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2019 ELECTION VICTORY: Wike Praises Church For Standing Firm …Seeks United Front For Rivers Dev …Inaugurates Accreditation, Approves C’ttee For Private Schools, Today
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has praised the Christian community of the state for standing firm to defeat the forces of democratic darkness on March 9, 2019.
The governor noted that Rivers Christians insisted on Rivers mandate must be respected, despite the ugly plots against Rivers State.
He spoke at the 2019 Election Victory Thanksgiving Service in his honour and Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo by all the Anglican Dioceses of Rivers State at Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Wike said: “I want to use this medium to thank the church for their support. It is important for us to realise that but for the support and prayers of the church, we wouldn’t have attained victory.
“I heard that some people are angry that I declared Rivers as a Christian State. With what happened on March 9, 2019, it re-emphasised my conviction that Rivers is a Christian State. Nobody can intimidate me into changing my position”.
Wike assured the church that he will never disappoint the church, noting that he will continue to deliver development to the state.
“I will not disappoint the church. I will continue to support the church. When people who think that they are God came, Christians stood firm and showed that Rivers State is a Christian State”, he said.
He stated that all his actions during his second term would be geared towards growing the state. He said some of his policies may be tough, but they will be pro-people in nature.
The governor reiterated the state’s rejection of RUGA settlements for herdsmen in whatever form it would be introduced by the authorities.
He said that the state can only donate ocean water to the system via the laying of water pipelines to serve the cattle in the northern part of the country.
In a sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Okrika Diocese, Rt Rev Tubokosemie Abere, said the Thanksgiving Service marked the beginning of a glorious era in Rivers State.
He said: “Today marks the journey of a glorious era of our state. The attitude of thanksgiving will never end in our state”.
Abere urged all Rivers politicians to work with the Rivers State governor to develop the state in line with the hand of reconciliation extended by Wike.
He commended the Rivers State governor for his outstanding performance in his first term, and urged him to step up the tempo in his second term.
The cleric noted that the thanksgiving service was necessary to appreciate God for standing with Rivers people during the elections and stopping the enemies of democracy who wanted to impose a governor.
The Saint Paul’s Choir and the Government House, Port Harcourt Choir sang two songs that prayed God to bless Rivers State, grant her peace and create the right environment for development.
The Thanksgiving Service was officiated by the Anglican Bishop of Okrika Diocese, Rt Rev Tubokosemie Abere, Bishop of Diocese of Ahoada, Rt Rev Clement Ekpeye, Bishop of Ogoni Diocese , Rev Dr Solomon Gberegbara, Bishop of Etche Diocese, Rt. Rev Okechukwu Nwala, Bishop of Ikwerre Diocese, Rt Rev Blessing Enyindah, Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, Bishop of Niger Delta Diocese, Rt Rev Cornelius Ebirien and Bishop of Niger Delta North, Rt Rev Wisdom Ihunwo.
In a remark, Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt Rev Innocent Ordu said that the entire Anglican Community in Rivers State celebrated Governor Wike and Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo for their contributions to the development of the state.
He said that governor and his deputy as confirmed Anglican parishioners, have lived up to the expectations of the people.
Prayers were said for Rivers State, Governor Wike, Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo and the country.
All Dioceses published goodwill messages for the Rivers State governor and his administration.
Songs of praise and worship rent the air and lifted the spirit of parishioners who attended the thanksgiving service.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has called on leaders of the state from all political persuasions to liaise with his administration to move the state forward.
Speaking during the first anniversary Thanksgiving Service of Anglican Bishop of Niger Delta North, Rt Rev Wisdom Ihunwo at the Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, last Saturday, the governor said it was incumbent on leaders of the state to work for the development of the state.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke, the Rivers State governor said with the conclusion of elections, this was the time to promote a united front for growth.
Wike said: “Now that elections have been won and lost, it is important for us to come together for the development of the state.
“The governor said that all political actors should reconcile for the good of the state. He forgave those who offended him and also sought forgiveness. Some criminal cases against some politicians have been withdrawn to pave the way for peace.
“The governor is serious about peace and he is determined to promote peace at all times for the purpose of development in Rivers State”.
He appealed to the church to participate in the development process, saying that the contributions of the church will make the difference, and congratulated the bishop for his first eventful year in office.
He commended him for his investments in human empowerment, which is in line with the achievements of the Rivers State Government.
In his remarks, the Anglican Bishop of Niger Delta North, Rt Rev Wisdom Ihunwo, thanked God for giving him the opportunity to serve in his vineyard.
While acknowledging that there was much work to be done, he prayed God to always create the avenue for the Diocese to grow.
In a sermon, Anglican Bishop of Etche Diocese, Rt Rev Precious Nwala, said that the Grace of God was necessary for salvation and social growth.
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Mr Solomon Eke, said that Bishop Wisdom Ihunwo was a blessing to the church and the people of Rivers State.
Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, will today inaugurate the newly constituted Committee for Accreditation and Approval of Private Schools in Rivers State.
The inauguration ceremony would hold at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt, at 12noon.
A statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, advised the committee members are to be seated by 11.30am at the Executive Council Chambers.
