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‘#OurStateOurResponsibility’ …Pomp, Pageantry As Rivers Non-Indigenes Hail Wike, Nsirim
It was an occasion of pomp and pageantry as the highly influential convivial assembly, Non- Indigenes Without Borders, in Rivers State, recently received the pragmatic advocacy missive from the Ministry of Information and Communications,’ “Our State Our Responsibility”, seeking to keep them abreast of the developmental ethos of Governor Nyesom Wike.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, emerging from his state media tour on the same Rivers development reality, told the elated motley crowd that Wike’s second tenure is a paradigm shift from the perceived tradition of lack!ustre leadership to a proactive all-inclusive administration.
Nsirim assured the non-indigenes that as variegated and congruous as the State is, so is their union and that following a proactive government, Wike was determined to appease everybody. Rather than shirk his responsibilities in governance that earned him national and international recognition, Nsirim said Wike would execute more people oriented projects as already manifested in the commissioning of high profile projects coming up in his second tenure’s first 100 days in office.
Latching on the campaign theme, “Our State Our Responsibility,” the permanent secretary, who is also the state chairman of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) commended the non indigenes made up of notable tribes in Nigeria for their level of decency and disciplined lifestyle in Rivers State.
He expressed confidence that non-indigenes under their umbrella would, no doubt, continue to abide by the laws of the State and advised the group to take the new law against street trading, illegal markets and motor parks seriously and inform their members as Governor Wike was passionate about restoring the garden city status of Port Harcourt.
Acknowledging their high sense of integrity, the Rivers State NIPR boss admonished members of the group to shun undue yellow press that lack content but merely figment of imagination of mischief makers strictly aimed at demarketing Rivers State. He therefore called for unflinching support to Wike’s administration to conquer this army whose stuck in trade is character assassination.
He said the novel initiative of the Ministry of Information and Communications, “Our State Our Responsibility, was choreographed to change the negative narratives of brutish existence, danger and under development from detractors to the new vision positives of infrastructural development, sound economy and security which the Wike administration had been identified with. Nsirim noted that the state was blessed and remained the economic life-wire of the country despite frustrating moves to destroy its economy and relevance by detractors, regretting that the state sea ports had been deliberately rendered comatose.
Nevertheless, he said God had endowered the state with economic resources that attract the cream of professionals all over the world, giving credence to the new Turkish Airline which otherwise would not be possible in a state of anomie or crisis.
That informs the reason why many of the non-indigenes are successfully plying their trade and succeeding in their businesses without molestation, he stated, while commending them for their contributions in developing the state.
Besides the benefits of hydrocarbon, oil and gas, Nsirim further said God blessed Rivers State with a visionary and altruistic leader with the intention to positively transform the state to the advantage of indigenes and non-Indigenes. He took special interest on the massive support from non-Indigenes to the Governor during the general elections which he noted was not surprising to him considering their long-existing partnership in Wike-Ied administration.
Responding on behalf of Non-Indigenes Without Borders, the Deputy National Leader. Hon. Obong Inyang said the relationship between the government of Nyesom Wike and non-indigenes was at its highest echelon and members of the group were better with Wike’s administration than in their home states. Inyang who doubles as leader, Aqua-Cross community of the group, represented the National leader, Hon. Emeka Onowu. He said the non-indigenes were
ready to sacrifice for the sake of Governor Wike just as they stood by him during the general elections without travelling to their villages.
Corroborating Inyang, the National Woman leader, Hon. (Mrs) Eunice Alfred Obire, expressed joy over the visit by the Permanent
Secretary and Directors of the Ministry, saying it was strange that after election government thought it necessary to visit the people, an
attitude she said was comforting. She congratulated Wike for excellence in governance in all sectors and for improving the lots of non indigenes. But for Governor Wike, Obire said many non
indigenes could not have held positions in government or travelled abroad for pilgrimage or business.
Ditto for representative of Edo-Delta Community, Ambassador Henry Iyoha, whose joy knew no bounds when he considered Wike as the best administration so far in the state even as he promised that the group would transmit the Permanent Secretary’s campaign to the grassroots and disabuse the minds of the people from the lies of disgruntled elements. He recounted the governor’s goodwill and the promises fulfilled just as be hailed Wike for granting them their Certificate of Occupancy (C.of Os). Iyoha said the non indigenes were ready to confront the fifth columnists in all ramifications.
Hon. Macy Onyeuka represents the Ibo community in the group. For him, the voices of the most populated non indigenous tribe in Rivers-the Ibos, are behind Governor Nyesom Wike who he commended for disarming the opposition that believed he (Wike) would dump them after election. Onyeuka said, instead, Governor Wike disappointed his critics and ensured the non indigenes never regretted identifying with him. He blamed Wikes antagonists who out of ignorance refused to learn that there are multiple benefits for the state from a visionary leader who is a development protagonist.
