News

Wike Advocates True Federalism …As HOS, Others Chart Course For Growth

Published

9 years ago

October 3, 2016

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has called for urgent need by the Federal Government to address critical issues of fiscal federalism, corruption and injustice if Nigeria should move forward as a nation.
In an address shortly after taking national salute and march past for 56th Independence anniversary at the Sharks Stadium, Saturday, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State governor said failure to address these areas have contributed hugely to slow progress of the nation.
He observed that the nation was sinking irreversibly down the abyss, stressing that only a united front will salvage the country, and set it on the path of growth.
The governor regretted that either by commission or omission, the Federal Government has dragged the country into its worst economic crisis where Nigerians find it difficult to feed.
In his special address during the 56th Independence celebration at the Sharks Stadium, Wike lamented that ordinary Nigerians are dying daily from ailments that are ordinarily curable.
The governor declared: “Just look at the situation of our country at this material time. Never in history has the seeds of disunity, distrust, hatred; intolerance, violence, and terrorism proliferated in our country than now, not even in the years of the civil war.
“By acts of omission or commission, the Federal Government has pushed the nation into its worst economic nightmare. With inflation on the loose, poverty is increasing as ordinary Nigerians are finding it difficult to have one decent meal in a day. Families are losing loved ones to curable ailments simply because they can no longer afford necessary medications to sustain their health and vitality.
“Worse still, just as our collective security is being threatened by the activities of motley terrorist groups, such as the Boko Haram insurgents and Fulani herdsmen, most Nigerians are increasingly becoming disillusioned with the country’s failing national institutions, for their inability to mirror the nation’s character and values.”
He added: “It looks as if the country is sinking irreversibly into the abyss, but this is what happens when a country is economically weak and dependent. The need, therefore, for all of us to work together with the three levels of government, to deliver real and sustainable economic independence to our country and our people remains the greatest challenge before all.”
Wike said that the earlier the thorny issues affecting the nation are addressed, the better for the development of the country.
He noted that the people of Rivers State are proud of their contributions to the development and economic growth of Nigeria, pointing out that they deserve to be rewarded according to their inputs to the sustenance of the country.
“As Rivers people, we are proud of our contributions to the unity and progress of the Nigerian nation. We remain committed to preserving the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria. All that we ask in return for our loyalty and commitment is justice, mutual respect and just recompenses for our contributions and sacrifices to the economic and social wellbeing of the country”, Wike said.
He explained that the Rivers State Government, through policies and programmes, has empowered the people and improved their living condition.
Wike said: “As a deliberate social policy, we concentrated more resources to improve physical and socio-economic infrastructure in the state. Accordingly, apart from several major roads that we have already completed and commissioned, work on all ongoing road projects spread is progressing very well”.
He pointed out that projects in the area of infrastructure, health and education have improved the living conditions of the people of Rivers State.
The 56th Independence anniversary celebration witnessed march pass by the police, paramilitary voluntary organisations and schools.
The governor also released the white pigeons signifying peace.
Meanwhile, Head of Service, Barrister Rufus Godwins, has said that Rivers State has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s existence for the past 56 years.
Godwins while calling for prayers for the country, urged Nigerians not to lose hope, noting that,”some countries would have split due to some of the challenges we have here.”
He urged the country leaders to learn from the Wike administration in the state by utilizing the little resources available to better lot of the state.
On her part, Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Onimim Jacks, suggested that the country should exploit agric as a way to overcome its economic challenges.
She said, “A lot has been said about swindling resources because the emphasis has been much on oil. We should be talking about agriculture now, and that for me, is the way to go. An investment in agriculture, if put together, is sustainable, and can create a lot of jobs.”
For the paramour ruler of Abua Kingdom, King Kale Ogbuge, every country faces one challenge or the other at one point, hence there is need to put hands together to move the country forward.
Ogbuge called for more efforts to develop the rail system to link all state capitals, in order to reduce pressure on available roads.

News

PDP Kicks As APC Wins FCT Council Polls

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated a special legal team to handle election petitions arising from last Saturday’s Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.

