News

US Challenges Nigeria On Democratic Values

Published

15 years ago

April 8, 2011

The United States. Government yesterday in Abuja challenged Nigerians to use the April general elections as a golden opportunity to demonstrate their unalloyed commitment to the promotion of democratic values and institutions.

The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Terence McCulley, gave the challenge in a speech entitled “Golden Opportunity For Nigeria,” he delivered in Abuja yesterday at a forum of representatives of Nigerian electoral stakeholders.

He urged the Nigerian electorate not to be discouraged by last weekend’s postponement of the National Assembly election.

McCulley noted that democracy was much more than the formal counting of votes, stressing that the quality of the April elections would be judged by more than what happened on election day.

He declared: “Democracy is about the freedom of all parties to campaign, to meet with supporters, to appeal to new voters and to deliver political messages to the electorate.

Democracy is also about sharing ideas and stimulating open, public discussion on the future of one’s country.

“Democracy is about upholding principles that are greater than any individual and respecting the will of those who confer democratic legitimacy – the people.”

The ambassador stressed that representative and accountable government could only occur when citizens empowered themselves by actively participating in the democratic process.

“Only Nigerians, by their votes and commitment to democracy, can ensure that the 2011 elections are free, fair and transparent.

We strongly encourage all eligible Nigerians to turn out again and prove to the world how much they believe in the democratic process,’’ he added.

McCulley reiterated that the U.S. government was strongly in support of Nigeria’s electoral process, saying it had committed more than 35 million dollars (N5.25 billion) to help support credible elections in the country.

He urged political parties and the government to allow all registered voters to participate freely and fully in a peaceful and transparent process.

“The nation’s political leadership and all those who aspire to lead must refrain from engaging in inflammatory rhetorics or supporting acts of intimidation. Violence has no place in a democratic society,” he cautioned.

McCulley also urged Nigerian women not to be deterred by the hitches in the process, noting that only a vigorous democracy could lead to their social and political empowerment.

“Democracy is a great equalizer in society. In the Nigerian context, this could include an increase in women entrepreneurs, improved access to quality education and more women holding public office,’’ he added.

In an interview with newsmen, Mrs Ene Edeh of Equity Advocate, an NGO, decried the lack of strategic planning to empower women to fully participate and be represented on the political scene.

Citing the example of inclusive governance in other countries, she appealed to government to consider the important roles women played in nation building and give them their rightful place.

Meanwhile, U.S Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Johnnie Carson is to be in Nigeria from April 8 to April 11 to observe the National Assembly elections, scheduled for April 9.

A statement issued by the State Department on Thursday announcing Carson’s travel schedule did not specify the states the top U.S official would observe the elections.

On April 2, INEC postponed the National Assembly elections, due to delays in the delivery of voting materials to polling stations across the country.

Carson, in remarks at the Woodrow Wilson Centre on Tuesday, said the U.S. Government agreed with INEC’s decision to delay the elections.

He was reported by the Voice of America as praising INEC’s Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega for bringing “integrity and competence” to his position.

“We share the disappointment of the electoral commission and of the Nigerian people that this important electoral event had to be postponed, and we renew our call for credible and transparent elections in this critically important country,’’ Carson said.

“If Nigeria’s elections are not a significant improvement over 2007, and if the current elections do not meet the expectations of a majority of voters, the Nigerian people will lose confidence in their leaders.

“They would also lose confidence in their democratic institutions and the capacity of Nigeria to sustain a positive democratic trajectory,” he added.

News

HoS Hails Fubara Over Provision of Accommodation for Permanent Secretaries

Published

3 days 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

3 days 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

3 days 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.