Niger Delta

Field Wike, Lose Rivers, – Activist

Published

11 years ago

November 14, 2014

A Prominent Niger Delta
activist, Ms. Ann Kio-Briggs has warned that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), may lose the 2015 governorship election in Rivers State to another political party if the former Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike was imposed as the party’s flag bearer for next year’s election.
Kio-Briggs who is the spokeperson of the Ijaw Republican Assembly, (IRA) told newsmen in Port Harcourt, Wednesday, explained that plans by Barrister Wike to succeed his kinsman and incumbent Governor, Rt.Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in 2015 is unacceptable to other ethnic nationalities.
The activist warned that no amount of rigging, would guarantee the PDP victory in the governorship election in the state if the party chooses Wike as its flag bearer in the forthcoming elections.
The activist reiterated that the only two qualified ethnic groups to succeed Amaechi were the Ogoni and Ijaws, adding that Kalabari alone can boast of huge voting strength giving the fact that it controls nine out of the twenty three local government areas that makes up the state.
She faulted Wike’s consistent utterances that Obio/Akpor Local Government area where he comes from has the highest voting strength in the state.
According to her, “this is false. Obio/Akpor local government area is cosmopolitan in nature where you have Igbos, Yorubas and Hausas doing businesses. On the day of election, these people will travel home to vote in their various local government areas and states”.
“The situation in Rivers State is going to be bloody because it seems as if PDP national leadership appears to be listening to one person alone in a state of multi-ethnic nationalities. PDP must dialogue with all the stakeholders if they want to win the state. “If Rivers State boils in the course of the election, the economy of Nigeria will crumble and the world will come to its knees. This country as it is now does not need any political instability. For peace to reign therefore, the right thing must be done by the party”, she said.
The activist however said “Wike has not finished the fight against Amaechi, why does he want to share the spoils of the war? There are ministers in other states, I have never heard them said they are fighting for President Goodluck Jonathan to become governors in their states. But Wike has been deceiving Nigerians with such lies.
“Amaechi started fighting Jonathan when Wike was still working with him as the chief of staff, what did he do? He did not resign in protest. If he says he is fighting for Jonathan, has he won the war? Amaechi is still the governor of Rivers State”, she noted.
“Rivers State PDP has been deceiving the national that they will deliver the state for the party. This is not true. What we should do is for everybody to work in a way that Jonathan will have 25 per cent in all the states to win the election. But Wike is not helping matters in the state,” she added.
She disclosed that the purported report that Wike has been able to convince the former minister, Alabo Graham Douglas to support the Ikwerre quest for governor “was false, saying, “there is no truth in it. It is one of their mischievous designs to deceive the Rivers people”.

Candle light procession in honour of the Ogoni Martyrs, organised by the Movement for Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) last Sunday. Photo: Chris Monyanaga.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

Published

4 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.

The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.

It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.

In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.

She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”

According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.

She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.

Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.

She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.

The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.

In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.

She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.

The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.

Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.

Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.

The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.

Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.

Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.

Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.

Niger Delta

UniCal Commits To Nursing Education Dev In C’River

Published

4 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong Offiong, has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.

Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.

The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.

“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.

“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.

Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.

He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.

Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.

Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.

He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.

The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.

Niger Delta

Agency Demolishes Illegal Roadside Structures In Delta N8 by … Clears Street Traders

Published

4 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.

The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.

Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.

Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.

He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.

According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.

Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.

Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.

Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.

The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.

Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.

The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.

Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.