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2019: Buhari’s Neglect Of N’Delta, Determining Factor -Wike …Anglican Bishops Declare Support For Gov …As Rivers PDP Campaign Train Storms ASALGA
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has decried the total neglect of the Niger Delta by the APC-led Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking during the PDP campaign rally in Ahoada West Local Government Area in Akinima, yesterday, Wike said President Muhammadu Buhari through deliberate manipulation refused to fund major projects across the Niger Delta.
He said: “Even though the Niger Delta produces the wealth of the nation, there is no funding of projects in the area.
“Look at the East-West Road, no serious attempt has been made to fund the project. All other projects in the area have been abandoned…instead, few projects are found in the north and south West “.
He charged the people of Ahoada West Local Government Area to vote for Atiku Abubakar so as to address the developmental challenges of the Niger Delta region.
He said unlike the APC, the PDP is bent on the fulfilment of promises and the enhancement of the welfare of the people.
“When PDP makes a promise, it goes ahead to fulfill the promise. Everywhere in Nigeria, people are voting for the PDP because they keep their promises”, he said.
Commenting on the plot by the APC to disrupt the general elections in Rivers State, Wike said that they lack the capacity to stop polls from holding in the state.
“APC cannot stop the elections from holding in Rivers State. They think they have monopoly of violence. They are engaged in in-fighting and they should face the consequences of their disrespect for the rule of law.
“I call on the President to call members of his party in Rivers State to order. They should stop threatening us that there will be no elections. If there is no election in Rivers State, then, there will be no election across the country”, he said.
Wike said that the APC will not be allowed to create cattle grazing routes in Rivers State.
On the claim by the factional governorship candidate of Accord Party that projects cannot create jobs, Wike noted that perpetual governorship aspirant does not understand the development process.
He said the factional governorship candidate of Accord Party couldn’t successfully operate a dance club, hence he has no business contesting the position of a governor.
Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah said that the people are happy with the governor’s achievements in the area.
He presented Rivers West PDP Senatorial Candidate, Mrs Betty Apiafi, PDP candidate for Ahoada West/ONELGA Federal Constituency, Prince Uchechukwu Nnam-Obi and PDP candidate for Ahoada West State Constituency, Okpokiri Okpokiri to the people, and asked them to vote him.
PDP Candidate for Ahoada West State Constituency, Okpokiri Okpokiri called on the people to give total support for Wike and all PDP candidates
Director General of Rivers State PDP Campaign Council, Amb Desmond Akawor said Ahoada West have just one objective, which is to vote PDP candidates in all the 100 polling units of the LGA.
Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Mr Hope Ikiriko said that Ahoada West will totally vote for Wike.
He said that Wike ways pleases God, hence his enemies are at peace with him.
PDP Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Hon Princewill Ogbobula said that the governor’s achievements have weakened opposition parties in the area.
Leading female musician, Jikume Bethelem thrilled thousands of Wike supporters at the rally.
Meanwhile, Anglican Archbishop and Bishops of the Province of Niger Delta have declared that Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike deserves a second term for his outstanding developmental strides.
The Province of Niger Delta Anglican Bishops made the declaration during a programme for an evening of worship and prayers at the Government House Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Port Harcourt.
The clerics who took different prayer points invoked God’s protection and guidance for Governor Wike and other PDP candidates during the 2019 polls.
Leading the prayers, Archbishop of Anglican Niger Delta Province, Most Rev Tunde Adeleye said that Governor Wike represents a rare breed in the Nigerian political space. He said the Rivers State Governor is needed in the state to consolidate on his good works.
He said that the infrastructural development projects of Governor Wike have reshaped Rivers State and the Church firmly stands by the governor.
”God is with you and we will continue to pray for you. We will come again for thanksgiving. God does not institute prayers for nothing”, he said.
Archbishop Adeleye said that Federal Might is full of deceit and lies. He noted that Federal Might cannot stand in the presence of God.
At the Federal Level, he wondered why some unpatriotic politicians are pushing a tired politician to continue because they want to mismanage the resources of the country.
Prayers were said for peaceful elections, credible polls and success of Governor Wike and other PDP candidates at the polls.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike expressed gratitude to the clerics for standing with the people of Rivers State.
He said that it is edifying to realise that the Church is standing by them ahead of the general elections.
Governor Wike noted that after the two major elections, all PDP candidates will return to the Church for thanksgiving. He said that the Church will never be abandoned in the state.
The programme was attended by all PDP candidates in Rivers State.
In another development, All is now set as the Rivers State Governor and Governorship candidate of the PDP, His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Wike will visit Buguma in Asari Toru Local Government today, 25th January, 2019 as part of his state campaign rally.
A statement by the Director of Information and Communications of the Rivers State PDP Campaign Council Emma Okah says the campaign rally will take place at the fields of Kalabari National College (KNC), Buguma at 10am.
Some of the major projects undertaken by the Nyesom Ezenwo Wike administration in the LGA include:
Reconstruction of General Hospital, Buguma
Abalama Sandfill & Reclamation
Skill Aquisition Centre, Buguma
Reconstruction of Community Secondary School, Ido
Other schools
The statement urged the good people of Asari-Toru LGA to turn out enmasse and give the governor a resounding reception.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
