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Wike Blames 2019 Election Challenge On Buhari …Says President Failed To Sign Amended Electoral Act …Birates NBA For Not Defending Rivers Judiciary …Says Absolute Loyalty, Key To Appointments
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that the major challenges that characterised the 2019 General Elections would have been averted if President Muhammadu Buhari had assented to the amended Electoral Act.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Political Team from the British High Commission at the Government House Port Harcourt yesterday, Governor Wike said the amended Electoral Act would have legitimised the card reader and strengthened the process of result collation.
He said: “If the President had assented to the amended Electoral Act, we wouldn’t have had the kind of problem we had.
”That means that there must be card reader in the Electoral Process. In that case, it makes it difficult for security agencies who want to commit electoral fraud to succeed “.
The Governor said that with the card reader given legal teeth, it would have played a key role in the results that emerged and discouraged violence.
”With the card reader, results that don’t tally with accredited figures in the device will not be accepted. Since the card reader is not in the law, it creates the loopholes for them to manipulate.
“They created the room where some security agencies tried to force Returning Officers to sign result sheets. Remember in Rivers State, the Army took over the INEC Headquarters. The essence of that was to see that the Returning Officers were hijacked for fraudulent purposes.
”But if the card reader was legitimised in the Electoral Act, it would not have been possible, because the only acceptable result would be the one that tallies with the Card Reader. I have always said to Mr President that in the interest of the country, let us do the right thing. Let us not politicise everything “, he said
While insisting that the amended Electoral Act when signed into law will restore confidence in the Electoral System, Governor Wike called for the de-militarization of the nation’s democracy.
He said: “We should reduce the militarisation during elections. It is unfortunate that instead of Police, the Army takes over our elections with flimsy excuses.
”What happened in Rivers State is an eye-opener. Bringing in the Army every time is not the solution. The police should be allowed to do their job. INEC should be truly independent.
”In the case of Rivers State, we must commend INEC for being assertive. If they were not assertive, I don’t know where we would have been”.
Governor Wike urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to be truly independent, adding that the appointment of INEC leadership should not completely be in the hands of the Federal Government as suggested by the Uwais report.
The Governor said the issues of security should not be politicised as is the case. He noted that politicisation of security has led to insecurity in all states of the Federation.
He recalled that Rivers State suffered the politicisation of security as the Nigerian Army clamped down on the State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency at its training site at the NYSC Camp, even though the Agency was modeled after that of Lagos State. He noted that the Rivers State Government will go ahead with the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency and urged the British Government to provide technical support.
Governor Wike also stated that State Police is key to tackling insecurity across the country.
”But before the implementation of State Police, the revenue sharing formula of the country must be reviewed. The Federal Government should have less resources because they have lesser responsibilities “, he said.
Governor Wike reiterated that oil bunkering is fueled by the connivance and participation of security agencies.
”Security agencies are involved in oil bunkering. That is why you see so many security agents struggling to be posted to the Niger Delta. Oil bunkering has negatively affected our security and environment”, he said.
In his remarks, the Deputy Head of Political Section/First Secretary, British High Commission, Stuart Gardner congratulated Governor Wike on his well deserved victory, noting that the British Government was interested in his views on the 2019 General Elections.
He regretted that the last elections were marred by violence, saying that steps must be taken to stem the tide of violence during the 2023 Elections.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has expressed disappointment over the failure of the Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA ) to condemn invasion of the state Judiciary Complex by thurgs of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ).
The Governor made the condemnation, Monday, after receiving the reports of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Violent Invasion of the state judiciary complex on 11th April 2018 and the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Violence, Killings and other Related Matters during the 2019 General Elections, at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
NBA , it was gathered, did not submit any memorandum to the commission.
Wike said: “ How can people invade the Court and NBA did not submit a memorandum on the unfortunate incident.
“ NBA kept quete and it is regrettable if NBA cannot work for the interest of the state, then it is not good “.
He noted that one of the major reasons the country is not moving forward is because people refuse to condemn evil .
The Governor regretted that NBA failed to take action towards strengthening the judiciary.
He commended the two Judicial Commissions for doing a comprehensive job and assured that by the time the new Executive Council is fully constituted, the white paper would be out and that the recommendations would be implemented.
Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Violence, Killings and other Related Matters during the 2019 General Elections, Justice Monima Danagogo disclosed that the commission received 13 memoranda, 73 exhibits, while 21 witnesses testified.
He also said the report is in four volumes.
On his part, Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Violent Invasion of the state judiciary complex on the 11th April 2018, Justice Simeon Amadi , said the commission took steps to ensure that everybody is given fair hearing..
According to him, the commission received 27 memoranda, 82 documents tendered, while 27 witnesses testified.
However, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has reiterated that his second term appointments will be based on absolute loyalty, commitment to the vision of the administration and the capacity to deliver.
The Governor spoke on Monday when he swore-in the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, Chief of Staff, Government House, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke, Attorney General, Dr Zaccheus Adango and Commissioner for Finance, Hon Isaac Kamalu.
He said: “These appointments are not based on sentiments. Appointment is based on one hundred percent undiluted loyalty and competence.
I will not appoint people who will run down the government.
“We will appoint those who believe in the vision and mission of the State Government. Those who will defend the Government and her policies “.
Governor Wike said that the first set of appointments were made to kick start his second term and enhance the development of the state.
He said: “ The appointments that I made were not lobbied for. I know these officials personally.
“Going forward, I will take time to scrutinise people that will be appointed. I learnt my lesson during the last term. I will only appoint people who want to work and those who want to make sacrifices for the state.
“I have known the Secretary to the State Government closely. He is loyal and committed. This second term is for people who want to work for the state”.
He charged the newly appointed officers not to take their appointments for granted, adding that if they failed to work for the people, they will face the consequences.
Governor Wike advised the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government to work for all Rivers people.
“You are not the Secretary to the State Government for the Kalabari people. You are the Secretary to the State Government for Rivers people. You must serve the interest of the state”, he said.
The Governor urged the people of Andoni to take immediate measures to rescue the expatriates kidnapped by Andoni youths, or face the withdrawal of government recognition for their traditional rulers and the stopping of work on the Andoni section of the Unity Road.
In an interview, reappointed Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke promised to make his contributions to the actualization of the vision and mission of the Wike Administration.
The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo assured that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of his responsibilities and thanked the Rivers State Governor for the opportunity to serve the people of Rivers State, saying he will live up to expectations of Rivers people.
President Bola Tinubu yesterday signed into law four tax reform bills aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework.
The four bills include: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.
They were passed by the National Assembly after months of consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, yesterday.
The ceremony was witnessed by the leadership of the National Assembly and some legislators, governors, ministers, and aides of the President.
The presidency had earlier stated that the laws would transform tax administration in the country, increase revenue generation, improve the business environment, and give a boost to domestic and foreign investments.
“When the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments,” Special Adviser to the President on Media, Bayo Onanuga said on Wednesday.
Before the signing of the four bills, President Tinubu had earlier yesterday, said the tax reform bills will reset Nigeria’s economic trajectory and simplify its complex fiscal landscape.
Announcing the development via his official X handle, yesterday, the President declared, “In a few hours, I will sign four landmark tax reform bills into law, ushering in a bold new era of economic governance in our country.”
Tinubu made a call to investors and citizens alike, saying, “Let the world know that Nigeria is open for business, and this time, everyone has a fair shot.”
He described the bills as not just technical adjustments but a direct intervention to ease burdens on struggling Nigerians.
“These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes. They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet,” Tinubu wrote.
According to the President, “They will unify our fragmented tax system, eliminate wasteful duplications, cut red tape, restore investor confidence, and entrench transparency and coordination at every level.”
He added that the long-standing burden of Nigeria’s tax structure had unfairly weighed down the vulnerable while enabling inefficiency.
The tax reforms, first introduced in October 2024, were part of Tinubu’s post-subsidy-removal recovery plan, aimed at expanding revenue without stifling productivity.
However, the bills faced turbulence at the National Assembly and amongst some state governors who rejected its passing in 2024.
At the NASS, the bills sparked heated debate, particularly around the revenue-sharing structure, which governors from the North opposed.
They warned that a shift toward derivation-based allocations, especially with VAT, could tilt fiscal balance in favour of southern states with stronger consumption bases.
After prolonged dialogue, the VAT rate remained at 7.5 per cent, and a new exemption was introduced to shield minimum wage earners from personal income tax.
By May 2025, the National Assembly passed the harmonised versions with broad support, driven in part by pressure from economic stakeholders and international observers who welcomed the clarity and efficiency the reforms promised.
In his tweet, Tinubu stressed that this is just the beginning of Nigeria’s tax evolution.
“We are laying the foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent, and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria.
“A tax regime that rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and mobilises revenue without punishing productivity,” he stated.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, the National Assembly, and Nigeria’s subnational governments.
The President added, “We are not just signing tax bills but rewriting the social contract.
“We are not there yet, but we are firmly on the road.”
