agency (RIMA) has called for loan application from Rivers people.

“There is also the approval and implementation of promotion for all Rivers Civil Servants that were stagnated for eight years and payment of their financial entitlements.

“It is on record that Fubara approved the implementation of N100,000 Christmas bonus for all state civil servants, and appointed 16 permanent secretaries with provision of SUVs as official vehicles for their effective service delivery.

“He also approved and increased the number of scholarships for Rivers indigenes in PAMO Medical University, and released N2 billion grant to Rivers State University Nkpolu, Oroworukwo for 2023.

“The governor approved the implementation of free registration of WAEC/SSCE for all Rivers children and distribution of textbooks and school materials across the schools in the State.

“He also approved the promotion of 400 health workers at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and recruitment of 500 new staff for the hospital,” Johnson added.

The Commissioner equally drew the attention of Okocha to the procurement of fire fighting trucks for the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by the governor.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has warned that there will be consequences should the commissioners who were sworn in last week attempt to work against his administration to destroy.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Fubara gave the warning in his remarks shortly after swearing in the Chief of Staff, Government House and five Special Advisers at the Executive Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Those sworn in were Rt Hon. Ehie Edison as Chief of Staff, Government House with Dr Darlington Orji, Solomon Abel Eke, Barr Aminayanasam Fiberesima, Engr. Deeyah Bariene and Ohia Prince as Special Advisers

Fubara said his administration and all contending challenges have been surrendered to God with the confidence that He will continue to intervene in a manner that will shock the world.

He stressed that the purpose of governance is to render services even in the face of difficulties and their appointment serves as evidence that concrete machinery is being put in place to help solve those problems.

The Governor urged them to see their appointment as a call to duty, rise to the occasion of adding value to governance and demonstrate that they are truly credible men of the State.

“Let me add, don’t use this position to antagonise anybody, even in your localities. I want to speak to you and I will continue to say it, what God cannot do does not exist.”

“That you succeeded in battle is not because of your power. It is the grace of God. When God says it will not happen again, whoever you are, it ceases from that moment. I am not appointing you today because I want you to go to your areas and start fighting, no.”

“We have surrendered our situation to God and God is going to solve it in a way that will shock the world for everybody to know that God is always God. Please, I don’t want this position to be a platform for you to start stalking anyone. Do what you know is right.”

While urging the newly sworn-in to support the government in a way that will promote its image, Fubara said: “Let me also use this medium to direct the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to assign the commissioners that were sworn in last week with their responsibilities.

“Let the SSG assign only those of you who are here today back to their former offices. Let it be part of my birthday gift to you.”

“But let me also say this, coming and taking back your position is not for you to use it to destroy my government. “Whatever it is that you’re doing, it is not about me. It is about the things that you can stand to defend and be proud of many years after”.

Chief Tony Okocha, Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers on Sunday congratulated Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers on his 49th birthday.

Okocha, who is also the Rivers  representative on the Management Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), said he joined the rest of the world in celebrating Fubara.

“On this special day of your birth,we pray for God’s wisdom and surpassing peace  to be upon you.

“As you navigate life’s  journey,  especially in superintending the  affairs of our dear state we pray for God to continue to guide your steps.

”We wish  you many more fruitful years ahead in good health and prosperity,” he stated.

After swearing in nine (9) commissioners, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Friday made three fresh appointments to head some agencies of the State.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Tammy Wenike Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, Goodlife Ben was appointed as Acting Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, (LGSC).

While Tonte Davies was appointed Acting Administrator, New Cities Development Authority (NCDA), Mrs. Ine Briggs was appointed Acting Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

“The appointments take immediate effect,” the statement by Wanagogo reads.

Let posterity remember you for good – Fubara tells re-sworn in commissioners

Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has advised newly sworn-in commissioners to engage in activities for which they will be positively remembered by posterity.

Fubara gave the advice shortly after swearing in nine (9) commissioners into the State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The newly sworn-in were former commissioners, who, citing several reasons, had resigned their appointments during the political crisis that engulfed the State.

They, however, returned on their own to be reabsorbed into the administration.

Observing that they have already read the charge as contained in their oath of office, Governor Fubara enjoined them to uphold and defend the state’s constitution.

“I wish you well in your coming back. Stand for justice, and stand for the interests of our dear state. That is the purpose of your appointment and that is the truth.

“I can see how heavy your hearts are. But I assure you that I don’t have anything against anyone of you. You were caught in between during the crossfire.”

Governor Fubara spoke further: “I will advise that you give your best. Like I said the first time, let this State and posterity remember you for what is good.”

