News

Acting President: PDP Applauds NASS Leadership

Published

16 years ago

February 12, 2010

The leadership of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has applauded the National Assembly over the resolution of the political logjam created by the absence of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua by mandating the former Vice President to be the Acting President.

PDP National Chairman, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor made the commendation when the leadership of the National Assembly, led by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole and Deputy Senate President, Senator Ekweremadu paid him a courtesy call to explain the action they took following the absence of President Yar’Adua who has been away in Saudi Arabia for about 80 days on medical ground.

His address to the National Assembly leadership reads: “I would like to begin by thanking you, the leadership of the National Assembly, for the ingenious and patriotic manner you resolved the political logging.

“The unanimous resolution of both chambers of the National Assembly which proclaimed Dr. Goodluck Jonathan the Acting President and the Commander-in–Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has successfully brought to an end the reign of needless speculations, anxiety and uncertainty.

“As a party, the PDP has always maintained that the absence of president Yar’Adua on account of ill health does not amount to a vacuum in the presidency. Your decision yesterday therefore, has reaffirmed our stand that the leadership of the nation has been in the capable hands of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who has so far discharged the responsibilities with distinction.

“Now that the National Assembly has finally settled that debate, it is now time to move on and concentrate on the duties expected of each arm of government. For instance, Nigerians expect a quick passage of the Electoral Reform Bills as well as the 2010 budget now before the National Assembly. Of equal importance is the Constitution Amendment Bill which also needs immediate action.

“Let me also use this opportunity to express the party’s profound appreciation to the Governors Forum, members of the Federal Executive Council, the Judiciary, eminent Nigerians, the international community and all those who offered useful contributions in the interest of our dear nation.

“While I enjoin all Nigerians to continue to pray for the recovery and return of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua , may I also call on politicians , especially those who always wish to contrive an atmosphere of anarchy out of every national challenge to turn a new leaf. We urge them to join hands with us to ensure the advancement and the consolidation of constitutional rule in Nigeria.

“May I finally on behalf of the entire members of the National Working Committee call on the opposition political parties to re-channel their efforts towards organising themselves for the next general elections rather than seeking to capsize the entire Nigerian political ship for selfish reasons.

“I thank you all once more on behalf of our great Party for the patriotic role you have been playing in nation building.”

Earlier, Speaker Bankole and Senator Ekweremadu explained that the action of the National Assembly in pronouncing Dr. Jonathan Acting President was in the best interest of the nation and was meant to ensure the nation moves forward.

News

HoS Hails Fubara Over Provision of Accommodation for Permanent Secretaries

Published

1 day ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Head of Service (HoS) of Rivers State, Dr. Mrs. Inyingi S. I. Brown, has commended Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, for approving befitting accommodation for Permanent Secretaries in the state.

This commendation was contained in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.

According to the Head of Service, Governor Fubara has continued to demonstrate uncommon commitment to the welfare of civil servants in Rivers State, stressing that such gestures underscore his people-oriented leadership style. She urged civil servants across the state to remain supportive of the governor’s administration in order to sustain good governance and effective public service delivery.

Speaking on behalf of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Brown congratulated Governor Fubara on the occasion of his 51st birthday, describing him as “a Governor who leads by serving.”

She further praised the governor’s service-driven and people-centred leadership approach, noting that it has significantly contributed to institutional stability and improved efficiency within the state’s public service. Special appreciation was expressed for the approval of a befitting accommodation complex for Permanent Secretaries, which she said reflects the governor’s commitment to staff welfare and enhanced productivity.

As part of activities to mark the governor’s birthday, the Body of Permanent Secretaries announced the sponsorship of 329 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for indigent students across the state.

A breakdown of the initiative shows that 319 forms will be distributed across the 319 political wards in Rivers State, while five forms are allocated to non-indigenes and five forms to persons living with disabilities.

Interested applicants are advised to contact the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, for further details.

The Body of Permanent Secretaries wished Governor Fubara continued good health, divine wisdom, and greater accomplishments in his service to the people of Rivers State.

By John Bibor

News

Allegation of Disrespect to President Tinubu Unfounded — Rivers Government

Published

1 day ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to a statement credited to an acclaimed Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), purportedly authored by one Bestman Innocent Amadi, alleging that the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, removed the official portrait of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from the Government House, Port Harcourt.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Rivers State Government wishes to categorically state that there is no policy, directive, or intention on the part of the government or the Governor that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or undermines the authority of the Federal Government.

On the contrary, the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, currently enjoys a robust, cordial, and collaborative relationship with the Federal Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Renewed Hope Agenda—a partnership that is already yielding positive and tangible benefits for the people of Rivers State.

Consequently, the insinuation that the Governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” is misleading, irresponsible, inflammatory, and entirely unsupported by verifiable facts, and should therefore be disregarded by the public.

It is regrettable that a body expected to promote youth unity, peace, and responsible engagement would resort to incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated claims capable of overheating the polity at a time when Rivers State requires calm, dialogue, and mature leadership.

The Rivers State Government therefore calls on well-meaning members of the public, particularly its esteemed and hardworking youths, to disregard and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups bent on advancing divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.

Rivers State belongs to all of us. Political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, peace, and the collective pursuit of progress.

Members of the public are further urged to remain vigilant and avoid lending credence to inflammatory statements or the activities of fifth columnists pursuing dubious agendas aimed at sowing discord.

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News

Rivers Government Dismisses Allegations of Disrespect to President Tinubu

Published

1 day ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has dismissed as unfounded and misleading allegations that Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara removed the official portrait of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the Government House in Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state government reacted to claims credited to an acclaimed Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), describing the allegation as false, irresponsible, and unsupported by any verifiable facts.

The government clarified that it has no policy, directive, or intention that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or undermines the authority of the Federal Government. It emphasized that Governor Fubara maintains a cordial, respectful, and collaborative relationship with President Tinubu and the Federal Government.

According to the statement, the relationship between Rivers State and the Federal Government has grown stronger under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with tangible benefits and positive impacts already being felt by residents of the state.

The Rivers State Government described insinuations that the governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” as deliberately provocative, noting that such claims are capable of misleading the public and unnecessarily heating up the polity.

It further expressed concern that an organization expected to promote youth unity and peace would engage in what it termed incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated accusations at a time when the state requires calm, dialogue, and responsible leadership.

The government called on well-meaning members of the public, especially the youths of Rivers State, to disregard the claims and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups spreading divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, unity, and progress, the state government stressed that political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, and the collective interest of the people.

Members of the public were also urged to remain vigilant and not give attention to inflammatory statements or individuals described as fifth columnists bent on causing division within the state.