Politics
RSG To Seal Dirty Business Places, Illegal Motor Parks
The Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, has warned that henceforth, business houses with refuses littered around their precincts would be sealed up by the state government.
Governor Wike who gave the warning last Thursday during the inspection of four ongoing flyover projects in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas of the state also warned those operating illegal motor parks and business activities around the flyover project sites to desist or be ready to face the wrath of the law.
The Governor said the decision was informed by the carefree attitude displayed by members of the public towards issues of sanitation, adding that his administration has the political will to implement the new order for the highly needed change of behaviour on sanitation.
“So all those who litter refuse, and operate motor parks will have themselves to blame. This is not the time people will tell you that the economy is hard , does it mean that you will sell your goods and litter the places with refuse?
“ Why do you have to litter the area, thinking that government will come and clean them up for you. Nobody will do that any longer “, Governor Wike said.
The flyover projects inspected were the Rumuola, the GRA Junction, Orochiri/ Worukwo, and Oro-Abali flyovers.
As Muslims celebrated Eid-el- Kabir last week, the Rivers State Chief Executive enjoined Nigerian Muslims to emulate Holy Prophet Mohammed by imbibing the ideals of sacrifice examplified by the prophet.
Governor Wike, in his Sallah message, described Eid-el-Kabir as a season of love, peace, friendship and sacrifice. He urged Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance so as to promote peace across the country and enhance national development.
He thanked Muslim community in the state for their sustained support to his administration, promising that his government would continue to partner with Muslims to move the state forward.
Also last week, Governor Wike was at the site of the new official quarters of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly under construction, to see the extent of work done so far.
He lauded the harmonious relationship existing between the executive and the other two arms of government in the state. According to him, the good working relationship existing between the arms of government engendered the accelerated development being achieved by his administration.
“ Frankly speaking, it would have been difficult if we do not have a good, robust relationship between the three arms of government. Yes , we are independent but we work cooperatively to see that the state moves forward.
“ If we have the relationship that is not good with the legislature, then how would they have passed the budget for us to implement “, he said.
He stated that the numerous projects being embarked by his administration had created huge employment opportunities for the youths in the state and expressed delight over the quality of job at the project site.
“ Look at the number of people who are working here. Assuming we don’t have this kind of project. This is one particular project , but look at the number of people that are being employed , and then multiply it with the number of projects going on simultaneously in the state, that will tell you the number of persons who are being employed in the state “, Wike said.
Also last week, the state government raised alarm over a plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to denigrate the administration of Governor Wike, using selected media houses in the state.
A release by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, said the orchestrated campaign spear headed by the former Governorship aspirant of APC , Dr Dakuku Peterside was mischievously designed to portray the government of Gov Wike as one that has failed to meet the developmental spirations of Rivers people.
The release stated that no matter how hard the distractors push their propaganda, Gov Wike will never be distracted in executing his social contract with the people of the state.
Also within the week under review, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Kim Young-Chae, was in Government House, Port Harcourt on a courtesy visit to the state Governor .
Their discussion centred on partnership between Korea and the state on the areas of agriculture, technical or vocational education, health , construction , among others.
By: Chris Oluoh
Alhaji Abubakar made the pledge on Wednesday during the launch of his presidential campaign in Sokoto State, where he called on Nigerians to unite behind his ambition to rescue the country.
In a statement posted on his X handle, the former Vice-President said Nigerians were increasingly frustrated by hunger, insecurity and unfulfilled political promises, insisting that his campaign would offer a clear plan to address the nation’s challenges.
Expressing gratitude for the reception accorded him in Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar described the state as a historic centre of faith, scholarship and leadership.
“Sokoto, I am here! I am deeply grateful for the rousing welcome as I formally launch my campaign for the presidency from this historic seat of faith, scholarship, and leadership,” he said.
He promised to end insecurity across the country, restore hope to young Nigerians and make the country affordable for citizens.
“Nigerians are tired of hunger, fear, and broken promises. Today, they have a choice, a plan, and a leader ready to deliver. I will end the insecurity that haunts our communities, restore hope to our young people, and make Nigeria affordable again,” Alhaji Abubakar stated.
Describing the Sokoto event as the beginning of a broader campaign to reclaim the country’s fortunes, he urged supporters to remain united and committed to his presidential bid.
“The journey to rescue Nigeria begins here. Together, we will win,” he added.