The Senate has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over its failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts probing alleged financial discrepancies amounting to over ?210 trillion in its audited reports from 2017 to 2023.
Despite being summoned, no officials or external auditors from NNPCL showed up yesterday.
However, representatives from the representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and Department of State Services were present.
Angered by the NNPCL’s absence, the committee, yesterday, issued a 10-day ultimatum, demanding the company’s top executives to appear before the panel by July 10 or face constitutional sanctions.
A letter from NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Dapo Segun, dated June 25, was read at the session.
It cited an ongoing management retreat and requested a two-month extension to prepare necessary documents and responses.
The letter partly read, “Having carefully reviewed your request, we hereby request your kind consideration to reschedule the engagement for a period of two months from now to enable us to collate the requested information and documentation.
“Furthermore, members of the Board and the senior management team of NNPC Limited are currently out of the office for a retreat, which makes it difficult to attend the rescheduled session on Thursday, 26th June, 2025.
“While appreciating the opportunity provided and the importance of this engagement, we reassure you of our commitment to the success of this exercise. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”
But lawmakers rejected the request.
The Committee Chairman, Senator Aliyu Wadada, said NNPCL was not expected to submit documents, but rather provide verbal responses to 11 key questions previously sent.
“For an institution like NNPCL to ask for two months to respond to questions from its own audited records is unacceptable,” Wadada stated.
“If they fail to show up by July 10, we will invoke our constitutional powers. The Nigerian people deserve answers,” he warned.
Other lawmakers echoed similar frustrations.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) insisted that NNPCL’s Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, must personally lead the delegation at the next hearing.
The Tide reports that Ojulari took over from Mele Kyari on April 2, 2025.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) said the two-month request suggested the company had no answers, but the committee would still grant a fair hearing by reconvening on July 10.
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) warned the NNPCL against undermining the Senate, saying, “If they fail to appear again, Nigerians will know the Senate is not a toothless bulldog.”
Last week, the Senate panel grilled Segun and other top executives over what they described as “mind-boggling” irregularities in NNPCL’s financial statements.
The Senate flagged ?103 trillion in accrued expenses, including ?600 billion in retention fees, legal, and auditing costs—without supporting documentation.
Also questioned was another ?103 trillion listed under receivables. Just before the hearing, NNPCL submitted a revised report contradicting the previously published figures, raising more concerns.
The committee has demanded detailed answers to 11 specific queries and warned that failure to comply could trigger legislative consequences.
The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) said over 17 million Nigerians travelled out between 2023 and 2024.
This is as the association announced that it would be organising a maiden edition of Eastern Travel Market 2025 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital from 27th to 30th August, 2025.
Vice Chairman of NANTA, Eastern Zone, Hope Ehiogie, disclosed this during a news briefing in Port Harcourt.
Ehiogie explained that the event aims to bring together over 1,000 travel professionals to discuss the future of the industry in the nation and give visibility to airlines, hospitality firms, hospitals and institutions in the South-South and South-East, tagged Eastern Zone.
He stated that the 17 million number marks a significant increase in overseas travel and tours.
According to him, “Nigerian travel industry has seen significant growth, with 17 million people traveling out of the country in 2023”.
Ehiogie further said the potential of tourism and travel would bring in over $12 million into the nation’s economy by 2026, saying it would be a major spike in the sector, as 2024 recorded about $4 million.
“The potential of tourism and travel is that it can generate about $12 million for the nation’s economy by 2026. Last year it was $4 million.
“In the area of travels, over 17 million Nigerians traveled out of the country two years ago for different purposes. This included, health, religious purposes, visit, education and others,” Ehiogie said.
While highlighting the potential of Nigeria’s tourism, he said the hospitality industry in Nigeria has come of age, saying it is now second to none.
The Vice Chairman of NANTA, Eastern Zone further said, “We are not creating an enabling environment for business to thrive. We need to support the industry and provide the necessary infrastructure for growth.”
He said the country has a lot of tourism potential, especially as the government is now showing interest in and supporting the sector.
Ehiogie emphasized that NANTA has been working to support the industry with initiatives such as training schools and platforms for airlines and hotels to sell their products.
He added, “We now have about four to five training schools in the region, and within two years, the first set of students will graduate. We are helping airlines sell tickets and hotels sell their rooms.”
Also speaking, former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NANTA, Stephen Isokariari of Dial Travels, called for more support from the industry.
Isokariari stated, “We need to work together to grow the industry and contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
“With the right support and infrastructure, the Nigerian travel industry has the potential to make a significant contribution to the nation’s economy.”