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT) has quashed the 2024 budget signed into law by Governor Siminalayi Fubara for Rivers State.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the court declared null and void the passage of the 2024 Rivers State appropriation bill by the four-member Rivers House of Assembly, headed by former House Leader, Edison Ehie.

Recall Governor Fubara had signed into law an N800 billion budget passed by five members of the House led by the Edison Ehie-led faction.

Justice James Omotosho, in a judgement, held that the presentation of the appropriation bill by Fubara on Dec. 13, 2023 and its passage by the lawmakers amounted to nullity following an interim order made by the court on Nov. 30, 2023.

Justice Omotosho, who made an order of injunction restraining Fubara and other defendants from interfering with the state’s assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, held that the passage of the bill into law was a wilful breach of the court order.

The judge also stopped the governor or any members of the state executive arm from appointing or reposting any person as a clerk or deputy clerk of the assembly in contravention with the laws governing the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission.

He further made an order restraining the National Assembly from taking over the state’s assembly.

Justice Omotosho held that the decision of the court was premised on the earlier order made on Nov. 30, 2023 and the facts that Fubara, who was 11th defendant in the case, withdrew his processes in opposition to the plaintiffs’ originating motion.

Having withdrawn his counter affidavit and other processes in this case, the judge said, it is deemed that the governor has admitted the facts in the motion since it was not challenged.

The Rivers House of Assembly and Amaewhule are 1st and 2nd plaintiffs in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023.

In the amended originating summons dated Dec. 7, 2023 but filed Dec. 11, 2023 by their team of lawyers including Ken Njemanze, SAN, Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, among others, the plaintiffs sued the NASS, Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Senate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

Also joined in the suit include House of Representatives Speaker, House Deputy Speaker, House Majority Leader, House Minority Leader, Clerk to NASS as 6th to 10th defendants.

They also sued the Governor of Rivers, Attorney-General of Rivers, Commissioner of Finance, Accountant-General of Rivers, Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Inspector-General (I-G) of Police and Rt. Honourable Edison Ehie, who is also listed as Rivers Assembly’s Speaker in the suit, as 11th to 17th defendants respectively.

The plaintiffs sought an order directing all parties to maintain status quo as at Nov. 29, 202

They also a sought an order of injunction restran‘ng the 1st to 10th defendants (NASS) from entertaining any request from the 11th defendant (Fubara) to take over the performance of the functions of Rivers Assembly, including its role to make laws for the peace, order and good government of Rivers in respect of matters that are within its constitutional and legislative competence.

“AN ORDER OF MANDATORY INJUNCTION compelling the Inspector General of Police (whether by himself or by officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force under his command) to provide and continue to provide adequate Security and protection for the 1* Plaintiff under the leadership of the 2” Plaintiff as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for the purpose of transacting the business of the 1% Plaintiff.

They sought an order of injunction restraining Gov. Fubara from impeding or frustrating the assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership as its speaker.

They equally sought an order restraining Fubara including the 12th, 13th and 14th defendants from withholding any amount standing to the credit of Rivers Assembly in the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund, including salaries and emoluments due and payable to the speaker, deputy speaker and other members of the house as well as to the clerk, deputy clerk and other members of staff of the assembly.

Alternatively, they sought an order of injunction restraining them from denying the assembly of the due funds for running its affairs including the payment of salaries, allowances, emoluments and meeting its financial obligations no matter how described, among other 11 reliefs.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has confirmed nine Commissioner nominees designated for reinstatement.

The nominees were, however, requested to take a bow and leave, exempting them from rigours usually associated with screening processes.

The confirmation was reached at Wednesday’s plenary, held at the temporary chambers of the assembly residential quarters in the state.

The nominees for reinstatement include Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN), Mr Jacobson Mbina, Mr Gift Worlu, Mrs Inime Chinwenwo- Aguma, Mr Chukwuemeka Woke.

Others are Prof. Chinedu Mmom, Mr George-Kelly Alabo, Mr Isaac Kamalu and Mr Austin Chioma.

During the session, Speaker, Mr Martin Amaewhule (Obio Akpor 1), read a letter from Gov. Siminalayi Fubara which was dated Dec. 11, 2023.

The letter requested the screening and confirmation of the nine Commissioner nominees who resigned from office at the heat of political crises in the State.

Responding to the letter, the House Majority Leader, Mr Major Jack (Akuku-Turu 1), moved a motion permitting the nominees to take a bow and leave since they had been previously screened for the same purpose.

The motion was supported by Deputy Speaker, Mr Dumle Maol (Gokana), and also unanimously supported by all 22 legislators present at the plenary, hence.

Apart from the formal introductions, the nominees were simply asked to take a bow and leave.