This comes as the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in Abaji, Kwali, AMAC, and Bwari Area Councils, while the PDP secured victory only in Gwagwalada.

The Tide reports that the council elections were held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, across all six FCT area councils, including Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.

Results announced so far by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) show that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in Abaji, Kwali, AMAC, and Bwari Area Councils, while the PDP secured victory only in Gwagwalada.

In a statement issued yesterday by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party congratulated its candidates, who emerged winners in the chairmanship and councilor elections.

The opposition party acknowledged the victories, noting that the number of wins was lower than expected but significant given the alleged irregularities during the polls.

“We specifically congratulate the Chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Kasim, and the councillors who have been declared successful by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“This victory, though less in number than we anticipated, is particularly gladdening because it is against the background of unprecedented intimidation, high-powered money politics, and brazen executive brigandage,” the statement read.

Ememobong claimed that there are reports and video evidence indicating voter intimidation and unlawful conduct that influenced the outcome of the elections.

“Reports and video evidence abound where armed security personnel were used to cart away result sheets in polling units, intimidate voters, and unduly influence the outcome of the elections.”

To address complaints and litigations arising from the polls, he said the party has set up a legal team headed by its National Legal Adviser, Shafi Bara’u, Esq.

The statement urged candidates with legitimate grievances to contact the Legal Adviser promptly, as delays could jeopardise their chances in election petition cases.

“The incredible voter apathy in these polls is a direct response to the anti-people Electoral Act 2026, where the people have completely lost faith in the electoral outcomes from elections conducted under this Act.

“These Local Council polls may just be a foreshadowing of the forthcoming general elections in 2027 if changes are not urgently made,” the statement added.

The PDP called on the National Assembly and the President to take corrective action to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.

News

S’Court Gets New Justice As CJN Swears In Oyewole, Wednesday

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, will on Wednesday swear in Justice Joseph Oyewole as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The ceremony is scheduled to be held at 2pm at Courtroom Two of the Supreme Court complex in Abuja.

The court urged guests to adhere strictly to the court’s protocols and security measures.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Supreme Court’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr Festus Akande.

The court described Oyewole’s appointment as a step towards reinforcing the capacity of the apex court to deliver fair and timely judgments.

Recall that Oyewole was, until his elevation, a Justice of the Court of Appeal and Presiding Justice of the Enugu Division, and joins the apex court bench as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the judiciary.

The National Judicial Council recommended Oyewole for the position alongside 35 others for various judicial offices, following its 110th meeting held on January 13, 2026, and presided over by Justice Kekere-Ekun.

The statement partly read, “The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, will on Wednesday, 25th February, 2026, preside over the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole, JCA.”

According to the statement, Oyewole served with distinction at the Court of Appeal and as Presiding Justice of the Enugu Division prior to his elevation.

“His appointment underscores the commitment of the Nigerian judiciary to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice, and strengthening the bench with experienced and dedicated jurists. He brings a wealth of legal expertise and integrity to the apex court to further enhance its capacity to deliver fair and timely judgments,” the statement added.

The apex court further described the swearing-in as “another significant step in rejuvenating the judiciary and ensuring the continued delivery of justice in line with the highest standards of integrity, competence, and impartiality.”

The Supreme Court reiterated its commitment to justice, fairness and judicial independence for the benefit of Nigerians.

News

Fubara Mourns Senator Mpigi

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed deep shock and sadness over the sudden passage of Senator Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing South East Senatorial District of Rivers State.

In a tribute to mourn the deceased, Governor Fubara described Mpigi as a brother, a consummate politician and one of the leading lights in Rivers State.

He said that Mpigi died at a critical time when his services were still needed by the people of Rivers State and prayed God Almighty to grant him eternal rest.

The governor commiserated with his immediate family, the Rivers South East Senatorial District and the Senate at large, asking them to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a good life and impacted positively on the people.

Senator Mpigi died at the age of 64. Until his death, he was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.