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Dev Projects Spread, My Focus – Wike …Says Fake Video Clip, A Diversion …PDP Fingers Abe, Others As Masterminds

Published

9 years ago

December 19, 2016

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike says the focus of his administration is to spread projects across the state by ensuring that no senatorial district is left behind.
The governor stated this last Saturday when he conducted selected journalists and line editors of national newspapers on a tour of projects across Rivers East and Rivers South-East Senatorial Districts.
He pointed out that the distribution and execution of projects have set the state on a platform of growth where every senatorial district feels the impact of good governance.
The governor explained that the people of Rivers State deserve quality projects, hence, the commitment to quality at all project sites.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on all the roads visited, pointing out that he will continue to monitor the projects to ensure that people get value for the money invested by the government.
Commenting on the roads inspected across the two senatorial districts, Commissioner for Works, Iheanyichukwu Harrison, explained that all contractors are compelled to respect best practices to ensure the durability of the projects.
Speaking on the school projects, Commissioner for Education, Prof Kaniye Ebeku, said that the Wike-led administration through the comprehensive rehabilitation and reconstruction of prominent schools in the three senatorial districts of the state was repositioning the education sector.
The governor led the line editors on the inspection of the reconstructed Igwuruta-Chokocho Road, dualization of Saakpenwa-Bori Road, reconstruction of Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road, reconstruction of Ogbunabali internal roads, reconstruction of Aluu Road, Omuchiolu-Agbada 1 Flowstation Road, Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori, and Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta.
The projects tour also covered Federal High Court Complex being funded by the Rivers State Government, Ozuoba-Rumuoparali Road, Igbo-Etche Road, Chokocho-Umuechem-Ozuzu Road and Ulakwo-Afara-Nihi Road.
It would be recalled that earlier last Friday, Wike had led some online publishers and bloggers on a tour of different set of projects.
Meanwhile, the Governor has declared that he will complete all ongoing projects to ensure that the economy of the state remains buoyant.
Speaking during an inspection tour with journalists and bloggers, Wike said projects execution under his administration was targeted at the empowerment of the people.
The governor said that his administration will never abandon any projects because his blueprint targets projects that would be completed within 18 months to two years.
He noted that most projects were not completed during the immediate past administration because officials of that administration inflated contracts.
Wike assured that his administration remains focused to rebuilding the state, pointing out that development projects and programmes critical to his dream of a NEW Rivers.
Speaking after the inspection, Publisher of NewsAfrican Magazine, United Kingdom, Mr Moffat Ekoriko, said that he was impressed by the development strides of Wike.
He said that the quality of the projects will improve the landscape of the state and attract tourists to the state.
In her remarks, Legal Adviser of BusinessDay, Theodora Kio, urged the governor to continue with the development strides of his administration.
Wike took the journalists and bloggers to projects located in Port Harcourt City, Obio-Akpor and Eleme Local Government Areas.
The prominent projects visited include: Second Nkpogu Bridge/Road, Land Reclamation in Nkpogu/Ogbunabali, Woji-Akpajo Road/Bridge, dualization of Elelenwo-Akpajo Road, Restoration of Brick House at the Government House, Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, and the new Government House Chapel.
In another development, Governor, Wike has stated that the contrived audio clip being sponsored by the All Progressives Congress (APC) was produced to divert public attention from the massive electoral fraud by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), police and military killings that marred the rerun elections.
He said that the audio clip was fabricated using audio software, pointing out that he never spoke with any electoral officer or anyone for that matter, either in person or over the phone seeking to influence the elections.
The governor spoke during an interactive session with members of the Federated Correspondents Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists in Port Harcourt.
He said: “When you look at certain things, you just laugh. At no time did I speak to any electoral officer, let alone issue threats to any electoral officer.
“There is nowhere I spoke to an electoral officer, threatening him or her as the case maybe. I never spoke with anybody, I never threatened anybody. Nobody can say that he sat with me or that I threatened him or her. Let any electoral officer come forward to say that Ì call him or her on phone.
“I never spoke to anybody. It is totally not correct. The major issue is, did the police participate in rigging election? Did the Army participate in rigging election? Did INEC compromise? The police is denying somebody that was captured on video. That is what they are trying to cover up”.
The governor said: “Face the reality and stop chasing shadows. Let them show me. What is audio clip? What can’t this government do? I don’t have an orderly, I don’t have a chief security officer, I don’t have a camp commandant. All were taken away before the election.”
The governor stated that rather than bring the SARS Commander, Mr Akin Fakorede, to justice for his criminal activities captured on video during the rerun elections, the police authorities have arrested the policemen who accompanied him to stop Akin Fakorede from swapping Rivers East Senatorial District results sheet.
“They have now arrested and detained the policemen who accompanied me to the collation centre to stop that criminal. Even Akin Fakorede who was caught on video, has been released so that police can bungle it.
“What kind of country is this? And you are telling me that they are circulating a contrived audio clip. You caught a man on camera committing crime, but you have swept it under the carpet”, Wike said.
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State says it has uncovered the characters behind the concocted Sahara Reporters audio which has attempted to blackmail the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
A statement by the state Chairman of the PDP, Felix Obuah, said the major character in the senseless and laughable drama was Senator Magnus Abe, whom the party accused of having boasted on a radio programme a day before the fake and concocted audio clip was posted, that the audio was in the offing.
The statement, which was signed by the PDP chairman’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jerry Needam, described the audio clip as extremely ridiculous, adding that when the false, defectively conceptualized audio against the governor came up on Sahara Reporters a day after Abe first broke the news, it became very clear that the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator was behind the charade.
The PDP said it will hold Abe and other APC leaders who falsely concocted and manufactured the audio culpable for the consequences of their action.
Obuah also said that the few misguided youth who went to the Rivers State Police Headquarters and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in the name of protest in Port Harcourt last Friday was part of the well-orchestrated plan by the APC to attack the security of the state, cause instability and undermine the prevailing peace in the State.
The PDP chairman described the desperation of the APC leaders as shameful and condemnable, adding that the APC was instigating youth to take up arms against the government of Rivers State and continue to create a state of insecurity.
He noted that the insistence by the so-called APC protesters that the two police officers implicated in the killings and snatching of election results in the just concluded rerun elections must not be transferred out of the state, was a confirmation of the conspiracy between the APC and the police, Army and SARS to subvert the electoral process.