Onyeuka’s view was shared by Alhaji Ibrahim Mesundu, representing the Hausa Community. He posited that the Hausa Community was in total support of Governor Wike’s administration as well as the Ministry of Information and Communications campaign, “Our State Our Responsibility”. Mesundu regrets that despite visible efforts of government to transform the state positively some people are bent on sabotaging the peoples collective progress. He called on the authorities to arrest and prosecute such persons irrespective of their tribe.
The Yoruba community was not different, their representative, Alhaji Rojas Durojaiye, noted categorically that Yorubas were law abiding. He did not mince words when he said that the Yoruba community in Rivers State were determined to continue with Governor Wike because they have been taken care of variously.
In the same vein, the Bayelsa Community was not left out.
Their representative, Hon. Francis Jacobs commended the Governor for the peaceful co-existence between Rivers and Bayelsa States. He agreed with the position of other representatives but added that he had been a beneficiary of the largesse by means of occupying certain positions in service of the people.
But for time factor, the Non-Indigenes Without Borders said they were set for the campaign for Wike’s administration not minding the rain that compelled some of them to seek shelter with umbrellas.
It would be recalled that the Permanent Secretary and his Directors from Ministry of Information and Communications had recently traversed the state on the campaign “Our State Our
Responsibility,” to counter the barrage of misinformation meted out by enemies of the state who are determined to ensure the failure of Governor Wike’s administration.
After the media tour, they are engaging other stakeholders even as they are ready to launch out of the state for the campaign.
The team is currently parleying with the Legislators, Judiciary, CEOs, Business Organisations, Local Governments, the Clergy, Civil
Societies, Youth Bodies, Traditional Rulers etc.
The Senate has announced that it will hold an emergency plenary sitting tomorrow (Tuesday).
The announcement was made yesterday in a statement signed by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, who said all senators have been requested to attend.
“The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has directed the reconvening of plenary for an emergency sitting on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026,” the statement read.
The session is scheduled to commence at 12 noon.
This comes just days after the Senate passed the amendment bill on February 4, but voted down Clause 60(3), which would have required presiding officers to electronically transmit results from polling units directly to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing portal in real time.
The rejected clause aimed to make the process mandatory.
The lawmaker replaced it with the current discretionary “transfer” of results, which allows electronic transmission only after votes are counted and publicly announced at polling units.
Civil society groups and opposition figures in the country have condemned the Senate’s decision, labelling it a setback for Nigeria’s democratic progress.
Senate President Akpabio has, however, defended the Senate’s actions, insisting during a public event that the Senate did not reject electronic transmission and vowing not to be intimidated.
Tomorrow’s emergency sitting could see the Senate reconsider the rejected amendment amid public outcry and potential legal challenges from figures such as lawyer Femi Falana, with possible implications for Nigeria’s democratic processes and the balance between incumbency protections and verifiable voting technology.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has petitioned the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to investigate members of the Senate and other public officers over alleged irregularities in the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and the Tax Reform Laws.
According to a statement issued yesterday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation is seeking a prompt, thorough, and effective probe into claims that some senators removed provisions on electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act Amendment Bill during plenary, despite a majority having voted for their inclusion and without any debate on the proposed removal.
“According to our information, certain members of the Senate allegedly removed the provisions on electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act Amendment Bill during plenary after the majority of the senators had voted for the inclusion of the provisions and without any debate on the proposed removal of the said provisions,” SERAP said.
The organisation also requested the CCB to investigate alterations in the Tax Reform Bills, which reportedly led to discrepancies between the harmonised versions passed by the National Assembly and the copies signed into law and gazetted by the Federal Government.
“Similarly, the National Assembly recently alleged that there are unlawful alterations and some material differences between the tax reform bills passed by the legislative body and the tax reform laws gazetted by the Federal Government.
“A Sokoto lawmaker, Abdussamad Dasuki, raised the issue under a matter of privilege, drawing the attention of the House to the alleged discrepancies between the harmonised versions of the tax reform bills passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and the copies gazetted by the Federal Government.
“The lawmakers said the alterations contained in the gazetted copies did not receive legislative approval. These alleged unlawful alterations raise questions over the legality and legitimacy of both the law-making processes and the versions of the tax laws circulated by the Federal Ministry of Information,” the petition added.
The Senate had denied removing the provisions on electronic transmission of election results, saying it only removed the term “real time” from the sentence, citing judicial concerns.
Similarly, the National Assembly had initiated investigations into the alleged discrepancies in the tax bill and released a “certified” version of the Acts to address the contradictions. The law took effect on January 1, 2026.