Mr Dike made the call while speaking with newsmen ahead of tomorrow’s event scheduled to hold at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
He said the rally would provide an opportunity for political stakeholders and residents of the State to reflect on the Federal Government’s development initiatives, infrastructure investments and recognition of Rivers sons and daughters under President Tinubu’s administration.
The publicity subcommittee member noted that the appointment of Ambassador Desmond Akawor as Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State on the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) was among the significant federal appointments benefiting the State.
He also cited the appointment of Chief Boma Iyaye as Executive Director, Finance and Administration, of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as well as Chief Tony Okocha as Rivers State representative on the Commission’s Governing Board.
According to him, other Rivers political stakeholders appointed into federal institutions include Senator Magnus Abe, Chairman of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, and Chief Victor Tombari Giadom, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Educational Planning and Administration.
Mr Dike further noted that the reported disclosure by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, that Rivers State had secured no fewer than 49 federal appointments under the Tinubu administration, reflected the level of federal representation enjoyed by the state.
On infrastructure, he described the 37.9-kilometre Bodo-Bonny Road, which was temporarily opened to public use in December 2025, as a major intervention capable of transforming transportation and economic activities in the State.
He said the road had provided a direct land connection between Bonny Island and the mainland, reducing the historic dependence of residents on water transportation and helicopter services.
The campaign publicity official also highlighted the Federal Government’s intervention on the East-West Road, particularly the Eleme Junction-Port Harcourt-Ahoada and Eleme Junction-Onne Port sections, as well as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which he said would improve connectivity and economic opportunities across the Niger Delta.
Mr Dike further identified the Kaa-Ataba Bridge linking Khana and Andoni local government areas, alongside the Bonny Ring Road and Bridges project being undertaken by the NDDC in partnership with NLNG, as important regional infrastructure initiatives.
He maintained that the projects and federal appointments had placed Rivers State in a strategic position within the national development agenda, urging residents to assess the benefits and support continued investment in the State.
The Ikwerre born politician and public affairs analyst called on party faithful, political leaders, youths, women and other residents to participate actively in the November 7 gathering, expressing optimism that the rally would further strengthen support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
King Onunwor
King Eke made the clarification during the council’s monthly general meeting, convened at the instance of Eze Temple Ejekwu , Nye Nwe Eli Rumuogba, at Rumuogba in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The revered monarch explained that the decision was informed by the need for traditional rulers to preserve their revered positions as fathers of their respective communities, stressing that partisan political affiliations should not undermine their traditional responsibilities.
He maintained that political neutrality among members of the council was non-negotiable, noting that monarchs must remain above partisan divisions to provide balanced leadership, promote unity and sustain peaceful coexistence among their subjects.
He said the council was determined to entrench this principle of neutrality in its engagements, adding that traditional rulers must be seen as unifying forces rather than actors in the political divisions that often characterise electoral contests.
To strengthen the arrangement, the Eze Gbakagbaka of Evo Kingdom disclosed that Eze Temple Ejekwu had been assigned the responsibility of coordinating political activities involving the monarchs, a development he said would ensure balance, proper organisation and respect for the council’s collective position.
The monarch, however, clarified that the council’s apolitical disposition should not be misconstrued as a withdrawal of support for qualified sons and daughters of Evo Kingdom who aspire to occupy elective positions at both the State and National levels.
He stressed that the traditional institution would continue to identify with the legitimate political aspirations of its people, irrespective of political platforms, provided such aspirations were pursued peacefully and in the overall interest of the kingdom.
Specifically, the monarch assured the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Obio/Akpor Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Leslie Ejekwu, who already has his blessings, of the support of Woji, his immediate community, as well as the 33 Evo communities under his traditional leadership.
”Leslie Ejekwu, Esq., will do well given his experience at the Local Government Council as the Legal Adviser and other sundry areas within the political arena”, he said.
He noted that the assurance was consistent with the council’s commitment to the progress and political advancement of Evo sons and daughters, adding that the traditional institution would continue to encourage its people to participate actively in democratic processes without compromising its neutrality.
The Evo monarch also used the occasion to caution politicians and their supporters against violence before, during and after the 2027 general elections, describing the resort to intimidation, destruction and political hostility as an outdated approach to democratic competition.
According to him, the era when political victories were pursued through violence should give way to issue-based campaigns, intellectual capacity, constructive engagements and demonstrable leadership skills, stressing that ideas and competence should take centre stage in the nation’s political development.
King Onunwor
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