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RSG Reaffirms Public Holiday For Workers, Today …Bans Street Trading
The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed that the work-free day for workers in the state declared by Governor Nyesom Wike for today has not been cancelled.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dr. Austin Tam-George, the government emphasised that the work-free day was not declared by the governor for the postponed re-run elections, initially scheduled for tomorrow.
The statement, therefore, urged all workers in the state, especially those in the employment of the government to observe today as a work-free day, and commended them for their support and cooperation.
It called on the workers to continue to show understanding and ensure that they play their roles in the effort to realise the government’s vision for a new Rivers State.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has congratulated the Governors of Akwa-Ibom State, and Abia State, Udom Emmanuel and Dr. Okpezie Ikpeazu, respectively, over their victory at the Supreme Court.
In a statement issued by the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dr. Austin Tam-George, the governor said the Supreme Court judgments that upheld the elections of Emmanuel, and Ikpeazu, were a milestone that ensured the restoration of the mandates delivered to them by the people.
The governor reassured that since power belongs to God, the mandates of the people could only be upturned by God, and not man.
Meanwhile, the Rivers Government, has banned all illegal trading on the streets of Port Hacourt and other 22 local government Area of the state.
The commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Hon Chinyere E Igwe, who stated this when members of Rivers State Traders Unions paid a solidarity visit in his office, said the state government was poised to discourage illegal trading in the state to enable it maintain the physical plan of the state capital and other developing cities in the state.
Igwe frowned at a situation where traders abandon stalls which government built and allotted them inside the markets and resort to street trading, thereby causing traffic congestion in the city.
The commissioner said that government promulgated laws establishing markets which should be upheld, assuring members of the union of enforcement of such laws.
According to him, the ministry of Urban Development is ready to partner with you to ensure that traders do not sell on the streets of Port Harcourt and other local government areas of the state.
“Igwe enjoined members of the traders union to advice their colleagues to make use of the stalls and avoid streets trading, stressing that laws of the land must prevail”.
He, however, urged them to remain calm and maintain law and order as they go about their legitimate businesses.
Earlier, the union chairman, Chief Maxwell Nwala, said that they were in his office to partner with the state government to stop illegal trading and ensure compliance to the use of the stalls in the markets.
Nwala decried the deplorable condition where traders who obey government rules and regulations were denied access to their businesses as the illegal traders sell same products in the streets thereby denying them access to customers.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene