COVID-19: Rivers People Deserve More Than Few Grains of Rice, Eze Tells Wike

...Describes Attack On Caverton As Bad Business For Rivers Economy, Welfare Of Rivers People

...Accuses Wike and His Allies in APC as Behind the Comatose State of Rivers APC

Former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People's Democratic Party and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has described the purported palliative measures put in place by the Rivers State government to cushion the effect of the COVID -19 lockdown as a serious embarrassment to the sensibilities of the good people of Rivers State. 

In a statement made available to media houses in Port Harcourt, Eze maintained that Rivers people deserve more than 3 cups of rice, few cups of garri and a sachet of noodle as palliative for each family after budgeting a whopping sum of Two Billion Naira (N2B) in this regard.

According to the party Chief, "the State Government food palliative intervention through its Committee headed by His Excellency, Ambassador Desmond Akawo the newly elected PDP State Chairman though targeted mainly to PDP members, are 3 cups of rice; 5 cups of garri; one satchet of noodles(indomie) for a family".

"I would suggest that rather than humiliate and embarrass PDP members and  citizens in such brazen manner and turn them to mere beggars, it would have been best the government and its agents kept their money and allowed markets to open for free commerce. Families can fend for themselves above such humiliating and ridiculous degree to which the state has subjected them". Eze stressed.

Chief Eze blasts the State Government for excluding the APC faithful from the palliative intervention and further stated that the  action of the State government has further exposed the ineptitude and recklessness of the PDP administration in attending and addressing issues of critical importance like public welfare etc. 

On the closure of operation of Caverton Helicopters in Rivers State, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze frowned at the declaration of  Gov. Wike, stressing that such is ultra vires the powers of any state government as aviation and incidental matters are exclusive preserve of the Federal Government at the exclusion of any state including Rivers State.

Gov. Wike had on last Wednesday, declared Caverton Helicopters a personal non grata thus "For endangering the lives of Rivers people by its suspicious operations, the Rivers State Government has declared Caverton Helicopters, Persona Non Grata in the state".

In a State Broadcast on Wednesday, Gov. Wike also directed Local Government Council Chairmen to close the Offices of Caverton Helicopters across the state.

The governor went further to say that by its actions Caverton Helicopters have clearly shown that Rivers lives do not matter to it. It is an enemy of Rivers people and is hereby declared persona non grata in Rivers State.

Frowning at the development Chief Eze said the governor would have opted for a more pragmatic approach to handling the issue rather than making inciting pronouncements to heat up the polity. 

He said subjecting the pilots and air passengers to screening to determine their COVID-19 status would have been enough measure rather than charging them to court for carrying out lawful orders of the Federal Government to save the nation's economy.

He counselled the governor to be a bit more civil by considering granting the  detainees freedom to avoid throwing the economy of the state into further distress. 

Recall that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had threatened to shut down all air operations to and fro Port Harcourt if the state government fails to release the detained pilots and in solidarity, the United Labour Congress has issued similar warning to shut down operations of service providers under its overage should government continue to keep Caverton Helicopters' Pilots under custody.

Chief Eze appealed to Gov. Wike to reconsider his ill decisions and actions and immediately release the pilots to save the state and her people from perpetual lockdown, stressing that the people and the state economy will suffer more should AON and ULC put their threats into effect. 

Eze noted with sadness over the swiftness of the arrest and speedy throwing into detention of the two Caverton Pilots by the Judiciary based on the Governor's influence, Nigerians can now see the biased nature of the Rivers judiciary of doing whatever the Governor wants them to do. This was one of the many reasons why APC couldn't produce even a councilor in Rivers State during the last general elections. The Presidency and indeed Nigerians should now see what APC in Rivers State is suffering in the hands of Governor Wike in collaborating with well known internal enemies of APC to keep the APC in Rivers State in perpetual comatose state.

Eze quoted another chieftain of the APC, Chibuike Ikenga, as saying that under Gov. Wike, every policy, decision, order, proclamation etc are not well thought out for the good of the masses or for the overall wellbeing of the state/citizens but well crafted or rehearsed for egocentric enhancements.

Chief Ikenga further stated that from the outset, "his programs are geared towards self aggrandizement and political profiteering. The personalization of governance in the state points to the same direction of a totalitarian and despotic regime under democracy.

Eze commended the Churches in Rivers State for rejecting  the temporary relaxation of the lockdown order for religious activities by Governor Wike which forced the Governor to cancel his earlier ill advised idea in this regard that would have endangered the lives of Rivers State people.   

Eze pleads with the Governor to drop the Emperor toga and relate as friends with members of his State Executive so that they can build up the confidence to advise him wisely on how to handle some critical and sensitive issues pertaining to governance and should also consult widely each time critical decisions, especially those touching on law and citizens' welfare are to be taken to save him from policy somersaults associated with his administration.

Signed

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze

APC Chieftain & former National Publicity Secretary, nPDP

 14– 04 – 20

A crayfish seller and Theatre Arts graduate wins “Help the Hard Worker” contest

A crayfish seller and Theatre Arts graduate from the Imo State University, Miss Nneoma Uzoka has emerged winner of the March 2020 edition of the “Help the Hard worker” monthly competition organized by a non-governmental organization, Princewill’s Trust for entrepreneurs, youths and Rivers residents who are engaged in micro business ventures and all forms of hard work in Rivers State.

A statement made available to journalists today by Princewill’s Trust titled “April Fools day Message for a March Winner” explained that unlike many beneficiaries of April Fools jokes, Miss Nneoma Uzoka, a crayfish seller, is not going to get pranked.

It reads: Her gift is real and it is the result of hard work, dedication and commitment. We bring to her good tidings and a tiny recognition of her efforts, with a view to encouraging her and many others to follow her footsteps and the footsteps of the others who chose hard work over laziness and a sense of entitlement. A transfer has been made direct to her account for 100,000 Naira and she has also acknowledged receipt. We trust that she will use the money well and look forward to her joining other previous Help a Hardworker winners, in making progress.

“Today might be April Fools day, but we all must refuse to be fooled into thinking that things just happen. No. We must put in the hard work. That is not true for only contestants of the Help a Hardworker competition, it’s true for all citizens. Especially to citizens of Rivers state. Considering what we are going through, I think it is pertinent to use this medium to appeal to every one of us to start the victory march against the Covid 19 virus from within. Each of us must play our part. My health is your health and vice versa. We are all inter connected.

“What we have learnt from the rest of the world tells us that one person carrying the virus can infect several people before that one person can even display any symptoms. So self isolation, social distancing and very good hygiene makes a very very big difference. The best advice from me to you is STAY HOME, avoid going out and lie low unless you have a critical reason not to. Follow the advise of the government and the healthcare professionals and please please please, do not gamble with your life. You only have one. What you are looking for outside could kill you or someone close to you.

“Here in Princewills Trust, we and the team have had to make changes to our laid down processes to protect our team and the wider community in which we operate. The first is we have had to do electronic transfers and present prizes virtually, so as to protect lives. The second is we will postpone the Help a Hardworker competition until full freedom of movement has been restored. Our inability to fully vet nominees means that it would be impossible to carry on in its current format. We will use this period to refocus on awareness and reorientation with a focus on positive messaging.

“A similar programme to the Help a Hardworker that had already been scheduled to start in April, will go ahead though. It will be called Help a Smartworker and will be restricted to political allies with exceptionally novel small business ideas. It will be based strictly online so can survive Coronavirus. Whenever its sister programme is restored, they will run alongside each other side by side.”

Miss Nneoma, an indigene of Imo state who sells crayfish in the popular weekly Oil mill market and Aluu boundary market was declared the winner, closely followed by Miss Chioma Amuzie and  Florence Martins who came in second and third positions respectively in the keenly contested competition which saw over five thousand contestants contesting for the top prize.

Confirming the receipt of an online transfer of the cash prize of One Hundred Thousand Naira via a telephone conversation profoundly grateful and excited Nneoma stated that she gives God all the glory for the victory. She further noted that she worked serious hard for it but above all, the grace of God found her and made it possible for her to emerge winner. 

The Imo state born Theatre Arts graduate turned Crayfish dealer further noted that, she intends to invest the prize money in her business as soon as the whole Covid19 pandemic blows over. Miss Nneoma also used the opportunity to call on hard working and enterprising youths in the state to advantage of the platform provided by the Prince’s Trust to apply as they may emerge winners too someday. Furthermore, she noted that the Help the Hard worker initiative is real, authentic and transparent.

While concluding her remarks, Miss Nneoma, prayed God Almighty to reward the founder of Princewill’s Trust abundantly for his love for the down trodden and people of the state and the country at large.

Speaking on behalf of the Princewill’s Trust, Hon. Ikem Anthony congratulated her. He also called on the general public to stay safe and stay at home to curtail the spread of the corona virus which is current on the rise in the state.

