*To reorganise TIMA-RIV for effective traffic control
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has alerted the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Ndowa Lale of a list induced by the All Progressives Congress, APC, with the aim of rigging the rerun legislative elections through the imposition of politically compromised returning officers.
Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday when he received the Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Professor Ndowa Lale and his management team, Governor Wike revealed that one Dr Otu Ekpeyong and an APC Chieftain, Dr Dawari George; the APC House of Representatives candidate for Akuku-Toru/Asari Toru Federal Constituency connived to draw up a list of returning officers from the institution with the aim of rigging the rerun polls.
Governor Wike stated that the Rivers State Government has already officially notified INEC of the fraudulent plot through a letter addressed to the INEC National Chairman.
The governor said that the people of Rivers State are vigilant, noting that that nobody will be allowed to subvert the democratic process.
He noted that the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt may have signed the illegal APC induced list without knowing that it was masterminded by fraudulent APC chieftains.
He warned that lecturers who allow themselves to be used by the APC chieftains will face the wrath of Rivers People.
“The Vice Chancellor signed without knowing that the list of returning officers was hijacked by the APC through Dr Otu Ekpeyong who was guided by Dr Dawari George, the APC candidate for Akuku-Toru/Asari Toru Federal Constituency.
“I am saying this publicly because we want the world to know the desperation of the APC. The fraudulent list of returning officers for the rerun elections has been intercepted and we have officially written to the National Chairman of INEC “, he said.
He reiterated his declaration that those who participate in election manipulation will be treated as political armed robbers. He said fraudulent returning officers will not be allowed to get away with their illegal plot.
He assured the university that the Rivers State Government will support them in executing critical projects that will enhance academic success.
Governor Wike said he will visit the University of Port Harcourt to ascertain areas that require the support of the state government.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Ndowa Lale congratulated Governor Wike on his victory at the Supreme Court.
He said that the University will continue to partner with the Rivers State Government to advance learning. He solicited the support of the governor in the completion of projects in the law faculty, Social Sciences Faculty and the Faculty of Humanities.
Rivers State Government to reorganise TIMA-RIV for effective traffic control
In another development, Governor Wike has stated that the state government will reorganise the Rivers State Road Traffic Management Authority ( TIMA-RIV) for effective traffic control.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Government House, Port Harcourt when he received the Vice Assistant Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, in charge of Bayelsa and Rivers State, Mr Bulus Dawang and the Rivers State Sector Commander, Andrew Kumupayi, Governor Wike said that the state government will collaborate with the FRSC to reposition the traffic management agency.
He said: “We are not setting up a new agency. What we are doing is to reorganise the existing agency, TIMA-RIV, for effective traffic management in liaison with the FRSC “.
The governor announced the donation of tow van and three traffic vans to the State Command of the FRSC to further improve on their service to the state.
He called on the FRSC to work with officials of the State Transport Ministry to improve the traffic in Port Harcourt through the clearing of illegal motor parks, illegal markets on roads and the reopening of the Trailer Park.
Earlier, Assistant Corps Marshal of FRSC in charge of Bayelsa and Rivers State, Mr Bulus Dawang described Governor Wike as a FRSC friendly governor because of his commitment to the construction of new roads.
He commended the governor for supporting the FRSC and also involving the Corps in the execution of the state’s traffic management.
Also speaking, Rivers State FRSC Sector, Mr Andrew Kumupayi assured the governor of the cooperation of the FRSC in the development of functional traffic strategies in the state.
Simeon Nwakaudu
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor