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“Mr President, Invite These Four People To Solve Rivers Problem”, Tonye Cole

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Odili and Amaechi and Wike and Fubara

By Adesina Soyooye

An entrepreneur, politician, and a former Governorship Candidate, Tonye Cole, has revealed to the President and Nigerians the solution to the  political upheaval in Rivers State.

Cole was a two-time Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Rivers State. A son of a former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Brazil, Dele Cole, was the Governorship choice of then  strong man of Nigerian politics,  and former Governor of the State, Rotimi Amaechi.

Amaechi, aside from being a two-term Governor of Rivers  State, a two-term Minister for Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari,  he was, also,  for two times – 2015 and 2019 –   President Buhari’s Presidential Campaign Director General.

Yet, none of those high profile positions could push his Governorship Candidates through to victory – Dakuku Peterside in 2015, and Cole in 2019 and 2023. They were defeated by Nyesom Wike, Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Reacting to the political crisis in Rivers State between Wike and his political godson and successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara,  Cole, who spoke on Arise Television’s Morning Show, said the solution to Rivers State Crisis lies in the hands of four men. He said unless the four men sit together, with President Bola Tinubu as supervisor,  and discuss Rivers, peace will continue to  elude the State.

First on Cole’s list is Dr. Peter Odili, a two-term Governor of Rivers State and one of the most powerful Governors during his set. Odili is also regarded as the patriarch of Rivers politics, and the political mentor of most of the gladiators in Rivers State today. The second person, according to Cole, is Amaechi. The other two are Wike and Fubara.

Cole said these four men should sit them, resolve their differences, and prioritize Rivers State’s future over their personal ambitions.

Both Amaechi and Wike are known, especially, to be “Odili’s sons”, even though in recent times, political differences have crept in, making shaky, a once very closely knit political family.

Said Cole an Amaechi ally: “The State is larger than any single person or personal interest. Until these key actors sit down together and make the decision that Rivers State is more important than their individual interests, we will continue to see chaos.”

He wants President Tinubu to superintendent over the dialogue between the four people.

FG Food Initiative Commences As Osun Coordinates SW States

By
Ayodele Oni
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Atiku Bagudu

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government’s policy on Food System Transformation Pathways is set to commence in the South West with the appointment of Osun State as the coordinating point for the implementation.

The initiative is targeted at boosting nutritious and sufficient food production in Nigeria.

The Food System Transformation Pathways was initiated by the United Nations to facilitate well-functioning food systems that will provide higher incomes for small holder farmers and small/medium scale food enterprises, empower women, increase youths’ employment, and increase the amount of money circulating in the economy.

The goals of the Food System Transformation Pathways by 2030 includes reducing poverty, reducing unemployment, especially among youths, reducing hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition, reducing food imports and promote sustainable food trade, increasing women’s empowerment in agriculture index score and increasing environmental performance index score.

In the letter addressed to Governor Ademola Adeleke and copied his counterparts in Oyo and Ekiti states, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, explained that the implementation for the Food System Transformation Pathways in Oyo and Ekiti states will be coordinated from Osun state.

The Minister noted that the decision is in line with the effort of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration step towards achieving nutritious and food security as well as meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) objectives in the country.

The letter reads “Your Excellency may wish to be informed that the coordination of the three states in the South West Zone is part of efforts to complement the steps towards achieving nutritious and food security as well as SDGs in Nigeria.

“This is also part of the step being taken to deepen the achievement of Nigeria as presented at the Stock Taking Moment (STM) in Rome that was led by H.E Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON from 24-26 July, 2023,” the letter conveying the appointment of Osun state reads in part.

“The coordination arrangement is to consolidate on the agreed recommendations at the Retreat of the State Commissioners of Economic Planning, Agriculture and Health held in Abuja from 7-8 March, 2024 that reiterated the need for quarterly review of implementation on geopolitical zonal basis.

“The Honourable Commissioners for Economic Planning, Agriculture and Health in all the 36 States plus the FCT will therefore be expected to work together for effective delivery of the implementation strategy and multi sectoral plan of action for food and Nutrition.”

Bayelsa: Gov Diri Moves To Restore Electricity Supply To State

By
Ayodele Oni
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Senator Duoye Diri - Governor of Bayelsa State

By Ayodele Oni

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has lamented weeks of power cut to the State, which has put burden on the residents.

The Governor stated that beside the challenges that it poses to small businesses, it has put unprecedented financial pressure on the people.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on print media, Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli noted that “Bayelsans spend so much on fuel and others, which has directly led to hike in prices of goods and services.

“It is no longer news that Bayelsa state has been in darkness for some weeks. The above development is affecting all Bayelsans and other residents directly and indirectly.

“Governor Douye Diri is working round the clock to resolve the power situation. He is also making efforts to have alternative power sources especially now that Power has been designated in the Concurrent List of the 1999 Constitution As Amended, thereby giving power to state governments to generate and also distribute power.

“It is common knowledge that the electricity problem is not the making of the Governor. Some criminals vandalized the Transmission Tower Line between Ahoada-Yenagoa along the East-West Road.

“In the process, the criminals who have been arrested stole Floor Core Armoured Cables, SLPE Cables, Electrical Pot Installator, KV Poles, Recline Cables, Earth Cables, Bee Copper and other facilities.

“Even though the vandalized facilities belong to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Gov. Douye Diri has not rested because of the overwhelming negative impacts on the state that is the worst hit.

“Three weeks ago, one of the Engineers that are working on the Tower, fell from that height and died instantly. Another Engineer that fell survived, but has serious spinal cord injury and was immediately flown to Abuja for better medical attention.

“Governor Douye Diri is extremely worried. His pressure forced the management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to run to the state.

“No leader with a compassionate heart like Governor Diri can be happy when his people are going through excruciating pains that is worsened by the prevalent economic realities in the country.”

Ondo Nurses Give Strike Notice Over Failed Promises

By
Ayodele Oni
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Medical Doctors in Nigeria

By Ayodele Oni

Coming few days after the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State berated the health policy of the present administration, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, has (NANNM) given the government 15 days to meet some of its demands.

The demands include implementation of Upward Review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, (CONHESS).

The notice reads “Sir, for the purpose of references the demand that nurses and midwives have been begging your attention for are listed below for your immediate consideration:

“100% CONHESS: we sought for the approval and implementation of 100% CONHESS as it is been paid by all neighboring state to reduce migration within Nigeria.

“Upward Review of CONHESS: We requested a 25% upward review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for nurses, to match the adjustments made at the federal level, just as the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) was reviewed for medical doctors and same is being paid, we believe that the welfare of nurses deserves equal attention.

“Lateral Conversion: Your excellency sir, conversion of nurses in Ondo State after acquiring the required certificates has suffered huge set-back, a lot of our members have been wrongly placed while some were demoted in the name of conversion. We call for the prompt implementation of lateral conversion and redress of the last exercise held in 2022.

“Immediate Employment of Nursing Personnel: There is an urgent need for the recruitment of additional nursing personnel across health facilities in the state. The current shortage is leading to significant burnout among our nurses, which poses a risk to patient care and the well-being of our members.

“Payment of Hazard Allowance Arrears: We request the immediate payment of four months outstanding arrears of hazard allowance owed to our nurses, who continue to work under hazardous conditions without due compensation.

“Resolution of these issues is vital to maintaining a motivated and efficient nursing workforce in Ondo State. In this regard, we hereby issue a 15-day ultimatum, starting from 12 midnight of 8th October, 2024, for the state government to address our demands.

“Failure to address these demands leaves us with no option but to consider industrial action. We remain committed to dialogue and partnership with the government in our pursuit of improved healthcare services in Ondo State.

“We trust that Your Excellency will act swiftly to avert any disruption in the healthcare system. Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to these pressing matters.”

“I Don’t Know Who The Leader Of PDP In Rivers State Is” – Gov. Fubara

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of River State
Governor Similanayi Fubara

By Adesina Soyooye

Governor of Rivers  State, Siminalayi Fubara, sensationally declared Monday night that he does not know who the Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State is.

Fubara is a member of the PDP on whose ticket he became the Governor of the State.

According to the Constitution of the Party, whoever is the Governor in a PDP State automatically becomes the Leader of the Party in the State.

But that has not been the lot of Fubara since May 29, 2023, when he became the Governor. That position is solidly occupied by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Fubara’s estranged political godfather.

The Leader of the Party controls the structure and that   has been the root cause of the crisis between Wike and Fubara. It was Wike who drew  attention to it when his problems with Fubara first became public.

He said he didn’t want anybody to tamper with his structure.

Those who know Fubara insist that the structure was not the problem as he had never struggled over it with Wike. The problem, they insist, began when Fubara dared appoint a Commissioner on his own without clearance from Wike.

Now, Fubara’s case is worsened by the position of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the Party which members seem to be totally pro-Wike. They are more comfortable with the structures in Wike’s hands.

However, the PDP Governors Forum led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, a couple of weeks ago, endorsed Fubara as the Leader of the PDP in Rivers State. The Forum drew the attention of the  NWC to the anomaly where somebody else is the Leader, instead of the Governor.

That, however, earned the Governors the a rebuke and a threat. Wike sent them a warning to keep off the affairs of the PDP, Rivers State, or he would set fire on their own States.

On Monday, October 7, in the wake of the mayhem visited on the State over the 5th October Local Government Election held in State, Chief Bode George, a Chieftain of the PDP, emphasised that Governor Fubara, not Minister Wike, is the Leader of the Party in the State. Chief George declared so when he spoke on Channels Television.

However, a twist was added when Fubara, who spoke on the same TV Channel was asked who the Leader of the PDP in the State is. Without blinking an eye, the Governor responded: “I don’t know who the Leader of the PDP in the State is.”

Recall that all those who contested the Local Government Elections under a little known Action Peoples Party, APP, are Fubara’s loyalists who he advised to move into the Party and contest.

They all did. They all won, Chairmanship, Councillorship, except in Etche LGA, where the candidate of the AC won the Chairmanship position.

As Rivers Burns, Police Absolves Self Of Blame; IG Not At War With Fubara- Spokesman

By
James Orji
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The Nigerian Police Force , NPF, says the Force is not at war with Governor Siminalaye of Rivers state and should not be blamed for the violence that has now engulfed the state oil rich state following the conduct of council elections in the state last week.

The rebuttal is contained in a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in Abuja on Thursday.

The magazine reported that Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike now Minister of the FCT have clashed over the conduct of the elections, resulting in  confrontations among their supporters, with the state bearing the brunt as it has been  turned upside down in the last 24 hours.

At least five persons were reported killed yesterday while others have sustained serious injuries in the wake of the violence. No fewer than four council headquarters have also been touched by suspected arsonists, according to eyewitnesses account as Wike and Fubara supporters struggle for control.

Recall that Governor Fubara had accused the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun of causing the violence by being allegedly partisan in the current crisis.

Not a few well meaning Nigerians have also questioned the role played by the Egbetokun-led NPF in the violence that erupted after the elections, citing the withdrawal of policemen few hours to the Saturday, October 5 council polls.

But, the police said it has no hand in the violence, noting that its decision to obey the law is being misunderstood by some Nigerians.

Whatever the NPF has done, the police spokesman said, is in line with the law and its constitutional role for the maintenance of law and order in the country.

On why policemen were withdrawn from providing security on the eve of the election, Adejobi said the action was taken in obedience to court order.

Part of the statement reads: “Firstly, the Nigeria Police Force was served with an order of injunction by the Federal High Court made on the 19th of July, 2024, barring the Police from participating in the LG election, deeming it unlawful.

“Secondly, the Rivers State High Court issued a counter order on the 4th of September, 2024, directing the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies to provide security at the LG elections. It should be noted that the NPF was not joined as a party in this suit.

“And thirdly, The Federal High Court that gave the earlier injunction delivered judgement on 30th September, 2024, nullifying all previous activities so far carried in respect of the LG election and ordered the Police to stay away from any attempt to provide security during the said election.”

” All these orders and counter orders were served on the Police. The IGP being a thoroughbred committed to operating within the legal framework forwarded the three court orders to the Force Legal section for advice.

“For the information of members of the public, the Force legal section boasts of sound and experienced lawyers who have distinguished themselves in the legal profession, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

“Based on the legal advice received from the Force Legal Office, the IGP ordered the Rivers State Police Command to abide by the ruling of the Federal High Court, and also communicated the same to the Governor of Rivers State via a letter with reference number CH:3514/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.38/260 dated 2nd October, 2024, where the IGP advised the Governor to also abide by the Court ruling in the interest of peace and well-being of the people of Rivers State.

” The misinformation, triggered by the unwarranted outburst of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, based on no material fact was totally uncalled for, and unfair to the Law Enforcement Institutions in Nigeria, most especially his verbal attack on the person and office of the Inspector-General of Police.”

Adding that, ” For the avoidance of doubts, the general
public is free to profile the career journey of the Inspector-General of Police, and his track record in every place he has served, which undoubtedly show him as a man of honor, integrity and focus before and after his assumption of office as the 22nd Indigenous Inspector General of Police of Nigeria.

” The IGP is very well respected in the Association of Chiefs of Police, World Wide, particularly in Africa where he’s currently serving as the Chairman of the West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO) and providing meritorious leadership within the West African Chiefs of Police.

