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Elechi Amadi, A Literary Giant -Wike
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has described the late literary Icon, Captain Elechi Amadi, as an illustrious son who combined science and literature to promote the development of the society.
Speaking during the staging of selected plays in honour of the late Saga at Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, to mark the beginning of series of events slated for his burial, Wike said although Captain Elechi Amadi was a graduate of Physics and Mathematics, he ventured into Literature and became a literary giant.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, stated that the literary works of late Captain Elechi Amadi were purely indigenous to Africa in contrast to what is obtainable in the western world.
He noted that late Captain Elechi Amadi has written not less than twelve plays and novels, stressing that his books are very educative and have affected positively the life of many people in society.
According to him “in the academia, many have obtained their First degrees, Masters degrees and doctors of Philosophy degrees by studying the literary works of late Captain Elechi Amadi, therefore, as we gather here today at this historic moment to honour the late literary giant by staging two of his works, Isiburu and the Great Pond, we should reflect on the positive contributions of this great son of Rivers State.”
The governor urged the people of Rivers State not to see the events slated for the burial of Captain Elechi Amadi as another display of talent but that they should rather be touched by his demise and see how they can learn from his works and apply the principles contain therein to mitigate the numerous social problems bedeviling the society.
He recalled that the late Captain Elechi Amadi was not just only a scientist and literary giant, he also served the state as a permanent secretary, commissioner for education, commissioner for lands and housing, lecturer at the then Rivers State College of Education, and chairman, Rivers State Scholarship Board, among others.
The governor opined that the late Captain Elechi Amadi’s footprints on the sand of time are too numerous to exhaust, and further described him as a great man, a true son of Rivers State who brought several honour and accolades to the state, contending that the state government has no option than to accord him a state burial.
He called on all sons and daughters of Rivers State to participate fully in the burial activities of late Captain Elechi Amadi to give him the honour he deserves, and commended the chairman and members of the burial committee and members of the bereaved family for their co-operation.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and former governor of the state, Sir Celestine Omehia, said the staging of two selected plays by late Captain Elechi Amadi to herald the activities for his burial is to bring back to the memory lane of who the late literary Icon really was.
Omehia noted that the late Captain Elechi Amadi brought the Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality, Rivers State, Nigeria and Africa on the World Map of literary works, and lauded the state government for giving him a state burial as mark of honour for his contributions to the development of Nigeria and Rivers State in particular.
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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
