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RSG Protests Postponement …Polls Shift Confirms Wike’s Alarm
In fulfillment of fears earlier expressed by Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has again postponed the conduct of the legislative rerun elections in the State which were initially slated for Saturday, July 30, this year.
Governor Wike had raised the alarm that INEC may be planning to postpone the elections because it was clear that the APC was ill-prepared and could not win.
Following the cancellation of the initial legislative elections in the state due to violence, INEC had on June 20, after a meeting with relevant stakeholders, fixed July 30, as new date for the conclusion of the polls.
However, the commission in a statement signed by its Secretary, Mrs Augusta Ogakwu, yesterday, said the rerun polls were postponed for the second time due to reports of violence, maiming and fatalities.
The commission cited last Saturday’s attack on its office in Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area of the state as a sign of prevailing danger.
The Tide recalls that the same reasons were adduced for the initial cancellation and or suspension of the rerun polls on March 19.
The commission, however, did not announce any new date for the conclusion of the rerun polls.
The commission, according to the statement, said that, “as a responsible organisation and conscious of the violence, maiming and fatalities which accompanied the previous elections in March as well as developments in the state since then, the commission cannot ignore such credible reports.
In the circumstances, therefore, it is compelled to further postpone the rerun legislative elections in Rivers State as one of the principal conditions earlier stipulated for the return to the state for the conclusion of the election has, regrettably, not been met.
This, the commission is also a collective responsibility to be borne by all political actors, irrespective of political positions and affiliations. “If the goal of political contests is to serve the people, then there is no greater service than ensuring, at all costs, the preservation of the lives of the people whom such services would be rendered.”
INEC further justified the cancellation of the rerun polls, saying it has a responsibility to ensure that voters, electoral personnel, observers and other stakeholders are protected during the fresh elections.
Meanwhile, the government and people of Rivers State said they are shocked by what they called the bare-faced collusion between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to subvert democracy in the state.
In a statement in Port Harcourt yesterday, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dr Austin Tam-George said it is completely unacceptable that Rivers State will continue to be denied full representation in the National Assembly due to the incompetence and malpractices perpetrated by the INEC.
The State government called on the Presidency and National Assembly to act urgently in the national interest to disband INEC as presently constituted for its incompetence and open partnership.
The statement called on the international community to initiate and maintain diplomatic pressure on the federal government which continues to frustrate the independence of INEC and the evolution of democratic diversity in Nigeria.
In a related development, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, has said that the indefinite postponement of the State and National Assembly re-run elections in the state by the Independent National electoral Commission (INEC), is a confirmation of the alarm raised by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike during his campaign rally in Okehi that neither the commission nor APC were ready for the conduct of the re-run elections in the State.
Reacting to the news of the postponement in a statement through her Press Secretary, Paul Damgbor, the Deputy Governor wondered why the electoral body would rather than assert itself to the smooth conduct of elections in the State resort to frivolous and imaginary excuses in a bid to satisfy the whims and interest of the APC.
Banigo regretted that INEC under the watch of Professor Mahmud Yakubu has not been transparent and sincere concerning Rivers State elections especially the alarm raised by the Governor over the frequent visits of APC chieftains to the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
She stressed that the refusal of the Commission to address these issues suggests complicity and a deliberate ploy to deny Rivers state adequate representation in both the National and State assemblies.
She warned that the law-abiding disposition of Rivers people should not be taken for granted and reminded politicians whose stock-in-trade is to undermine the administration of Governor Wike and destroy the state through fictitious security media reports to have a rethink as Rivers state is bigger than any individual’s selfish agenda.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
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