“We have seen Chiefs of Police from accross the world coming to attend his events in Nigeria and extending several invitations to him. For the first time, the president of Interpol was at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria Police conference and retreat in Owerri, last year under this IGP. Let us please observe some decorum in our politics in Nigeria.

” It is also instructive to note that the NPF does not intend to engage in any form of media tussle or war with the person of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, his administration or his political affiliations but will continued to play its role as a neutral body in all forms of political activities undistracted. Similarly, suffice to say that the Local Government elections were generally peaceful nation wide especially in states where the Police were in charge of security.

“In the same vein, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ,directed the immediate unsealing of all Local Government Council Secretariats in Rivers State which were previously sealed when violence erupted in the state over who control the local government secretariat between elected chairmen whose tenure expired and caretaker committee inaugurated by the state government which matter was pending in cour,” Adejobi said.

Rivers: Bode George Moves Against Wike, Asks Him To Let Go, Declares Fubara PDP Leader

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Bode George and Nyesom Wike

By Adesina Soyooye

  • Also asks President Tinubu to call Wike to order

A foundation member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Bode George, has asked the Minister for  the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to hands-off the local politics in Rivers State and face his job as a Federal Minister.

Bode George, a retired Navy Commodore, also, urged President Bola Tinubu to call Wike to order.

Chief George spoke Monday night on Channels Television in the wake of the inexplicable crisis which engulfed Rivers State Monday morning. It resulted in the razing of about six Local Government Council Headquarters. The sad incident was engineered, and carried out by those loyal to Wike. Government properties worth billions of Naira, and at least one life were lost. Several people were injured.

The mayhem was a consequence of the 5th October Local Government Elections in the State which was opposed and boycotted by factions of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, loyal to Wike.

Governor Fubara swore-in the Chairmen of the Local Councils on Sunday, but on Monday, a number of them were not allowed by those protesters to enter their offices.

But speaking on the crisis, Chief George, an erstwhile supporter of Wike,  warned President Tinubu about the danger his Minister, Wike poses in Rivers, and by extension, the Nigerian Nation. He asked Tinubu to review his relationship with Wike before Wike’s roles in Rivers State drag Nigeria into an unquenchable fire.

Asked who, in his opinion, is the Leader of the PDP in Rivers State, he said there was no doubt about who the leader is. He said Fubara is the Leader of the PDP in the State. He emphatically asked Wike to give Fubara a breathing space to govern the State.

Chief George: “Justice is, who is the Leader of the Party in the State? It is not the Minister, it is the Governor. So, we have to stand by him.”

Recall that Bode George, a close ally of Wike, joined him and his G5 Group to work against the Presidential Candidate of their own Party, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 General Elections.

Winners Chapel Building Airstrip For Members To Land, Park Their Aircrafts – Bishop Oyedepo

By
James Orji
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Bishop David Oyedepo

Popular Nigerian pastor Bishop David Oyedepo says members of the church and worshipers who wish to attend his church programme will soon be able to fly their aircraft directly from any part of the world to his church in Ota, Ogun state.

Oyedepo, the founder of founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel, made this known on Sunday during the Tehillah Night Special Edition at Covenant University Chapel.

The new generation university is owned by Bishop Oyedepo who recently had a lavish 70th birthday celebrations attended by the high and mighty global citizens.

The magazine reports that the popular pastor had confessed of owning a fleet of aircraft which he fly around the world.

Pastor Paul Enenche, one of his ‘sons’ in faith had also recently promised to purchase an aircraft for him to add to the number in the fleet.

While speaking at the university the Man of God, MOG  disclosed that  members of the church or other visitors willing to attend his programmes, will soon have the opportunity to land their airplanes at an airstrip situated within the church premises, unlike before when they had to land at the public airports before making connection to Ota where the church is situated.

He said the federal government has approved an airstrip to be constructed within the vast church premises.

Himself and “members with their planes will have where to land and park,” in the airstrip soon to be constructed by the church, the MOG said.

He also revealed that some some graduates from the university Aviation school are among his pilots, adding that the church should be proud of this achievement, saying airstrip will improve transportation for worshipers and visitors, especially during the church’s large events that usually draw thousands of worshipers from around the world.

The bishop said, “I am sure you will be glad to know that the Federal Government has approved an airstrip for Canaanland.ation

“I won’t need to fly a helicopter to the airport. I can leave from here to wherever I am going. Members with their planes will have where to land and park.

“Won’t you be glad to know that there are some captains that fly me who are graduates of Covenant University? We don’t have an aviation department here, but they found their place in God and went after it.

“That’s what this university is all about, it’s not about boxing you up. It’s about allowing you to locate God’s plan and pursue it accordingly. Young people, don’t play away your life, you don’t have a spare.”

Recall that Enenche had promised to “buy my father in the Lord (Oyedepo), an aircraft.”

“I want to live a Kingdom-first lifestyle, start now! I want to be a major giver in the Kingdom, don’t wait! I believe that one day, I will buy my father in the Lord (Oyedepo), an aircraft,” Enenche said

“I’m trusting God for that, not that he can’t buy for himself, but this is just to add to what you have Sir, but before I reach that level, when he bought this current aircraft many years ago, I went to him with an offering; I said, “This is for aircraft’s tyre.”

“The meaning of it is; if I had enough money to buy the aircraft, I could have bought it but, since I cannot buy it now, at least this money is equivalent to the tyre – plenty money because every part of the elephant is big,” he added.

“We Shall Effect Release Of Kebbi Abducted District Head, 9 Others” – Kebbi Govt

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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District Head of Kanya - Alhaji Aliyu Isah Kanya

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kebbi state Government has vowed to do all within its powers to rescue the abducted District Head of Kanya, Alhaji Aliyu Isah Kanya.

The Traditional Ruler, along side nine other victims, was kidnapped in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of the State by suspected banditry elements.

The Source reports that the abduction is coming just when the dust raised by the kidnap and subsequent killing of Isah Bawa Abdullahi the late District Head of Sabon Gobor in neighbouring Sokoto State is yet to settle.

The late Traditional Ruler was  in July, abducted together with his son on their way from Sokoto town to his domain.

While his son was freed after the payment of about N60 million ransom,the District Head was killed by the abductors following the inability of all concerned ,including the Sokoto State Government, to pay the heavy bounty placed on his head.

In a statement issued on Monday October 7, 2024, Ahmed Idris quoted Governor Nasir Idris as also describing the development as sad and unfortunate.

According to the statement,the State Governor, while expressing deep concern over the abduction, however, assured that Government will work in concert with security agencies and other relevant entities to ensure that the District Head and others are rescued unhurt.

Governor Idris also assured the families, relations and friends of the victims of Government’s commitment towards securing their freedom.

However ,the Governor appealed to the people to volunteer credible intelligence that could lead to the release of the victims.

“I Knelt Down Many Times (For Wike) To Beg” – Gov Fubara

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Siminalayi Fubara
Governor Siminalayi Fubara

By Adesina Soyooye

  • I don’t owe Wike, fulfilled all agreements with him. ●There is nothing I have not done for peace ●Wike should let go

The Governor of Rivers State,  Siminalayi Fubara, has lamented the havoc wreaked on some Local Government Councils Area Headquarters in the State.

Following the conduct of the Local Government Elections on Saturday, October 5. and the swearing-in of the winners – Chairmen – on Sunday, October 6, 2024, by Fubara, the new officers who went to resume on Monday were met with mayhem.

Protesters, made up of those opposed to the election, mainly factions of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, invaded some Council Headquarters and set them on fire. The Local Councils which Headquarters were razed include Eleme, Ikwerre, Emohuo, Degema, among others.

The arsonists, in some LGA’s, were led by known politicians, including, at least, a member of the House of Assembly loyal to  Wike and a former Chairman of a Local Government Area.

In the case of  Ikwerre LGA, the Governor pointed out that the former Chairman had just built the buildings they burnt down. He said they were his (the former Chairman’s) legacy project. Fubara then asked: “How can you lead people to destroy what you built? Why go this low?”

Speaking on the hell which literally engulfed the State, Fubara expressed shock  at the level people could descend to destroy the State.

Fubara spoke to Channel Television’s Seun Okinbaloye Monday night on the crisis.

On why the relationship between him and his immediate predecessor, political godfather, and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike  went sour, he said it was not something he would want to discuss but attributed it to “power.”  He said he did not  fail to keep any of the agreements both of them reached. He said he kept to all the agreements they had.

Fubara also revealed that there was nothing he had not done in order to smoothen his relationship with Wike, who he still referred to in the interview as “my oga”. The efforts he made, Fubara revealed, included kneeling down for Wike a number of times just for peace to reign.

But he added: “I am not a coward. I know what to do. But I will not because I want peace in the State. I want progress in Rivers State. The only thing I can tell the former Governor if I see him is “to let go”.

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