Second Republic Politician, Stephen Ejueyetsetsi Aganbi, bows to death at 99

….Itsekiri leaders, National Assembly Member mourn

Chief Stephen Ejueyetsetsi Aganbi, the Olare-Aja of Koko, will be remembered as a modern and progressive community leader, a committed citizen and one of the most effective leaders in the history of Nigeria’s Second Republic. Aganbi died Tuesday night. He was 99.

The death of the international lawyer, renowned politician, Itsekiri community head and Baptist Deacon was announced Wednesday morning.

‘Chief Stephen Ejueyetsetsi Aganbi died Tuesday night at home in Koko’’ a statement in Koko, headquarters of Warri North said.

‘’We have lost the unique focus of our community and festive light in our lives, but the inspiration of his self-confidence, cheerfulness and determination will live on in our hearts forever’’

The statement described Chief Stephen Aganbi as an icon of dedicated and upright public and private service, a man amongst men and one of the nation’s greatest political leaders.

Specifically, the statement praised Chief Aganbi for his roles in the unity and development of the country, particularly the Itsekiri nation.

‘’Chief Stephen Aganbi was a quintessential Nigerian. Throughout his political years, he proved to be an honest and courageous administrator. He also added charisma to education and astuteness both of which he displayed at difficult times’’ Business mogul, Mr. Felix Aganbi said

Trained in the United Kingdom, the Second Republic Politician, lawyer, community leader and chairman of defunct Nigerian National Shrimp Company Limited, Oghara was on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 conferred the Alare Aja (community head) of Koko by the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli.

 ‘’Chief Stephen Aganbi dedicated his life to the empowerment of his people. His contribution to the history of the Itsekiri nation will never be forgotten’’ Felix Aganbi said.

Before ascending the throne, the late community head had distinguished himself as a lawyer, politician and religious leader.

‘Chief Stephen Aganbi was more than a political leader. He loved the company of children and younger persons. He was both a father-figure and mentor to people from all parts of the world. Indeed, he was a living legend. May his soul rest in eternal peace’’.

The chieftain of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) recently decried the abandonment of some health care facilities in Warri North.

He called on DESOPADEC to develop all health care facilities in Koko.

Meanwhile, the member Representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi on Wednesday paid glowing tribute to Aganbi who he said played key roles in the nation’s development.

He described Aganbi as a great man whose wealth of knowledge and advice will be greatly missed by all.

‘’Pa. Aganbi was a lawyer per excellence, a community leader and a lover of God’ the lawmaker said.

Similarly, a former chairman of Warri North Local Government, Chief Francis Maku-Eyituoyor described Stephen Aganbi as a defender of the faith.

‘’We are encouraged and inspired by the example of Christian Service’’ he said

Credit: Henry Ovie

Eze Faults Wike Over Claims that Amaechi didn't Execute Projects as Rivers Governor

... Exposes Amaechi's projects that are the Source of the Refund Wike is currently Demanding from FG

... Tasks the Rivers Gov. to be Humble, Learn Real Art of Governance &  Performance  from Amaechi & Acknowledge His Uncommon Feats

... Says Wike is Mr. Minor Projects.

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a one time close associate of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has described the request by the Governor from the Federal Government to refund a whopping sum of One Hundred and Eight Billion Naira (N108B), allegedly spent on executed Federal projects by the administrations of Dr. Peter Odili and Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, without acknowledging the key projects on which the sum was expended is unfortunate and quite disheartening.

In a statement made available to media houses, Chief Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People's Democratic Party (nPDP) and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, stressed that as Rivers Governor, Governor Wike is entitled to request for funds that he feels can be used to better the lots of Rivers people, but in doing so, he must enlighten the public on the source of securing such fund because as a matter of fact, it was same refund he connived with the administration of Dr. Jonathan Goodluck to deny the people of Rivers State in order to punish Rt. Hon. Amaechi, the then Governor of Rivers State that he is currently requesting from the administration of President Buhari which Amaechi and others risked with their lives to install.

The need for Wike clearing himself on this is imperative as he is aware that he has not constructed or improved any of the Federal Roads begging for attention within the state that will warrant such a boast he exhibited while conducting the Federal Government Agencies who came to monitor the roads the construction of which he is demanding for a refund.

It is on record that immediately Governor Wike assumed office in 2015, his only major program was to portray Dr. Amaechi as a man who misused Rivers resources and never achieved anything throughout his eight years. If Wike's assertion is true, on what ground is he asking for refunds of monies used on federal projects executed by Amaechi.

The party chieftain challenged Gov. Wike to tell Nigerians the circumstances behind his moves for a refund.

"If Gov. Wike is to be taken seriously, I challenge him to tell Nigerians who saved up that money for Rivers State before he can begin to ask for a refund".

Eze highlighted that save the Airport Road, constructed by Dr. Odili's Administration, all other road projects showcased by Governor Wike were executed by the administration of Rt. Hon. Dr. Amaechi. The same Amaechi he accused of doing  nothing.

Eze noted with sadness that throughout the six years of the administration of Dr Jonathan, as the President of Nigeria, all the pleas of Amaechi for the refund of this monies fell on deaf ears, based on the influence of Mr. Wike, then Junior Minster, incharge of Education

The party chief expressed joy that the Federal Executive Council has sent a verification team to the state to confirm and verify Federal Projects executed by the Rivers State Government to warrant the request for refund. He agreed with Governor Nyesom Wike, that the Federal Government would refund the state resources used to execute federal projects in the State, but tasked the governor to be truthful to fact that none of those projects was either initiated nor completed by his administration, because he has not shown any vision as a serious Administrator.

Eze expressed optimism that the Minister of State for Education, Hon Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, who led the Federal Government Team will write a positive report on River State, not regardless that the projects inspected were not done by the present administration.

Eze is very hopefully that the APC led Federal Government will consider the impact of Rivers State in the economy of Nigeria and effect the refund not minding the unwarranted threat by Governor Wike, that If FG refuse to refund , he will raise alarm and tell the world to help him and ask why he is being denied the refund.

According to the governor "now we are talking of governance and we need these funds to do more projects for our people. He has given us assurance that the Federal Government will effect a refund this time around”. It is shameful that Wike has forgotten so soon that he was part of the plot to deny the State a refund in the first instance.

Eze averred that some of the projects executed by the Odili's and Amaechi's administrations inspected were the over 41.26 kilometre dualisation of the Airport-Isiokpo-Elele/Omerelu road, the reconstruction of Ikwerre road from Education to Agip flyover junction, construction of flyover at Agip-Rumueme-Abacha roundabout and the construction of flyover on East-west road at Obiri-Ikwerre, with rotary turning and service lanes. Other projects inspected include - Eleme junction flyover and interchange and Ada George road phases one and two.

Eze maintained that the efforts to erase the uncommon feats of Amaechi in the construction of modern Rivers State notwithstanding, Amaechi has remained a hero so far as governance is concerned in Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.

ENDS

Long Live APC!

Long Live Rivers State!!

Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria

Long Live President Muhammadu Buhari

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze

Help the Hard worker: “Mama Put” vendor emerges winner

Help the Hard worker: “Mama Put” vendor emerges winner

Lidia Thelema Soberekon has emerged winner of the February edition of the “Help the Hard worker” monthly competition organized by a non-governmental organization, Princewill’s Trust for entrepreneurs, youths and Rivers residents who are engaged in micro business ventures and all forms of hard work in Rivers State.

Miss Lidia, a graduate of Linguistics Studies from the University of Port Harcourt emerged the winner of the keenly contested competition for the month of February beating over three thousand contestants who participated in the competition.

Receiving the cash prize of One Hundred Thousand Naira at the Rumuoikini Central market where she sells food like rice, beans and stew popularly called “Mama put”, the very elated Lidia who is also the first female winner of the competition thanked the Princewill’s Trust for the gesture which she noted came at a time she was in need of funds to upgrade her business.

The Kalabari born Linguistics graduate turned food vendor further noted that, it has always been her dream and desire to own a restaurant for native Rivers foods and delicacies as a business, hence her venture into it last year to not only fend for herself but to also create jobs. She therefore called on youths in the state to be creative, endeavor to engage themselves in productive activities and not to wait for white collar jobs which are not as available anymore.

Also on ground to also receive the team from Princewill’s Trust was Mr. Chima Chukwu the youth Leader of Rumuikini who thanked the Trust for recognizing and picking a resident of their community as the winner of such a laudable programme aimed at assisting small scale business to grow. He further noted that he was going to spread the good news all over the community and also encourage the indigenes and non- indigenes alike to participate fully in future editions of the competition which he described as real.

Speaking on behalf of the Princewills Trust, Bar. Ken Sarowiyo stated that the aim of the Trust is to contribute to the economic development of Rivers State and called on the winner to make judicious use of the money in upgrading her business. He noted that it was very apt that a woman had finally won the competition and had done so courtesy of a Mama Put now that Mama Put has been formally recognized by the Oxford English Dictionary and Google. He reiterated that Princewills Trust has a special place for the voiceless and encouraged more women, more youths and the disabled to enter the contest.

Credit: Princewill’s Trust Media Team