Featured

Fubara Reaffirms Commitment To Peace, Development

Published

17 hours ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of his administration to peace, unity, security, and inclusive development as Rivers State marked its 59th anniversary, last Wednesday.

In a goodwill message issued on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary, Governor Fubara stated that despite the challenges faced over the years, the people of Rivers State have continued to demonstrate resilience, strength, and an enduring spirit of unity that has sustained the state since its creation.

The Governor noted that the strong bond of brotherhood among the various ethnic nationalities of the state, including the Ijaw, Ikwerre, Ogoni, Etche, Ekpeye, Andoni, Kalabari, and others, remains one of Rivers State’s greatest strengths and a critical foundation for peace, stability, and progress.

He further observed that Rivers State has remained a major driver of Nigeria’s economy for decades, not only because of its abundant oil and gas resources, but also because of the exceptional contributions of its people across diverse sectors including academia, jurisprudence, business, entertainment, public service, and sports.

Governor Fubara assured the people that his administration will continue to prioritize policies and programmes that promote peace, protect lives and property, and expand development across all parts of the state. He emphasized that governance must be people centered and impactful, with equal attention given to every Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor also paid tribute to the elders and founding leaders of the state for preserving the spirit of unity and coexistence over the years, while urging the youths to remain hopeful, responsible, and actively committed to building a greater Rivers State through innovation, hard work, and patriotism.

He equally acknowledged the invaluable role of women in strengthening families, communities, and society, describing them as indispensable partners in the continued growth and stability of the state.

Governor Fubara called on all Rivers people to use the occasion of the anniversary as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, dialogue, and collective progress, stressing that the unity and future of Rivers State must always rise above personal interests and political differences.

Rivers State was created on May 27, 1967, by General Yakubu Gowon.

Editorial

Nigeria’s 27 Years of Civil Rule Journey

Published

18 hours ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Nigeria returned to civil rule on May 29, 1999, after several years of military intervention in politics. The transition marked a major turning point in the nation’s history and raised hopes for freedom, stability, economic growth and accountable leadership. Citizens expected that elected governments would strengthen institutions, improve living conditions and unite the country after years of authoritarian rule. Twenty-seven years later, civil rule has survived without interruption, making it the longest uninterrupted civilian administration since independence in 1960.

Since 1999, Nigeria has witnessed six administrations at the federal level. Olusegun Obasanjo governed from 1999 to 2007, followed by Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from 2007 until his death in 2010. Goodluck Jonathan served from 2010 to 2015, while Muhammadu Buhari led the country between 2015 and 2023. Since May 2023, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been in office. Though democracy has remained stable, governance outcomes have produced mixed reactions among Nigerians.

The country has made some notable progress over the past 27 years. Democratic institutions such as the National Assembly, judiciary, political parties and the media have become stronger than they were during military rule. Elections are now regular, though still imperfect. Telecommunications, banking, entertainment and digital technology have expanded greatly. Nigerian youths have also become more politically aware and active. The country’s economy, despite its difficulties, remains one of the largest in Africa.

However, many of the expectations that came with democracy remain unmet. Corruption, unemployment, poverty, insecurity and poor infrastructure continue to trouble the nation. Public confidence in government institutions has weakened over time because many citizens believe political leaders have not done enough to improve their welfare. Ethnic and religious tensions also remain major challenges. While democracy has endured, good governance has not always matched the hopes of the people.

President Tinubu’s administration began with bold economic decisions aimed at reforming the nation’s finances. His government removed fuel subsidy and unified the foreign exchange system. Supporters argue that these measures were necessary to reduce waste and attract investment. The government also increased revenue allocation to states and sought to improve tax administration. Yet the immediate impact has been severe hardship for millions of Nigerians. Inflation, high transport costs and the falling value of the naira have placed enormous pressure on households and businesses.

In education, the Tinubu administration has promised reforms through student loan schemes, support for technical education and efforts to reduce strikes in tertiary institutions. Some progress has been recorded with the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. However, public schools still face poor funding, inadequate facilities and shortage of teachers. Many students continue to struggle with rising school fees and declining quality of education.

The health sector under the current administration has also recorded both efforts and challenges. Government has pledged to improve health insurance coverage. Nevertheless, hospitals across the country still suffer from inadequate equipment, shortage of medical personnel and brain drain as doctors and nurses continue to leave Nigeria for better opportunities abroad. Access to affordable healthcare remains difficult for many rural communities.

The power sector remains one of Nigeria’s biggest disappointments after nearly three decades of democracy. Despite repeated promises and reforms, electricity supply is still unstable. Businesses and households spend heavily on generators and fuel. The Tinubu administration has introduced policies aimed at decentralising power generation and encouraging investment, but ordinary Nigerians are yet to feel significant improvement in electricity supply.

The rising cost of living has become the greatest concern for many Nigerians today. Food prices, transportation costs and rent have increased sharply. Though the Federal Government introduced palliative programmes and cash transfer initiatives to cushion the effects of reforms, many citizens believe the interventions have been inadequate or poorly distributed. There is growing demand for more effective social protection programmes targeted at vulnerable citizens.

On national security, the government continues to battle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence. Security agencies have recorded some successes in parts of the country, yet insecurity remains widespread. Farmers in many rural communities still face attacks, affecting food production and increasing fear among citizens. Regional stability in West Africa has also become more uncertain due to political crises in neighbouring countries. Nigeria continues to play a leading diplomatic role in the region, but internal security challenges weaken its influence.