The Rivers East Committee to be given legal powers and operating orders has Prof. Mercury Ndimele as chairman, and Barrister. Florence Akaakar as secretary, while Prof. Eric C. Amadi, Dr Sam Edeh, Prof. Prince Chinedu Nmom, Mrs Martha Fortune Iruene, Dr Ngozi Iheanacho, Prof. Lawrence Emenike Bull Igwe, Deacon Awajiokinor M. Mfianigh, Bishop Emmanuel Datubo Fubara, Dr. Torbiro Lazaasi Lenee, Prof Mrs Opuenebo B. Owen and Engr Dr Hilkiah A. Ogoni as members.
Other members of the committee are, Barrister Simeso Amachree, Prof Jason Ossai, Engr Charles Kennedy, Dr Goodnews Wabah, Dr Clinton Eluozo, Dr Eme Weli, Prof Nlerum Okogbule, Mrs Mae Solomon (Director, Quality Assurance Dept Secondary), Mr Gilbert Dodd Samuel (SUBEB), Mrs Stella Ichenwo, and Dr Samuel Kalagbo.
The Rivers West Committee has Prof. Felix Ideriah as chairman, and Prof Onyee Nwankpa as secretary, while Dr Mrs. Ngozi Ordu, Mr. Ogbonda G. Darlington, Prof. Joyce Akaninwo, Onyenweaku Nwauche, Barrister Blessing Amadi, Dr Animia Wodu, Augustine Nelson, Dr Jacob Chujor, and Mr Sunny Jumbo (Director, Quality Assurance Dept Nursery/Primary) are members.
The Rivers South-East Committee has Prof Okey Onuchukwu as chairman and Mrs Grace Akpogunum as secretary, while Mr Orlu Lucky, Dr Onyinechi Wariboko, Sir. Charles Amadi, Dr Ibinabo Bobmanuel, Dr Awotein George, Mr Charles Paul K. E. Tomi, Dr Maxwell Eremie, Sir Emeh Wali, and Mr Akwor Boniface (SUBEB) are to serve as members.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday extended interim relief measures to the people of Bille Kingdom as the government intensifies efforts to address the ongoing environmental degradation affecting the area.
This was contained in a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi, yesterday.
The governor, during a working visit to Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area, reassured residents of his deep concern for their health and well-being.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the persistent gas emissions observed in the community’s land and water sources since November 2025.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the governor announced immediate interventions to address urgent needs.
Some of the relief measures include the provision of potable water and essential medical services through the release of ?100 million as palliative support for the affected community.
According to the SSG, “Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Bille Kingdom. Although unable to attend in person due to pressing state engagements, he is fully aware of the situation and determined to tackle the root cause of the environmental challenge”.
The governor assured residents that the state government would not relent in its efforts to provide a permanent solution to the gas emissions, emphasizing that the current intervention is only a temporary measure to ease the suffering of the people.
He further urged members of the community to remain law-abiding and continue supporting his administration, noting that he has consistently demonstrated a track record of fulfilling his promises.
Earlier, the Chairman, Council of Chief for Bille Kingdom, Chief Bennet Dokubo, expressed joy over the State visit, describing Fubara as a leader who listens to the plight of the people.
He urged the governor to critically look into the gas emission which he described as dangerous to human health.
“If we take you into the river, we notice that the entire environment is bubbling and smelling.
“We most humbly urge you to critically look into this situation. This is something strange we have never experienced before. It is not good for human health,” the monarch stressed.
The Federal Government has declared tomorrow (Friday) and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The ministe congratulated all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter, and urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
He reiterated that the goal of the government remains to make decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
The Tide reports that good Friday will be marked tomorrow, while the Easter Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday across the world.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to carry out their duties with discipline, loyalty and a firm commitment to the success of the administration and the wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.
The governor warned that any involvement in unauthorised nocturnal meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government will attract immediate dismissal.
Fubara gave the warning yesterday shortly after the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo S.A. Wokoma and the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
As part of the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the duo before the governor gave his charge.
Addressing the appointees, Fubara reminded them that their elevation to the new positions was a call to service and not a platform for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition.
He stressed that their foremost responsibility should be to themselves and to the people of Rivers State, stressing that their conduct must always reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to public good.
Speaking directly to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual depth and capacity to deliver on the new assignment.
The office of the Secretary to the State Government, Fubara stressed, demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. He charged the SSG to represent the State with honour at all times.
“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us.
“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met, are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state,” he stated.
Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the governor explained that he is expected to ensure smooth administrative coordination, managing official engagements effectively and safeguarding the image of the Government House.
He underscored the sensitive and personal nature of the role and emphasised that the position operates strictly under the authority of the governor.
Fubara stressed that the role does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.
“Let me sound it here very clearly. Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here.
“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it,” he said.
The governor cautioned that involvement of the new appointees in any action capable of bringing the government or his office to disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.
While congratulating the new appointees, Fubara expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.
He called on all public officials to work together in unity, observing that collective success is stronger and more enduring than individual achievement.
The governor who also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, directed those of them who have reached retirement age to start preparing their handover notes without delay.
The notice, he said, was not intended to scare anybody but to prepare their minds towards the inevitability of exiting the service one day and to pave way for an orderly transition.
He warned against any attempt to engage in financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that he was closely monitoring the system to ensure strict enforcement of accountability rules.