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Do Or Die Politics Plaguing Nigeria -Wike …As PR Experts Seek Change In Political Culture
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike says do or die political attitude of politicians was responsible for the current violent and divisive condition of the country.
Speaking at the annual conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Wike emphasised that peace building should be all-inclusive, as all hands must be on deck.
The governor, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, expressed worry that the current political culture has negatively affected the psyche of Nigerians to the extent that they feel ostracised in governance.
“There is huge apathy among the citizenry, and the adverse impact on national psyche is unquantifiable.
“Peace is at all-time low before, during and after elections”, Wike declared.
The Governor advocated for a new kind of political culture that will de-emphasise tribalism, but said the media and public relations professionals have huge role to play in bringing about the change.
He commended the media in Rivers State, which he said, stood firmly for the truth during the last elections, as he enjoined others to emulate.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Bro. Emmanuel Ogidi, decried the high ethnic and religious campaigns championed by politicians, and observed that this attitude further divides the country and disrupts social harmony and unity.
For him, the way out is for public relations practitioners to reframe the narrative by promoting a conciliatory and friendly communication system that would enhance national development.
In his remarks, the President and Chairman of NIPR Governing Council, Mallam Muktar Sirajo, emphasised the need for governments at all levels to include public relations experts in the formulation of its policies and programmes.
He further urged managers of private and public sector establishments, especially ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to comply with the NIPR Act by appointing professionals as PR officers to manage their Public Affairs or Public Relations units, saying that it was criminal offence to ignore the provisions of the law in making such appointments.
The NIPR helmsman further stressed the need to promote those values that would engender unity, reasoning that the nation’s diversity could be exploited for development.
Also speaking, the state Chairman of NIPR, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim said the theme of the conference, “Post Election Peace Building: The Role of Public Relations”, was not only apt but strategically aimed at setting agenda for peace-building in the state and the nation.
Nsirim maintained that a new narrative that would stimulate development and better the country was what was desperately needed now in the country.
While delivering his presentation, the keynote speaker and Professor of Development Communication in the Rivers State University, Prof. Godwin Okon, described the just-concluded 2019 general election as one that recorded the highest apathy since the return of democracy in 1999.
Okon, who spoke on the theme: “Post Election Peace Building: The Role of Public Relations”, sought for overhaul of the nation’s political communication culture such that there would be peace before, during and after all elections.
He said that the current scenario only creates apathy and marginalisation, which integrated public relations, can trigger a change through open, fair and balanced communication process.
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.