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COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF AN EMERGENCY MEETING OF RIVERS ELDERS AND LEADERS FORUM HELD
19 DECEMBER, 2023 IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE.
Rising from an emergency meeting of Rivers Elders and Leaders
Forum held 19 December, 2023 in response to the intervention
and directives of the President, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the
current political crisis in Rivers State.
We recall that in our communiqué of 17th and 18th December,
2023, we urged Mr. President to intervene in the political crisis in
Rivers State, for which we commend his prompt intervention
between Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Honourable Minister of the
Federal Capital Territory and Sir Siminialayi Fubara, the Executive
Governor of Rivers State but we are at a loss as to whether his
intervention has solved the problem or escalated it.
A review of Mr. President‟s directives for the resolution of
the political impasse in Rivers State showed that:
1. That the directives contravene the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which Mr. President swore to
uphold at all times. The directives unilaterally suspended the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by virtue of an attempt to reverse a court order recognizing Rt. Honourable
Edison Ehie as the speaker and directing that the remainder of members of the House of Assembly constituted the quorum for legislative business.
2. That the directive also contravenes the hallowed doctrine and practice of separation of powers, particularly as it affect the responsibility of the judiciary. CAN MR. PRESIDENT OR THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF GOVERNMENT OVERRULE THE DECISIONS OF COURTS OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION?
This portends executive rascality which undermines our constitutional democracy, rule of law and good governance.
3. The directives to the parties were one sided in favour of Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Honourable Minister of the
Federal Capital Territory and at the detriment of the Governor, Siminialayi Fubara and the good people of Rivers
State.
4. In the eyes of the law and due process, as evidenced by the Rivers State High Court decision, that the Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule and his team has ceased to exist in the state House of Assembly having defected to another political party, and therefore cannot be reinstated and remunerated through the back door.
5. It is the duty of the Executive arm of Government to provide accommodation for legislators in a constitutional democracy as exemplified by the FCT Minister with respect to the
National Assembly. It is therefore, hypocritical to suggest, that the Rivers State House of Assembly under Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule could
sit anywhere of their choice, whereas in Abuja, it is the FCT Minister, on behalf of the executive arm that provides
accommodation for Federal Legislators. The very reason why the FCT Minister was referred to as the “LANDLORD OF
ABUJA‟ by Mr. President at the presentation of the 2024 budget.
6. The directive to re-present the budget passed and signed into law is a clear attempt to ridicule and denigrate the office of the Governor and the good people of Rivers State including the Judiciary.
7. In Public Administration parlance, a person can exit service either by resignation, sack, voluntarily retirement or death. It is therefore preposterous for the President to direct that the people who have exited service for personal reasons be re-absorbed.
8. The Forum enjoined all responsible citizens of Rivers State to rise up in this our moment of truth, to salvage the soul of Rivers State. Our fathers fought for the creation of Rivers State, we will stand to defend it. “When injustice and
criminality become law and a way of life in the polity, resistance becomes a duty”.
9. Finally, the Forum condemns in its entirety, the directives for the resolution of the political crisis in Rivers State. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy where only the courts can order
the reversal of acts done or carried out under the provisions of the law.
Therefore any resolution or directive that intends to undermine the principle of separation of powers and the rule of law is unacceptable, null and void and will be resisted, using all constitutional means at our disposal.
Long live Rivers State and her People.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The communique was read by former Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Chief Rufus Ada George.
By: Divine Perezide
In a heartfelt message brimming with love and admiration, Ambassador Tom EBIAKPO WILLY has extended warm birthday wishes to his beautiful twin sisters, Ebikabo-ere and Ebisine , describing them as “precious gifts-radiant, loving, and full of grace.”
The distinguished Ambassador expressed deep affection and gratitude for the joy and light the twins bring into their family and the world at large. His message celebrated their positive influence, highlighting the beauty, kindness, and grace that define their lives.
In his touching note, Amb. Willy prayed for God’s supernatural blessings upon them, asking that they be favoured with long life, abundant grace, and unending joy. He further declared that their paths would continue to shine ever brighter, with every desire of their hearts manifesting in overflowing testimonies.
The emotional tribute concluded with words of encouragement and love, as he urged his twin sisters to “keep shinning beautifully,” a testament to the strong bond and affection that unite the strong bond and affection that unite the family.
The birthday message from from their big brother, Amb. Tom Ebiakpo Willy radiates as a glowing celebration of sisterhood from a loving brother, divine favour, and enduring family love.
By: Derick Peretengboro
A respected politicalleaderin BurutuLocalGovernmentArea, Rt. Hon. Chief Joseph Asiaye Alubeze has joined family, friends, and associates to celebrate Amb. Engr. Fred Sheriff Junior Oborevwori, son of the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on the occasion of his birthday.
In a congratulatory message released to newsmen in Burutu, Alubeze described the celebrant as one who has consistently demonstrated passion and commitment to the development and empowerment of young people across Delta State.
According to him, Amb. Fred Sheriff Junior Oborevwori has positively impacted countless youths in the state, providing them with opportunities and inspiration to thrive. He lauded him for his role in amplifying and driving the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori, ensuring that its benefits are felt at the grassroots.
“On this special day, I, Rt. Hon. Chief Joseph Asiaye Alubeze, celebrate you and wish you many more fruitful years ahead in good health, joy, and greater accomplishments. May your path continue to shine brighter as you inspire others.
Happy birthday, Amb. Engr. Fred Oborovweri Jnr”.
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Tinubu Appointee, Madam Beauty Warejuwowei Celebrates Dr. Dennis Otuaro on His Birth Anniversary
By: Divine Perezide
Warrri, Delta State – Warri-based business magnate and Delta APC leader, Madam Beauty Warejuwowei, has joined well-wishers across the Niger Delta to celebrate Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, PhD, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), on the occasion of his birthday.
In a heartfelt felicitation signed on behalf of herself, her family, and political and business associates, Madam Beauty praised Dr. Otuaro’s leadership qualities and selfless commitment to peace and development of the region.
“Your visionary, unwavering dedication, and commitment to peace and development in the Niger Delta continue to inspire many. As you mark this special day, I pray for your good health, wisdom, and divine strength to enable you to continue your noble service to our people and the nation at large. Happy Birthday, and many happy returns,” she declared.
Madam Beauty Warejuwowei, who also serves in the President Tinubu’s administration as a Member of Governing Council and Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYREP), noted that Dr. Otuaro’s efforts in steering the Presidential Amnesty Programme have further strengthened Federal initiatives aimed at fostering stability and empowering ex-agitators and youths across the oil-rich region.
She reiterated her confidence that with leaders like Otuaro, the Niger Delta will continue to witness peace,development, and sustained progress.