Politics
Wike Tasks Stakeholders On NAFEST 2018
Activities in Government House, Port Harcourt, began on a celebration note last week, following the successful conduct of the PDP National Convention in Port Harcourt.
Winner of the primary and the party’s Presidential flag bearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar led a powerful delegation yesterday, right from the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, venue of the convention on a ‘ Thank You Visit’ to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike in Government House.
In Atiku Abubakar’s entourage were former Governor of Ogun state, Otumba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Anambra State, Dr Peter Obi who was later chosen as the running mate to the Presidential flag bearer, PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus , Sen. Ben Murray Bruce, Sen. Sam Anyanwu, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Austin Opara, and Edo State Chairman of PDP, Chief Dan Orbih.
Atiku said: “ I came to personally congratulate the governor, the people and Government of Rivers State and also thank him for hosting a most successful convention.”
He lamented the hardship Nigerians were facing as a result of APC’s failed leadership and stressed the need for the country to chart a new direction.
Governor Wike, who congratulated Atiku on his emergence as the PDP presidential candidate, emphasised the need for all PDP leaders and well- meaning Nigerians to consider it a duty to form a united front to sack the failed APC government irrespective of party affiliation.
Wike said party leaders may have supported different aspirants during the primaries, but that with the emergence of a flag bearer, all hands must be on deck to ensure eventual victory of the party.
Another major event at the week under review was the unveiling of the mascot and theme song for the 2018 National Festival of Arts and Culture ( NAFEST ), Wednesday in Port Harcourt by Governor Wike.
At the event, which marked the beginning of the national ceremony, the governor declared that the ceremony is another platform for Nigerians to witness the rich culture and tradition of the state.
He stated that the festival would further emphasis that Rivers State is not only peaceful but the best destination for investment and tourism in the country and urged all stakeholders to work hard to make the festival a success.
Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Justice Eberechi Suzette Nyesom-Wike, last week charged widows not to allow their unfortunate circumstance destroy their future.
Making the charge, Friday at Governor Wike’s Widow Outreach Programme in Port Harcourt , she called on women to support fellow women and widows protect them from harmful societal practices.
The governor’s wife stressed the need for proper education of the girl-child to empower them face the challenges of life and pointed out that trained women have the capacity to withstand the pressures of widowhood.
She said the administration of Governor Wike will continue to fashion out ways of improving the living conditions of women and widows.
Also speaking, the Deputy Governor, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, described the governor as a caring administrator who believes in the welfare of women .
The deputy governor noted that the governor’s gender friendly posture could be seen from appointments into his cabinet and expansion of women political space which enabled them occupy the vice chairmanship positions in the 23 local government councils in the state.
She said the outreach programme would touch the lives of widows in the state.
On Saturday, youths of Emohua Local Government Area declared their support for the re-election of Governor Wike.
They made the declaration during the One Million Youths for New Rivers State Sensitisation Tour and Rally in the area.
Chief of Staff, Government House, Engr Emeka Woke thanked the youths for their strong faith in Governor Wike’s administration.
The Chief of Staff urged them to remain committed and ensure that their votes counts in the 2019 general election.
Chris Oluoh
During a press conference held in Owerri, the coalition called the campaign a “dangerous and shameful display” designed to distract the public from the governor’s performance in office.
The CSOs directly linked the Greater Imo Initiative (GII) —the group that made the allegations on September 4, 2025—to Governor Uzodimma, describing the group as his “mouthpiece and attack dog.”
“Every word spoken against INEC was spoken on his behalf.
“By falsely alleging that Professor Yakubu has an alliance with Dr. Amadi to compromise the 2027 elections, Uzodimma has not only maligned a man of proven integrity but also assaulted the very foundation of our democracy”, said Dr Agbo Frederick, speaking for the coalition.
The coalition described Professor Yakubu as a “beacon of electoral professionalism” and called the attempt to soil his reputation “defamatory and a national security risk.”
They also defended Dr. Amadi, a “respected development scholar,” stating that the governor’s accusations were “laughable, desperate, and dangerous.”
The CSOs see the motive behind the campaign as an attempt to “silence the dissent, intimidate the opposition, and divert attention from the governor’s abysmal record in office.”
The coalition issued four key demands to Governor Uzodimma: An immediate retraction of the false and defamatory allegations against Professor Mahmood Yakubu and Dr. Chima Amadi.
- A public apology to both men within seven days, to be published in at least three national newspapers and broadcast on major television networks.
- An end to diversionary tactics and proxy propaganda.
- A renewed focus on governance, including addressing insecurity, unemployment, and poverty in Imo State.
The CSOs warned that failure to comply would force them to “review our position with a view to seeking legal redress from Governor Uzodimma for defamation, false accusation, and reckless endangerment of lives.”
“Governor Uzodimma must be reminded that he did not find himself in the seat of power to chase shadows.
“We call on all Nigerians to reject Uzodimma’s diversionary antics as they are nothing short of desperate plots by a government terrified of accountability”, the statement concluded.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that preventing the senator from resuming her legislative duties violates democratic principles and disenfranchises her constituents.
“The suspension, having been imposed by the Senate and not a court of law, has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is therefore both illegal and morally indefensible,” Mallam Abdullahi said.
The party noted that denying Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan access to the chamber silences the voice of the people who elected her, adding that the withdrawal of her salary, aides, and office access during the suspension amounted to excessive punishment.
The ADC also criticised the Clerk of the National Assembly for declining to process her resumption on grounds that the matter was before the courts, arguing that the Clerk’s role was administrative, not judicial.
“Administrative caution must not translate into complicity. When the administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished,” the party stated.
Highlighting that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, the ADC warned that the handling of the case sends a discouraging signal about gender inclusion in Nigerian politics.
“Any action that resembles gender intimidation of the few women in the Senate would only discourage women’s participation. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while excluding half of its population from key decision-making spaces,” Mallam Abdullahi added.
The ADC insisted that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her seat immediately, stressing that the matter was about more than one individual.
“What is at stake here is not just one Senate seat, but the integrity of our democracy itself,” the party said.