In infrastructure and other key sectors, the Tinubu administration has continued several road, rail and housing projects inherited from previous governments. Investments in ports, gas and digital technology have also been encouraged. In agriculture, government has promoted mechanised farming, dry season cultivation and access to credit. Yet food insecurity remains high because insecurity, inflation and poor rural infrastructure continue to affect agricultural productivity. Nigeria still imports many food items despite its vast agricultural potential.

To improve national conditions, the Federal Government must place greater attention on job creation, industrialisation and support for small businesses. More investment is needed in agriculture, healthcare, education and electricity. Anti-corruption institutions should be strengthened while government spending must become more transparent. Leaders must also prioritise national unity and reduce political divisions. Nigerians expect reforms that produce visible improvements in their daily lives, not only policy announcements.

In Rivers State, the 27 years of civilian rule have produced substantial development alongside political tensions. The state has remained economically important because of its oil and gas resources. Different administrations since 1999 have invested in roads, schools, healthcare facilities and urban renewal projects. However, political conflicts and struggles for power have often affected governance and slowed development in parts of the state.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara assumed office in May 2023 amid high expectations and intense political disagreements. In infrastructure, his administration has initiated projects such as massive road construction, bridge rehabilitation and urban development schemes in parts of the state. Ongoing works on major roads and public facilities have been presented as efforts to improve transportation and economic activities. Critics, however, argue that political instability in the state has distracted government’s attention from faster project delivery.

In education and health, the Rivers State Government has continued support for public schools and healthcare centres. Efforts have reportedly been made to improve learning environments and sustain payment of workers’ salaries. In health, there have been interventions in hospitals and primary healthcare services. On security, the administration has worked with security agencies to maintain peace, although political tensions in the state have created uncertainty. In the civil service, workers and pensioners have largely continued to receive salaries, stipends, and welfare support. The state government has also shown interest in agriculture and power development, though these sectors still require stronger investment and clearer long term strategies.

Going forward, Rivers State needs greater political stability to achieve meaningful development. The government should focus more on rural roads, youth employment, agricultural expansion and uninterrupted healthcare services. Investments in independent power projects and industrial development would help attract businesses and reduce unemployment. Above all, political leaders in the state must place the interest of the people above personal or factional battles. Democracy can only succeed when governance delivers peace, development, and hope to ordinary citizens.

Featured

WASSCE: RSG Distributes Science Materials To Secondary Schools

Published

2 weeks ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has distributed science equipment and materials to all senior secondary schools across the state to support students during the ongoing West African Examinations Council exams and to strengthen practical learning.

Flagging off the distribution at the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board premises in Port Harcourt, on Monday, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, said the move demonstrates Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment to improving education standards in the State.

Nwagor said the materials were approved and provided by the state government specifically to boost the teaching and learning of science subjects, describing science education as the foundation for technological advancement, innovation, and national development.

“No society can compete globally without deliberate investment in science and technology,” the Commissioner stated.

He commended the governor for consistently prioritising the education sector by providing tools needed for effective teaching and hands-on learning.

The Commissioner directed principals to ensure that the equipment are used strictly for practical lessons in their schools, warning that any principal or administrator found diverting, hoarding, or selling the materials wil face disciplinary action under public service regulations.

Nwagor also warned against examination malpractice, saying any principal found aiding or encouraging malpractices will be decisively sanctioned.

“We must collectively restore the dignity and credibility of our educational system,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman, Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board, Tony Egwurugwu, urged school heads to make judicious use of the materials for students’ benefit.

He thanked the State Government for providing the resources, and assured that monitoring mechanisms would be put in place to ensure the materials serve their intended purpose.

In his own remarks, a Board Member for Technical Education, Nwisabari Bani Samuel, expressed appreciation to the governor for prioritising education and acknowledged the Commissioner’s role in advancing education development in the State.

He said the distribution covers all senior secondary schools in the State and is intended to improve students’ performance in both internal and external science examinations.

Akujobi Amadi