Politics

Wike Takes Oath For 2nd Term

Published

7 years ago

June 3, 2019

Amidst thousands of enthusiastic Rivers people, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and his Deputy, Dr Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, last Wednesday, took Oath of office to commence their second term administration.
The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adama Inyie Iyaye- Lamikanra administered the oath of office on them.
The event which took place at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, marked a huge celebration by the high and low in the state.
In his inauguration speech, the governor commended Rivers people for their strong support which made it possible to emerge victorious in spite the odds.
He promised to give his second term his all in appreciation of the renewed mandate and solicited for continued support.
Four key bills were signed into law by Gov Nyesom Wike, Friday in Government House, Port Harcourt. That marked the valedictory session of the 8th Assembly.
They include the Rivers State Multi-Door Courthouse Law ( No 2 of 2019), Rivers State Arbitration Law ( No 3 of 2019), Rivers State Pension Reform Law ( No 4 of 2019), and the Rivers State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology Law ( No 5 of 2019).
The governor described the four bills as key and commended the speaker and members of the House for working hard , stressing that the new laws would help the state.
The governor particularly noted that the new pension law would bring to an end the crisis between the Head of Service and various labour unions who had been kicking against it.
He said, With the new law, the challenge faced by retirees who could not easily get their retirement benefit has become a thing of the past.
Also last Friday, Governor Wike honoured Comoribo Catherine, the police officer who led the parade during the second term inauguration ceremony.
The honour was in appreciation of the officer’s capacity and competence. She was rewarded with N5 million by the governor as encouragement.
Another major event in the week under review was inauguration of a seven- man committee to investigate the financial transactions of the 23 local government areas in the state between May 2018- May 2019.
The committee has the Deputy Governor, Ipalibo Harry- Banigo as its chairman while the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Communications as secretary.
The governor urging the committee to ensure that no council officials or top politicians to influence their work. He gave them three weeks to submit their report.
The deputy governor commended the governor for reposing confidence in members of the committee and assured that the committee would do their best to do a job that the state will be proud of.
On last Thursday, the governor ordered immediate demolition of shanties in and around the state government owned Government Craft Development Centre.
He expressed worry that the shanties were defacing the school environment and also harbouring criminals. On the following day, being Friday, all the shanties were
demolished by the state government.
Wike addressed street traders, roadside mechanics, illegal motor park operators, National Union of Road Transport Workers and other artisans operating in Port Harcourt.
The Governor who expressed dismay over the way the artisans have messed up the city gave them one month to vacate the roads.
The Anglican Bishop of Niger Delta North, Rt Rev Wisdom Budu Ihunwo paid a courtesy visit to the governor, Friday in Government House, last week.

Chris Oluoh

Politics

EFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians

Published

17 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

In what could be described as a proactive measure, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised the alarm that some opposition politicians were allegedly plotting to undermine the agency ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.

The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.

The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”

The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.

“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.

“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.

“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.

“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.

Politics

Datti Baba-Ahmed Reaffirms Loyalty To LP, Forecloses Joining ADC

Published

18 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has dismissed speculation about a possible defection from the Labour Party (LP), declaring that he will not follow his former principal, Mr Peter Obi, to any new political platform ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Baba-Ahmed said his political allegiance remains firmly with the LP, the platform on which he emerged as vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election. He stressed that his future political aspirations are anchored on party loyalty and personal conviction, not shifting alliances.

The former senator representing Kaduna North stated that although he shared a joint ticket with Mr Obi in the last presidential race, he has no intention of joining him following Mr Obi’s recent alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party now being positioned by an opposition coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing journalists at the LP national headquarters, Senator Baba-Ahmed made it clear that he would not take the same political path, insisting that his decision was informed by long-term goals and a clear sense of purpose.

He expressed scepticism about the ADC-led coalition, describing its promoters as “disgruntled politicians” and arguing that the platform does not offer the kind of political vision Nigeria urgently requires.

Senator Baba-Ahmed also reaffirmed his commitment to national service, noting that he remained willing to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at fixing the country and would make himself available for service as the 2027 elections approach.

While acknowledging his past partnership with Mr Obi, he emphasised that political choices must be guided by principles rather than personal relationships.

According to him, his priority is to strengthen the LP and position it as a credible and enduring alternative for Nigerians.

It would be recalled that Mr Obi recently exited the LP and embraced the ADC as part of a broader opposition coalition seeking to unseat the APC in the next general election.

Politics

Bayelsa APC Endorses Tinubu For Second Term

Published

18 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was made on during a special stakeholders meeting of the party convened by Governor Diri in Yenagoa, the State capital.

Senator Konbowei Benson, incumbent Senator representing the Bayelsa Central, moved the endorsement motion, and was seconded by a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and one time deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi.

The Tide reports that Chairman of the new caretaker committee of the party, Dr Dennis Otiotio, Senator representing Bayelsa East, Chief Benson Agadaga, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, attended the endorsement meeting.

Other attendees were, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samson Ogbuku, Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, other stakeholders as well as the ex-officio member (South South) of the APC National Working Committee, Hon. Godbless Diriware.

The Tide also gathered that the meeting was the first expanded stakeholders gathering convened by the governor since becoming a member and leader of the party in the state in October 2025.

In his speech, Governor Diri expressed delight that the State’s APC was one big family which has resolved to work together to deliver President Tinubu for another term in office.

He underscored the need for the members to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, humility and rise above politics of bitterness and divisive tendencies for the sake of peace, development and progress of the state.

The governor also urged the members to play by the rules and engage in politics of consultation, stating that those interested in political offices in the next election should shelve their ambitions for now.

“Here we are today in a very big family of the APC. Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the old members of the party for the reception accorded me and other Peoples Democratic Party members who crossed over. It was a welcome like no other.

“Political parties are vehicles for development. Let us truly be progressives. Whatever positions you want to contest for, whether governorship, House of Assembly or National Assembly, please put it on hold for now. Power comes from God. What should be uppermost is that we are all gathered here to make sure that President Tinubu returns for a second term”, he said.

In a brief remark, Senator Lokpobiri expressed joy to be part of the meeting and acknowledged that the Bayelsa APC now had one united and indivisible objective to wholly deliver the party for all elective offices in 2027.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, former APC governorship candidate in the state, Mr David Lyon, and Prince Ebitimi Amgbare lauded the governor for his maturity, noting that his inclusive governance style would lead the party to achieve its objectives.

Also, the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, commended Governor Diri for uniting all facets of the party’s political leadership in the state, which he noted had been fragmented for over a decade.

Dr Otiotio stated that the purpose of the meeting was to enjoin members and supporters to participate in the party’s electronic membership exercise in order to capture genuine voters.

Meanwhile the stakeholders observed a minute silence in honour of the former Bayelsa West Senatorial District representative in the 5th National Assembly, Senator John Brambaifa, who died on Saturday, January 3, 2026 in Abuja.

By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa