Odili: Fubara prevented Wike from turning Rivers to private estate

Former Governor Peter Odili of Rivers State has hailed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for stopping the quest by one man to capture the state as a private estate.

In his welcome address at a Christmas Ballad, he hosted for Fubara at his residence in Port Harcourt, Odili said the governor emancipated the people of the state.

Odili said his family decided to host Fubara and his family to a night of varieties of sing-song and other activities in appreciation of the fortitude and sterling leadership qualities he has demonstrated.

He said since October 25, 2023, when a fierce political battle was waged against Fubara, the governor confronted the challenge.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to Fubara, quoted Odili to have said, “It is now over 12 months, since the 25th October 2023, when a fierce existential fight, though unnecessary, was waged against Governor Fubara over the soul of Rivers State.

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“He (Odili) said that with assuring fortitude, Governor Fubara confronted the challenge, prevented the quest by one man to capture the State as a private estate, emancipated Rivers people, steadied governance and made civil servants and Rivers people happier as it used to be until he left office in 2007.”

Although he did not mention any name, there was a strong indication that the elder statesman was referring to Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Although Wike, also a former Rivers governor, influenced the emergence of Fubara, the duo fell apart within three months after the incumbent governor took charge of the state.

Wike later stated publicly that he regretted backing Fubara and vowed to unseat him in 2027.

In her speech, Justice Mary Odili, who presented gifts to Fubara, his wife, Lady Valerie, and children, said God knew long ago the need for an emancipator and gave Fubara to Rivers.

Responding, Governor Fubara stated that while the political antagonism lasted, God gave him a new perspective on leadership.

According to him, with the strength of support from the people of the state, he has stopped seeing the political crisis in the state as a problem but as a necessary enabler in governance.

He said: “And not just because I want to accept it, I get stronger in this course every day when I look at the support I am getting from the true Rivers people.

“So, it is not me being strong. My strength is drawn from every one of you that is here. You encouraged me; you did the work for me; you made the calls for me. So, why won’t I stand up for you? But we also believe strongly that the ultimate game changer, the ultimate liberator, and the ultimate fighter remains God Almighty. And because we have Him on our side, victory is assured,” Fubara said.

Odili: Fubara prevented Wike from turning Rivers to private estate

256 terrorists, two logistics suppliers arrested in one week – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, says troops on internal security operations have apprehended two terrorist ammunition couriers, 256 other suspects, and neutralised 148 terrorists within one-week.

The DHQ’s Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

Mr Buba said the troops also rescued 291 hostages, arrested 51 suspected oil thieves and recovered stolen crude worth N798.1m.

He said the suspected ammunition couriers identified as Danweri and Abubakar Hamza, were apprehended in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

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He added that the troops also within the week, recovered 146 assorted weapons and 2,599 assorted ammunition, comprising two PKT guns, 72 AK47 rifles, 33 fabricated rifles, 28 dane guns, among others.

Others, according to him, included 1,596 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 636 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 111 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo, 114 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 25 rounds of 9mm ammo and 98 live cartridges.

Also recovered are three baofeng radios, three vehicles, 36 motorcycles, 40 mobile phones and the sum of N1.8m among other items.

“Meanwhile, in the Niger Delta area, troops discovered and destroyed 66 illegal refining sites, 68 crude oil cooking ovens, 13 dugout pits, 41 boats and 45 storage tanks.

“Other items recovered include; four speedboats, one pumping machine, 150 drums, one generator, two motorcycles, two mobile phones, one drone and five vehicles among others.

“Troops also recovered 657,470 litres of stolen crude oil, 127,870 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,000 litres of DPK,” he said.

256 terrorists, two logistics suppliers arrested in one week – DHQ
NAN

Leadership by example: FRSC Corps Marshal leads field operations, patrol highways 

By Bisi Kazeem

As the year winds down and Nigerians embark on end-of-year travels, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified its efforts to curb road crashes and ensure safer highways. Leading this charge is the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, who has set a sterling example of sacrificial leadership by actively participating in frontline operations during this critical period.

The end of the year is a notoriously perilous time on Nigeria’s roads, marked by increased traffic, heightened road traffic crash risks, and a surge in reckless driving.

However, under the proactive leadership of the Corps Marshal, the FRSC rolled out an unprecedented campaign to reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities, ensuring that the festive season is marked by joy rather than tragedy.

True leadership is not defined by words but by action. The Corps Marshal exemplifies this by personally leading field operations, patrolling highways, monitoring traffic flows, and directly engaging with road users.

His visible presence has reinvigorated the morale of FRSC officers and demonstrated to the nation that leadership is about service and sacrifice.

He defied insecurity on the highways and embarked on a traffic monitoring operation from Abuja, the Federal Capital, through Kogi, Ekiti, Ondo, Owo, Ore, down to Edo and Delta.

His decision to lead from the front underscores his commitment to the FRSC’s mission of saving lives and highlights the urgent need for compliance with traffic rules and regulations.

From the beginning of the Ember Months sensitisation campaign in September, the Corps had gone ahead of time, implementing series of robust measures aimed at addressing road safety challenges during the festive season. These remedies include; increased patrols and checkpoints as additional officers and vehicles have been deployed in strategic points on highways to monitor and enforce compliance with traffic laws; organised nationwide safety campaigns targeting speed violations, drunk driving, overloading and seatbelt use.

These campaigns educate drivers on the dangers of reckless behaviours and emphasize the importance of safe driving practices.

The Corps also ensured Emergency Response Preparedness: ambulances, tow trucks, and rescue teams are on standby to ensure rapid responses to emergencies, reducing fatalities and injuries in the event of crashes.

Knowing that the task of making the highways safe is a collective action, FRSC went into the season with strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force, transport unions, traditional rulers and local communities, to foster a united front in the battle against road crashes.

The Corps Marshal’s leadership has inspired not just his officers but also the general public.

His direct involvement sends a clear message that road safety is a shared responsibility requiring the commitment of all stakeholders.

The Corps Marshal’s hands-on approach during this critical period has not only motivated the FRSC team but has also restored public confidence in the agency’s commitment to saving lives,” said a motorist who witnessed the Marshal’s activities firsthand on the Niger Bridge.

The monitoring activities carried out across major corridors suggest that the intensified efforts are yielding positive results, with a noticeable reduction in road crashes and fatalities compared to previous years.

The Corps Marshal’s example of sacrificial leadership has brought renewed vigor to the FRSC’s operations, ensuring that every life is valued and protected.

Needless to state that the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, is indeed an enigma, a force to be reckoned with and a true example of practical leadership in public service as he leads yet again by example in the fight against road crashes in Nigeria.

Taking active front-line roles, dedicating to sacrificial leadership and willingness to take bold steps to address the challenges facing Nigerian roads.

By setting the pace, he’s inspiring his team and other stakeholders to join forces in the quest for safer roads in Nigeria.

As the festive season continues, let us all join the FRSC as they call on all Nigerians to support its efforts by adhering to traffic rules, avoiding risky driving behaviours, and prioritizing safety on the roads.

Together, with the leadership of the Corps Marshal and the dedication of FRSC personnel, a safer, accident-free festive season is achievable.

The Corps Marshal’s leadership reminds us all that effective leadership requires sacrifice, action, and a deep commitment to service.

As Nigerians embark on their journeys this season, they can take comfort in knowing that the FRSC is working tirelessly to make the roads safer for everyone.

*DCM Bisi Kazeem (Rtd), fsi MNIM anipr, a public relations expert and media guru writes from Lagos, Nigeria.