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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

Published

7 years ago

January 25, 2019

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.

Featured

Fubara Reaffirms Commitment To Peace, Development

Published

2 days 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 days 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

3 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