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Rivers Crisis: I Won’t Surrender To Blackmail, Intimidation – Fubara

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Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has said that no level of sabotage deliberately staged in some quarters will make him abandon the mandate given to him to serve, protect, and advance the fortunes of the state.

Fubara made the assertion on Thursday while declaring open the 115 and 116 combined Quarterly General Meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt.

He reaffirmed his commitment to serve with humility, sincerity of purpose, and accountability.

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The governor stated, “Although these are trying times, let us not forget that Rivers State is our collective inheritance, presently under my watch, to protect, defend, and advance it as the governor.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Appeal Court Affirms Fubara As Rivers Governor

“I assure you that I will not fail in this responsibility, nor will I surrender our mandate and progress to intimidation, blackmail, and deliberate sabotage.

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“I reaffirm my earlier statement and recommit myself to the path of peace, as there is nothing to gain in a state of needless crisis.”

The governor added that drastic measures will be taken to strengthen education, healthcare, and social services across the state so that no part, including the rural areas, will be left behind.

In advancing these human capital development efforts, the governor emphasised that the 2024 budget of the state will prioritise and provide sufficient funding to create universal access to affordable and quality education and healthcare services in Rivers State.

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READ ALSO: Fubara: Rivers Crisis Spikes As Two Factional Assembly Lawmakers Hold Separate Sittings

He added, “We will also take deliberate steps to unlock the entrepreneurial spirit among our teeming unemployed youths through viable initiatives on skills development, entrepreneurship training, and targeted investments in commercial agriculture.”

Meanwhile, Fubara also urged traditional rulers to be upright and royal fathers of integrity who do not compromise their neutrality.

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He also enjoined them to be courageous and speak the truth to power so that they do not lose their moral authority and legitimacy before their people.

“We must all be worried about the plight of our youths, especially those in rural communities, most of whom are poor, neglected, and almost forgotten in the government’s development plans, policies, and actions.

“As we all know, no human society can progress without peace and security.

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READ ALSO: Why We Shot At Fubara — Rivers Police

“I will therefore urge you to continue to work tirelessly for the preservation of peace and security to attract sustainable development to your communities,” he advised.

The governor also harped on the need for everybody to have faith in the renewed hope agenda of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration at the federal level.

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He asserted that President Tinubu has shown determination in pulling the nation out of the prevailing economic nightmare and ushering in a new era of sustainable economic progress, which is very reassuring.

In his address, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse, declared the firm support of the council to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was elected as the best and trusted to lead the state.

Awuse urged troublemakers who are fanning the ember of discord to cease the acts and allow the governor to concentrate on the work he was elected to do.

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Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Charles Amadi, said his ministry has continued to maintain a harmonious relationship with the council and will continue to collaborate with them to ease the discharge of their roles as royal fathers in peacebuilding efforts in their domains.

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Jonathan’s Ex-aide Dumps PDP For APC

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A former Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters and Social Events to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Waripamo-owei Dudafa, has formally announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the All Progressive Congress.

Dudafa, a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, announced his resignation from the PDP in a statement he issued on Saturday in Yenagoa.

In the letter of resignation addressed to the Chairman, PDP, Southern Opokuma/Ayibabiri Ward 8 in Kolokuma Opukuma Local Government Area, he stated that his decision to quit the PDP followed a period of deep reflection and consultation with his political associates, supporters, and family members.

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The letter read in part: “It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party effective immediately. Throughout my time with the party, I have been deeply committed to our shared values and goals, and it has been an honour to work with so many dedicated individuals.”

READ ALSO:Jonathan Dragged To Court Over Bid To Participate In 2027 Election

Dudafa stated that the unresolved disputes, particularly at the national level, “have significantly impeded our ability to move forward, rather they create an environment of conflict that’s no longer conducive to advancing the shared values and objectives.”

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He said: “While this decision has been difficult, I remain committed to serving the best interests of our people, motivated by my dedication to their welfare and progress.”

Announcing his decision to join the APC, he said: “After careful reflection and consideration, I have decided to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), a platform I believe offers renewed hope, unity and a stronger foundation to address the challenges facing our dear state.”

READ ALSO:Jonathan To Meet Tinubu Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention — Sowore

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To the members of the APC, Dudafa wrote, “I look forward to working alongside new colleagues who share this vision.”

He expressed appreciation to the PDP for the relationships and experiences he gained during his time in the PDP and wished the party well in overcoming its present challenges.

Political observers are of the opinion that his resignation could signal realignments ahead of future political developments in Bayelsa State and at the national level.

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Why Wike Is Always Attacking Peter Obi — Obidient Movement

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The Obidient Movement has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his recent comments describing Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, as a “social media president.”

Wike had, on Thursday, accused Obi of playing politics with national issues after the former Anambra State governor visited a local authority school in the FCT and lamented the poor condition of public facilities.

I hear one of the social media presidential candidates went to a local authority school and said the government has abandoned public schools. His name is Mr Peter Obi. It’s not everything you must play politics with,” Wike had said.

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READ ALSO:Wike Gives Update On Rivers Emergency Rule Expires Date

However, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, dismissed Wike’s comments, saying they were aimed at keeping the minister in the news.

How will Wike sell his market if he doesn’t mention Peter Obi?” Tanko asked. “As I am talking to you, you need to see the mammoth crowd we have in our town hall meeting here in Nnewi (Anambra State).”

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Tanko further dismissed the FCT minister as the least of the Obi and his followers’ worries and defended Obi’s comments on the state of public schools in the country’s capital, insisting that the Wike merely drew attention to a national concern.

He stressed that Obi’s comment on the state of public facilities in the FCT was to point out that they are in dire need of attention, saying, “I was there on the ground and saw those dilapidated buildings. We also visited a clinic where only one nurse was on duty. Even the roads to the place are not easily accessible.”

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JUST IN: Rivers Cancels N134bn Secretariat Contract, Demands N20bn Refund

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The Rivers State Executive Council has cancelled a ₦134 billion contract awarded by the former sole administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ikot Ete Ibas (retd), for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat complex in Port Harcourt.

The contract, awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation during the period of emergency rule under Ibas, was nullified by the Council at its meeting on Thursday.

READ ALSO:Court Dismisses Suit Seeking Refund Of Rivers’ Monies Expended By Ibas

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Following the cancellation, the Council directed CCECC to refund the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee already paid for the project.

Also, the Council approved the constitution of a six-member committee chaired by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu to assess and recommend suitable locations for the construction of Computer-Based Test centres across the state to support external examinations.

The Council also mandated the state’s flood control committee, also headed by Odu, to take urgent measures to mitigate flooding in affected areas, while cautioning residents against blocking drainage channels.

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More to come…

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