SERAP said the petition is submitted under paragraphs 1 and 9 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers contained in the Fifth Schedule, Part 1 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and sections 5 and 13 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.
It alleged that the processes leading to the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and the signing of the Tax Reform Laws were marked by alterations to bill provisions without debate and due process of law, as well as alterations to the Tax Reform Bill without the approval of the National Assembly.
“The petition raises issues of conflict of interest, abuse of office, non-disclosure of interests, lack of due process, and erosion of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers in the exercise of legislative power.
“There are also allegations that certain amendments may have been removed or introduced to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and the Tax Reform Laws to serve private or political interests rather than the public interest,” the petition reads.
Citing the Constitution, SERAP noted that public officers must not place themselves in situations where personal interests conflict with official duties.
Specifically, the organisation asked the Bureau to formally register the petition and “promptly, thoroughly, transparently, and effectively investigate the conduct of the lawmakers and officers of the executive branch allegedly involved;
“Examine whether inducements, benefits, or promises were offered or received in connection with those acts;
“Examine whether the alleged cumulative conduct of lawmakers and officers of the executive branch amounted to abuse of legislative power, conflict of interest, and breach of due process, contrary to the Code of Conduct for Public Officers;
“Refer any substantiated violations to the Code of Conduct Tribunal; and
“Take all necessary steps to uphold the principle that public office is a public trust.”
The petition requested that the Bureau consider the complaint within seven days, warning that legal action could follow if there is no response.
Dated February 7, 2026, the petition was signed by Oluwadare and sent to the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Mr Abdullahi Bello.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Rivers State Branch, has expanded its humanitarian footprint in Rivers State with the formal inauguration of student volunteers at Command Children School (CCS), Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, marking a significant step in promoting humanitarian values among young Nigerians.
The ceremony, which took place at the school premises, officially admitted CCS students into the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
The Rivers State Branch Representative of the Red Cross Society, Mr Noah Idegbesor, disclosed this in his opening remarks at the occasion.
In a symbolic display, the students marched to the flag stand alongside members of the high table and the Branch Representative, where the Red Cross flag was hoisted, signifying the school’s full induction into the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
With the flag raised, CCS was formally declared a member institution of the NRCS.
As part of the inauguration, a certificate of affiliation was presented to the school by the Nigerian Red Cross Society and received on behalf of the school by the Head Teacher, Mrs Onwuzuruigbo Taiwo.
Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, the Acting Director, Nigerian Army 6 Division Education Services, Port Harcourt, Lt. Col. A. Sadiq, described the event as very unique and significant.
Represented by Staff Sergeant Arisa Eberechi, the Director assured of the support of his team in ensuring success of the endeavour.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the school, Mr Zuru Daniel, said the establishment of the Red Cross unit in the school was a welcome development and assured of the support of the body to ensure its sustainability.
The event also featured a parade by the volunteers, freewill donations from dignitaries and parents in attendance, underscoring community support for the humanitarian initiative.
Speaking earlier, the Head Teacher, Mrs Onwuzuruigbo Taiwo, described the inauguration as an emotional and fulfilling moment.
“It was awesome. We thought it would not be possible, but today it was glorious,” she said.
Taiwo explained that the school’s participation in the Red Cross Society began when management decided to introduce clubs and societies.
“I told my assistant that I wanted the Red Cross to be one of them. The Red Cross signifies many things; it is service to humanity,” she added.
Also, the Assistant Head Teacher, Mrs Bawo Agbana, expressed appreciation to dignitaries, officials of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and parents for their support and presence.
The Assistant Head Teacher (Administration) described the programme as overwhelming and exciting, expressing gratitude to God for its success.
She said the school’s decision to embrace the Red Cross Society was driven by the need to instill values of love, kindness and service in children from an early age.
“Our impression of the Red Cross is being good to people, showing love and kindness. As the children grow, we want to build the spirit of humanity in them so they can show love and care in school, their communities and Nigeria at large,” she said, adding that early training was crucial given current challenges in the country.
She also delivered the closing remark, after which a photo session was held with the newly inaugurated student volunteers.
Other dignitaries at the occasion include Chairman, Python Officers’ Mess, 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Chief Dan Harrison, and the Sualla 1 of Adagbabiri Kingdom, Chief Col. K. Agbana (Rtd.),
Speaking in an interview at the event, 10-year-old primary five pupil, Precious Ote, said she volunteered to join the Red Cross Society because of her desire to help and care for people.
Similarly, 11-year-old Eno Marvellous of Primary Four expressed excitement at becoming a member of the Red Cross Society, noting that her hope is “to save” lives.
The inauguration highlights ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Red Cross Society to nurture a culture of volunteerism, compassion and humanitarian service among schoolchildren in Port Harcourt and beyond.
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