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PDP warns Rivers APC Caretaker Chairman against ‘baseless claims’

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The Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State has issued a stern warning to Tony Okocha, Chairman of the seven-man Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.

The PDP emphasized that Okocha should focus on his responsibilities at the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and refrain from spreading unsubstantiated falsehoods about the Rivers State government led by Governor Siminialayi Fubara.

Okocha had claimed that the battle against what he characterized as a “clueless, rudderless, directionless, and visionless” government in Rivers State led by Governor Fubara will be the easiest to win.

In response, the PDP, through its Publicity Secretary Sydney Tambari-Gbara, highlighted the satisfaction of Rivers people with Governor Fubara’s administration.

In a statement on Tuesday, Gbara said, “Fubara is a household name in the state due to the commitment he has shown in bringing development, good governance, and happiness to the people.

“In less than six months in office, Governor Siminialayi Fubara has embarked on several people-oriented projects cutting across the length and breadth of the State.

“Among the projects ongoing in the state are the multimillion naira Port Harcourt Ring Road, a major project that will cut through six local government areas, thereby easing movement of commerce and improving economic activities in the State.

“The Elelenwo and Bori Internal roads, the Ogoni- Andoni-Opobo/ Nkoro Unity road, among several others.”

The PDP spokesperson expressed amazement at Okocha’s discontent over Rivers women supporting Governor Fubara through a solidarity walk.

Tambari-Gbara clarified that such demonstrations are a global occurrence in politics, citing past instances in 2019 when women protested to protect electoral integrity.

The statement from the PDP urged Okocha to recognize the recurrent nature of such protests and reiterated the party’s confidence in the people of Rivers State to stand firmly with Governor Fubara, acknowledging his demonstrated capacity and competence in providing purposeful leadership.

“To boost food production in the State, Sir Fubara had paid an inspection visit to the abandoned Songai farm in Tai LGA, the Buguma fish farm in Asalga LGA, the Garri processing factory in Oyigbo LGA, with the view to revamp and put them to use to ensure food sufficiency.

“Governor Fubara also revived the Rivers State Micro Finance Agency, releasing the sum of N4Bn to the agency as loans to Rivers people interested in pursuing micro, small and medium scale businesses in the state.

“What about the payment of one hundred thousand naira to each civil servant, the promotion of civil servants who were not promoted for the last 8 years by the previous administration and other largesse to Rivers people during the Christmas celebration, the implementation of N30,000 minimum wage to Local Government staffs plus the ongoing employment into the Rivers State Civil Service.”

He said Rivers State representative on the NDDC Board should concentrate on his job and always cross-check facts before coming out to the media.

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Not an Easy Road for Akpatason’s Fourth Term Bid in Akoko-Edo Federal ConstituencyAdibe Emenyonu writes that the ambition of Hon. Peter Akpatason, member, representing Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency of Edo State to return to the Green Chamber of the National Assembly for a fourth term is currently brewing disaffection in the area The Akoko-Edo federal constituency is currently housing the Deputy House Leader, Hon. Peter Akpatason. Akpatason is in his third term as a member of the Green Chamber of the National Assembly. At the close of June 2023, he would have spent 12 years in the chamber. He was first elected in 2011 and has already spent 11 years in the saddle. In 2019, he was appointed Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, a position he has used to attract projects to the LGA to the admiration of all. However, those who want to unseat him, have insisted that his performance is less than salutary as it took him 12 years to attract meaningful projects to the LGA compared to first-timers like Dennis Idahosa (Ovia Federal Constituency) and Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (Owan Federal Constituency) who have gone the extra mile to break the sealing for their people within two years of their first term. His opponents have also argued that if those before him decided to over stay, he would not be in the House of Representatives. Notwithstanding, other arguments against Akpatason is that he has breached the rotational arrangement in the local government between north and south of the largest local government in Edo State. A prominent figure in the area who preferred anonymity, noted that the chairmanship and House of Representatives seat rotate between the southern and northern part of the local government, but expressed surprise that only one ward and one person has monopolized the position of the House of Representatives, negating the principles of justice, equity and fairness. He said: “If it’s about performance, Akpatason is doing well after three terms. But if it’s about rotation Akpatason has completely canceled the principles of zoning as was applied during the period of Col. Tunde Akogun (rtd), who spent only two terms. This is why you are seeing other persons irrespective of party affiliation indicating interest instead of just someone from Constituency 1, monopolizing it.” From all indications there are five aspirants who have indicated their interest to take over Akpatason’s job. Prominent among them are Kabiru Adjoto, former Speaker, and three-term member of Edo State House of Assembly. 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