Connect with us

BIG STORY

I Didn’t Start Governing Rivers Fully Until This February — Fubara

Published

on

The executive governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, on Tuesday, said that he did not start governing the state fully until February 2024.

Fubara stated that even though he assumed office in May, he didn’t begin making decisions until February of this year, or eight months later.

He made this statement during the state’s Emohua Local Government Area’s internal road opening for Egbeda.

He said that he had performed incredibly well and won the people’s praise since he began completely taking over governance in February.

Fubara has been involved in a political dispute with his predecessor and estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, but he has not provided an explanation for why he did not begin completely governing during his first eight months in office.

Last October, he survived an impeachment plot by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike.

On two occasions, members of his cabinet loyal to Wike had resigned while the state Assembly has also been factionalised fuelling crisis in the state.

Speaking on Tuesday, he assured the people of the state of quality projects.

Fubara said, “We are just starting but I assure you more attention. If in four months we can do this, and we are getting this level of applause, you can imagine what will happen when we do one year of our record time, two years of our own record time. Rivers State would have experienced something different from the regular governance.

“I know why I said four months. We started full governance in February 2024. That was when we started taking decisions, when we started confronting governance. And I am proud to say that our people are happy with what we have done.

“What we want to do is to bring governance to our people, service delivery at record time, and in a cost-effective way.”

Fubara said he was operating a government of transparency, adding that there was a record of all his activities.

He said, “Everything that we are doing is in my white paper. I carry it along, so, there is no issue of any manipulation. Call me any day, anytime, it is there. Even the ones I did before this time, I still have all the records.

“If you call me any day, I will bring the records of all my activities in government, because I know that as a civil servant, what is most important is record-keeping so that if you are not there, and something happens, it is just for somebody to pick up the file and he will see the history.

“That is how I am trained, and I have that in my mind before I do anything. So, I am not scared of anything. Anybody who calls me any day, anytime, I have my records to show. I have all the approvals to show that I acted based on approval and not personal decision,” he said.

BIG STORY

Lagos Lawyer Gboyega Adetunji Delves Into Agriculture, Floats Abundish; A Revolutionary Farm-To-Table Outfit

Published

on

Barrister Gboyega Adetunji, a Lagos-based renowned legal practitioner, has ventured into agriculture with the launch of Abundish, a revolutionary farm-to-table service aimed at transforming how Nigerians access fresh, high-quality, and healthy farm produce.

Abundish is committed to offtake directly from farmers and supply to consumers promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring fair market value for produce.

The innovative platform offers a subscription-based model, allowing customers to customize their experience and receive curated selections of fresh, seasonal produce delivered conveniently to their homes.

“I’m thrilled to embark on this new journey, combining my passion for sustainable living and community development,” said Barrister Adetunji, Founder and CEO of Abundish.

“Our goal is to empower farmers, support local economies, and provide healthy, fresh produce to consumers while reducing food wastage and promoting sustainable practices.”

“Abundish is more than just a bridge,” says Barr. Gboyega Adetunji.

“We are a movement bringing fresh, high-quality produce whether cash or food crops directly from the farm to the end consumer, cutting out unhygienic produce, reducing landing costs of produce, and the convenience of doorstep delivery it affords our customers. This does not only benefits our customers, but also supports sustainable agricultural practices, grows the naira and local economies, and also empowers the farmers who nourish our communities.

Reacting to what inspires his diversification, Barr. Gboyega said “I’d always wanted to have my little farm that can cater for at least 80% of my consumption, but then I realized how impactful it would be if this practice could be extended to others, hence the creation of the Abundish brand”

When asked what sets Abundish apart from its counterparts, Barr. Gboyega said, “Abundish offers a unique subscription model, allowing customers to customize their experience and receive a curated selection of the freshest seasonal produce delivered conveniently to their homes. By bypassing traditional distribution channels, Abundish reduces food waste, ensures peak freshness for consumers and the amount of time doing tedious work of purchase and clean up”.

“Abundish offer fresh farm produce at fair market value, championing food security with sustainable practices” he added.

At Abundish, we are not just passionate about delivering farm-fresh produce, we are committed to creating a positive impact on our world. That is why we operate with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in mind, striving for a more sustainable, equitable, and food-secure future.

Join The Abundish Movement, visit www.abundish.info to learn more about Abundish, and subscribe to receive the freshest produce delivered at your convenience.

Follow Abundish on social media platforms for behind-the-scene farm footage, exclusive offers, recipes, and our social impact initiatives.

X (Twitter) – @abundish

Instagram – @abundish

Facebook – Abundish

 

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Governor Fubara Is The “Supreme Architect” Of Crisis Rocking Rivers — APC

Published

on

The All Progressives Congress (APC) says Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, is the “supreme architect” of the crisis in the state.

The ruling party is reacting to a comment by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alleging plots to take over the government of Rivers forcefully.

Felix Morka, the national spokesperson for the APC, claimed in a statement released on Thursday that the opposition party made the “fake” assertion without addressing the problems facing the state.

According to Morka, Fubara has disrespected the law ever since taking office.

“Quite contrary to the PDP’s misplaced quibbles against Chief Okocha’s comments, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the supreme architect of the horrific crisis rocking Rivers state,” the statement reads.

“Since assuming office over a year ago, Governor Fubara has displayed reckless disdain for the rule of law and democratic institutions and conducted his government in flagrant violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“In an unprecedented display of autocratic arrogance, Governor Fubara declared the democratically elected Rivers state House of Assembly to be non-existent and, without lawful authority, constituted a bogus and an illegal 3-man sham Assembly in brazen violation of express provisions of the Constitution on the threshold composition of the House of Assembly and in disregard of the separation of powers doctrine.

“The Governor has continued to expend public funds without lawful appropriations by a duly constituted legislature, thereby undermining the will of the good people of Rivers State and their right to effective and accountable democratic governance.”

The APC spokesperson said a “serious and focused” governor would have set a clear programme to conduct local government elections in the state.

Apart from the rift without Nyesom Wike, minister of federal capital territory (FCT), which has torn apart the Rivers house of assembly, the state is witnessing a crisis at the local government level.

Recall that Fubara, on Tuesday, asked the heads of local government administration to assume control of the 23 council areas of the state following the tenure expiration of the chairmen.

Despite the governor’s directive, some former LGA chairmen reportedly attempted to resume duty at the council secretariats but were chased away by youths.

The development sparked political tension in Rivers as residents protested at the LGA secretariats while police officers fired multiple shots into the air to disperse protesters.

Although the governor has sworn in caretaker committee chairs for the LGAs, they have not been allowed to assume their offices.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

HEALTH: Death Toll From Lagos Cholera Outbreak Rises To 21

Published

on

The Lagos state government says the death toll from the cholera outbreak in the state has risen to 21.

On June 11, Akin Abayomi, the commissioner of health for Lagos, announced that a probable cholera epidemic in several areas of the city had resulted in five deaths and approximately sixty hospital admissions. The cholera outbreak was declared by the commissioner on Saturday.

Of the 350 suspected cases, 17 have been confirmed, resulting in 15 fatalities.

Kemi Ogunyemi, special adviser to the Lagos governor on health, gave an update on Thursday following a meeting with members of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).

She stated that the increase in cases was expected after the Eid-el Kabir celebration.

According to NAN, she said the total number of suspected infections increased to 401, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers of infections.

Ogunyemi said suspected cases are subsiding across LGAs due to the state government’s intervention and surveillance efforts.

“The ministry of health, in collaboration with the state ministry of environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), continues to collect samples of water sources, food, and beverages to identify the source of contamination,” Ogunyemi said.

“We have also intensified our surveillance activities in communities, particularly in affected local government areas, to address the situation head-on.

“We are also working with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, as well as the Ministry of Tertiary Education, to ensure all precautions are taken in our schools to protect children and scholars as they return.

“Residents must, however, remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene, and participate in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera.”

Ogunyemi advised Nigerians to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise and fever.

She added that treatment for cholera has been provided free of charge at all public health facilities.

Continue Reading

Most Popular