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‘The Tide, Voice Of N’Delta, Rivers People’
The former Chief Executive Officer of the Newswatch Communications Limited, Mr Ray Ekpu, says The Tide, which is the only surviving state-owned newspaper in the country represents the voice of Rivers people and the entire Niger Delta.
Mr Ekpu who said this in his paper entitled, “State Media: The Way Forward” at a lecture session organised by the management of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation as part of its 40th year anniversary also described the paper as the battle axe for the people of Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta.
Also speaking, the chairman of the session, Mr Sofiri Bobo-Brown stressed the need for the government to encourage the newspaper to function in the most efficient manner.
Mr Brown who was the former National President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) said that the current situation in the country had justified the need for the mission of institutions such as The Tide newspapers and others to be redefined and made more viable.
In his contributions, a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Ben Naanen advocated for a population control policy in the country.
Prof Naanen who said this in his lecture entitled, “Medical Oil Industry Partnership and Sustainable Development’ said that there was need for a radical reorientation of the people towards birth control.
The university don also said there was need for the government to evolve ways of conserving the natural resources of the country, emphasizing that the nation’s resources must conform to the principle of sustainability.
He said that the media could partner with oil companies by strengthening the relationship between the companies and their host communities.
Prof Naanen also stressed the need for the media to sustain its advocacy role on the issue of environmental pollution in the Niger Delta.
The General Manager of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mr Celestine Ogolo said that The Tide newspaper had continued to remain one of the leading papers in the newspaper industry in the country.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government says it is still committed to the reviving and repositioning of all state owned media houses for the challenges ahead.
The commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari said this during a Gala/Award Nite organised by the management of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation (RSNC) as part of the activities to mark the 40th anniversary of The Tide newspapers.
Mrs Semenitari said that the state governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi understood the plight of the media houses and he was committed to reviving and repositioning them.
The occasion which was chaired by a member of the federal House of Representatives, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke witnessed the presentation of both corporate and individual awards.
The corporate awards went to the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA), Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Hotel Presidential, Rivers State Bureau of Public Procurement (BoPP) and Integrated Logistics Limited (INTELS) amongst others.
The individual awards went to Sole Administrator, Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, Executive Director, Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA), Mr Noble Pepple, and the Managing Director, Bureau of Public Procurement, Franklin Nlerum.
The rest are, Sienne Allwell Brown, External Relations Manager, Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Professor B. B. Fakae, Vice Chancellor, Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Monalisa Chinda, a Nollywood actress, Sam Dede, renowned Nollywood actor and university teacher, Noble Abe, Managing Director, Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, Mr Noble Abe and Rivers-born musicians, Duncan Mighty.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene