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Rivers People Hail Wike’s Rural Dev Drive …As Gov Flags Off 16Km Road In Omuma, Oyigbo Market Road …Berates APC For Failing Rivers

Published

8 years ago

March 5, 2018

Rivers people have continued to pour encomiums on the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike on his commitment to the rapid development of the rural areas of the state, with the flag-off of several road and other projects in the 23 local government areas of the state.
The latest commendation came from an elder statesman and top notcher of the Peoples Democratic Party in the State, Prince Emma Anyanwu who applauded the governor for the flag-off of the reconstruction of Odufor-Akpoku-Omnoye Road in Etche Local Government Area.
According to Prince Anyanwu, “the sea of people from all parts of Etche here today and their joyous mood tell you how happy they are over this project.
“What Governor Wike has done to the people of Etche has made the people indebted to him.”
He said before now, the road had been impassable because of its deplorable condition, and expressed regrets that a son of the community was a majority leader in the Rivers State House of Assembly for four years but never made effort to see that the road was rehabilitated.
Anyanwu said the road was strategic as it would link many communities in the local government area, adding that food products which could not be transported to other parts of the state will now be easily transported, if the road is completed.
Anyanwu described Wike as the Necodemus of today for the people of Etche, adding that to appreciate the governor’s effort; no single vote would go to any other party during the 2019 elections but to PDP.
The Commissioner for Agriculture in Rivers State, Hon Charles Nworgu said the event was historic in the sense that since the road was built by the colonial administration; no effort was made by past administrations to rehabilitate it.
“Over the years, people could not have access through the road; so also the agricultural produce from the communities which are predominantly farmers.
“Today, Governor Wike has flagged off this strategic road, and we are happy.
“We commend him for his efforts and assure him of strong support to his administration”, he said.
He assured that the project would be protected and that the contractor will enjoy the co-operation of the people to enable him complete the project on schedule.
The Onye Ishi Agwuru Igbo, Eze Samuel Amaechi also expressed excitement over the flag-off of the road project by the governor.
He said construction of the road will make it possible for people and agricultural produce being produced in the area to be transported to other parts of the state and the entire federation.
The royal father explained that the people of the communities directly linked to the road suffered so much because of the deplorable state of the road such that for anybody from Odufor, Akpoku or Umuoye to go to Port Harcourt, he had to pass through Umuaturu, Mba and Okehi before going to Port Harcourt, instead of following a short-cut to Egwi due to the state of the road.
Amaechi said they only way to thank the governor was for Etche people to sustain their strong support for Wike’s administration and to vote for him enmass during the 2019 elections.
A Commissioner in the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Sir Ikechi Nwogu, also applauded the Rivers State governor for embarking on reconstruction of the road.
He said that not only people in the three communities but entire Etche found it difficult to pass through that axis of the local government area, adding that several appeals made to the past administration fell on deaf ears.
Nwogu said Wike has come to rescue the people of the area from hardship, stressing that the project will link Etche communities and make the transportation of agricultural produce to other parts of Rivers State possible.
In a similar reaction, the Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Civic and Value Orientation, Andy Nwanjoku said people from the area could not bring out their farm produce to other parts of Etche and Rivers State because of the nature of the road, thereby resulting in huge wastages.
“But today, the governor has changed the story and the entire Etche people are very happy for what the governor has done to them.
“Etche people have no option than to vote massively for Wike and PDP. We are ready and waiting to pay him back with our votes for remembering us”, he added.
In continuation of the state-wide roll out of projects, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Saturday, flagged off the construction of Umueze-Umuogba-Umuokpurukpu-Umueke-Umunju-Umuelechi-Eberi Road project in Omuma Local Government Area of the state.
The road project is a 16.2 kilometers, linking seven communities in the local government area.
It also has capacity to provide 350 direct employment opportunities for the youth in the area and will be completed in nine months.
Wike, at the flag off ceremony, commended the people of Omuma for their mandate, describing their support as overwhelming.
The governor assured them that they will enjoy more key projects.
He said his administration had linked Omuma communities to the National Grid while the General Hospital, Eberi was nearing completion.
Wike said: “There is no way that Omuma Local Government Area will not continue to benefit from key projects. The lawmaker representing Omuma State Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu has performed creditably, and we can see his constituency projects”.
He berated the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government for its failure to provide succour to the people, stressing that in the state, the APC has nothing to show.
“The Federal Government has no tangible project in Rivers State after close to three years in government. These APC leaders from Rivers State have been unable to attract a single project.
“If you know that you cannot deliver projects to the people of Rivers State, you better keep quiet and allow us develop the state”.
The governor said that as a Minister of State for Education, he was able to attract 22 key projects to the state and grants for Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic.
“Those who represented Omuma Local Government Area in the past: what is their legacy? For this administration, we shall develop the area”, the governor said.
In his remarks, member representing Omuma in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu thanked Wike for his commitment to the development of the area, and assured the governor that Omuma people will support his re-election come 2019.
A traditional ruler in Omuma, Eze Sylvanus Ogberi lauded the governor for the project, and said it would enhance the socio-economic life of the people.
He also applauded the governor on his emergence as Silverbird Man of the Year 2017 and The Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year 2017, and urged him to continue to do more for the people of the state.
Meanwhile, in continuation of the state-wide roll out of projects, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Friday, flagged off the reconstruction of Oyigbo Market Road by Afam Junction in Oyigbo Local Government Area.
The governor also kick started the construction of road from TAP to Iriebe in Oyigbo Local Government Area.
Speaking during the flag off the two roads, Wike said that the time has come for the people of the area to witness the full transformational power of his administration.
He said: “Recently, while I appeared on a live radio programme, several people from Oyigbo called to inquire about roads in the area.
“This is Oyigbo’s time for critical road projects. Aside these two roads being flagged off today, the Camp Mbano to Iriebe Road is nearing completion”.
Wike charged the people of Oyigbo to always vote leaders who are committed to the development of their communities.
He said: “As far as we are concerned, whatever the people of Oyigbo are entitled to, we shall give it to them.
“I urge the contractors to cooperate with the communities for the early delivery of these projects. For the Oyigbo people, my advice is that you should not listen to those who failed you in the past”.
The governor charged INEC to ensure that the votes of the people count in 2019, as that is the only way Nigerians will benefit from democracy.
“INEC should make Nigeria the big brother by doing things that are right especially conducting free and fair elections. INEC should remove shame from Nigeria. Let your result sheet be the only result sheet. Not that the police will have a different result sheet for fraudulent purposes”, he said.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Works, Hon Dumnamene Deekor said the two roads were in very deplorable condition, adding that the reconstruction will energise the economy of Oyigbo.
Also speaking, Caretaker Committee Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Mr Ugochukwu Ejiri said the people were happy with the flag off of the reconstruction of Oyigbo Market Road by Afam Junction and thanked the governor for remembering Oyigbo people.

Chris Oluoh

Featured

Fubara Reaffirms Commitment To Peace, Development

Published

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

4 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