Featured

Ijaw Group Warns Against Plot To Divide Jonathan, Wike – No Rift Between Ex-President, Gov -RSG

Published

8 years ago

December 4, 2017

The Save Ijaw Nation Group (SING) has debunked the allegations accusing former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan of working against the interest of some chairmanship aspirants in the forthcoming National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement signed by SING’s Director, Mr. Tony Ile, the group blamed the claim on some fifth columnists, whom it said have been working against the interest of Jonathan by spreading negative stories in the media against the former president.
The group stressed that as the father of the party, Jonathan was neutral and fair to all aspirants.
Describing those behind the fake news as divisive agents that do not wish the PDP well, SING also accused them of spreading falsehood about an imaginary squabble between Jonathan and Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyeson Wike, “over the issue of who to support at the convention.”
The statement said further: “Their latest ploy is to sponsor some stories in the media to create the impression that Jonathan is now at loggerheads with the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyeson Wike over the issue of who to support at the convention. They think that by doing that Wike and other party leaders will begin to have problems with Jonathan. They forget that Wike is Jonathan’s loyal political son with whom he will continue to work together for the good of the party, Niger Delta and the entire nation.”
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to a fallacious allegation made by a hitherto unknown group, the South-South Coalition for Good Governance that former President Goodluck Jonathan was mobilising northerners in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to work against the ambition of a chairmanship candidate, Mr. Uche Secondus. We believe that those behind this fictitious group are merely flying a kite meant to sway the ex-president to openly express his views on the chairmanship race at the forthcoming convention.
“This is a fabricated statement that has to be quickly debunked because of the likelihood of such lies to begin to wear the toga of reality, if allowed to stay too long in the public space, unchallenged.
“The nation and PDP members had experienced a similar situation in the past when a false impression was created by some mischievous persons to the effect that Jonathan installed former PDP chairman Senator Modu Sheriff in office. This falsehood later morphed into a strange perception which unfortunately had some gullible party members believing its possibility, even as it was obvious to all party leaders that Jonathan had no hand in Sheriff’s emergence as the leader of the party.
“The claim this time is that former President Jonathan is using some northern leaders to frustrate Secondus’ aspiration to lead the party.
“How come they couldn’t mention the name of even one leader that Jonathan had consulted on the choice of candidates for the convention?
“How we wish that Jonathan had such strong northern support he is now being accused of deploying. If he did, he wouldn’t have dismally lost the 2015 presidential election in the zone, like he did.
“It is obvious that those spreading this rumour are not even smart. If they were, they would have known that it doesn’t even sound right to claim that the former president would connive with some people, be them from the North or South, to plot the downfall of a man he had helped from his modest position then as a state party chairman to become a key figure in the national leadership of the party, having held such key offices as organizing secretary, deputy chairman and acting chairman.
“The truth is that Jonathan has nothing against the aspirations of such a man whom he has helped to groom. It is also true that as a politician, it is his right to cultivate sympathy for any candidate of his choice. However, no rational party member expects the former president to openly endorse any candidate, given that he is the father of the party who should be seen to be fair to all.
“We have to point out that this same fifth columnists, from what we already know of them, are behind all the negative stories in the media against the former president. Their sole aim is to put Jonathan in bad light and cause confusion between him and other leaders of the party.
“It is obvious that they are just exploiting the opportunity of the convention and the name of Secondus, who they do not even support, to continue their attack on Jonathan, with the main aim of pitching the former president against the party. There is no doubt that these are people with evil intentions who do not wish the PDP well.
“Their latest ploy is to sponsor some stories in the media to create the impression that Jonathan is now at loggerheads with the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyeson Wike over the issue of who to support at the convention. They think that by doing that Wike and other party leaders will begin to have problems with Jonathan. They forget that Wike is Jonathan’s loyal political son with whom he will continue to work together for the good of the party, Niger Delta and the entire nation.
“Those manufacturing the lies should know by now that they have failed, if their original intention was to pull Jonathan out at this point, through deception, to openly endorse a candidate for the chairmanship position. As the father of the party, former President, Jonathan will not openly support one candidate against another. As the father of the party, we know that Jonathan’s doors are open to all party members who would wish to either consult him on national issues or seek his blessings for their aspiration to any office of their choice, in the party.
“This is a period that all loyal and committed members of the PDP should make sacrifices to encourage the main opposition party to grow from strength to strength, for the good of the nation’s democracy. For PDP members who wish to occupy leadership positions in the party, we urge them to be patriotic-minded as they pursue their interests, rather than seek to destroy the party with devious rumours and lies.
“Those members of the party who take recourse in character assassination of other members should be reminded that they are destroying rather than building the party.
“From what we know of former President Jonathan, we are sure that he will continue to play the role expected of him as a neutral father figure in the party, and never allow crooked politicians who have no interest in the progress of the PDP to distract him,” the group added.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has dispelled speculations that there is palpable friction between the former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan and the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike over the choice of candidates for the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) national chairmanship position in the December 9 National Convention of the party in Abuja.
In a statement in Port Harcourt, the government said, “Our attention has been drawn to a fictional pattern of reports being planted in the media by enemies of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wherein they allege that former President Goodluck Jonathan and the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike are at loggerheads over political issues.
“These reports are patently false and merely concocted by enemies of the PDP to deceive Nigerians ahead of the forthcoming elective National Convention of the party.
“The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan are working together to rebuild the PDP and re-position it for victory in all future elections.

“Contrary to the views being canvassed in the reports planted by the agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in sections of the media, there is no premise for any political disagreement between Wike and Jonathan, whom he served as a loyal minister.
“The presidential ticket of the PDP has been zoned to the North, while the national chairmanship of the party is zoned to the South; hence there is no basis for the speculation that there is a conflict, where none exists.
“We urge members of the public and loyal PDP members to disregard these reports as they are concocted to mislead Nigerians who are tired of the present order,” the statement added.

Featured

PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

13 hours ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed the lifting of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members, yesterday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the State, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added.

Featured

RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Eteh Ibas (Rtd), has approved the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex to enhance efficiency and productivity in the civil service.

Ibas made the announcement at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday,.

He disclosed that “initiative is designed to transform the secretariat into a modern, efficient and conducive work environment, directly supporting the civil servants who form the backbone of the state’s governance.”

The Administrator also approved the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants in the State.

Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration.

He stated that the awards ceremony was a symbol of deep appreciation for decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment.

“These interventions are designed to not only recognize your service, but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” the Administrator stated.

“We must build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he added.

The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.

He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and continuous training to build a civil service equipped for the future.

The Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, in her welcome address, described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed profound gratitude to the Administrator for his unwavering support and commitment to its modernization.“

“A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation,” Dr. Brown remarked, lauding the retirees as torchbearers of discipline and loyalty.

She pledged to build on their legacy through reforms and innovation, projecting that the Rivers State Civil Service would become a model of efficiency and transparency by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor,

expressed heartfelt appreciation for the historic recognition.

“For once, since the creation of the State, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, adding, “Our morale has been lifted.”

He pledged the association’s continuous support for government programmes, describing the body of experienced retirees as a resource available to contribute to state development.

The rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and the new housing scheme represent a major investment in the infrastructure and dignity of public service in Rivers State, signaling a new era of support for the civil servants who drive the government’s policies and programmes.

The Tide reports that the Administrator also conferred awards of meritorious service on retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State

Featured

Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

3 weeks ago

September 1, 2025

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government election in the State, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched three local governments.

According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.

APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.

The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.

Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.

Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.

Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.

The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.

Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas

Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.

National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.

John Bibor & King Onunwor