Niger Delta

Amaechi Must Explain Actions In Govt – Okah

Published

10 years ago

June 26, 2015

Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (middle), cutting a tape to inaugurate the permanent site of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield in the Niger Delta, recently. With him are: JTF Commander, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Atewe (left) and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Retired Rear Adm. John Jonah (right).

The Rivers State Commis
sioner for Housing, Barr Emma Okah, has said that there is nothing wrong or immoral for an administration that received and managed about N3 trillion on behalf of the people of Rivers State to explain some of her actions suspected to be fraudulent. The people have the right to know,” he said.
Oka said it was mischievous to accuse the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike of witch-hunting the former Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, through probes.
“The Nyesom Wike administration is merely protecting the people’s interest by inquiring into how public resources were wasted, stolen or misappropriated by the past administration, and every lover of democracy and rule of law should not complain, blackmail the state government or divert attention from that”, the statement added.
Explaining further, Okah said that the simple thing Amaechi needs to do, if invited by any commission of enquiry, is to state his own side of the story, and tender documents to buttress his case. There is nothing to fear, if his hands are clean, he said
The commissioner also said that certain things must be clarified by the Amaechi government, noting that the state cannot close her eyes to some grave allegations of corruption against the Amaechi government.
“Is it proper for Amaechi to sell off 70 per cent of the Rivers State Government interests in the state’s four power stations (Eleme, Omoku, Afam and Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt) at the cost of $302.4million, and the entire money was withdrawn between December 2014 and April 2015 without any document of transaction or payment into any government account. Who owns the Bureau de Change Company that received the money, and who authorised the receipt and where is the money?
“Is it witch-hunt for Amaechi to pay out $39million to his cronies for the purpose of building the Karibi-Whyte Mega Hospital, and till today, not a single block is standing?
“Is it witch-hunt for the former governor to withdraw the sum of N812million in May 2015 for the purpose of furnishing his private house in Asokoro, Abuja, even when workers’ salaries and pensions were in arrears?
“Is it witch-hunt for the sum of N200million to be withdrawn in cash from the various accounts of Ministry of Works on May 28, 2015 for no official purpose?
“Is it witch-hunt for the Amaechi government to sell two aircraft belonging to the state, and till today, there is no word on the sale proceeds or the processes?
“Is it witch-hunting for the sum of N2billion Agricultural loan which Amaechi’s government took from the CBN to be paid out to fake cooperative groups created by his aides as grants? Should Rivers people not know who and who took these monies as the state will repay the money to CBN?
“Is it witch-hunting to seek explanation on the bogus monorail project which has been adjudged to be the biggest fraud conduit in Rivers State under the former government?”, Okah queried.
He challenged Amaechi to explain how he budgeted N2billion for scholarship to Rivers scholars abroad and before his eyes, the consultants who paid the money took out N900million as their fees, leaving only N1.1billion for the stranded students.
Okah stated that Wike is not witch-hunting Amaechi, emphasising that Rivers people expect Amaechi to face these questions with the same bravery that he is known for, adding shouting about witch-hunt was not the solution.

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.

Niger Delta

Remember Me As Fighter Against Sexual Harassment – UNICAL VC

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Florence Obi, has said she will want to be remembered for fighting sexual harassment and delayed results.

Obi made the remark recently at an event in Calabar, organised by the university to mark the end of her five-year tenure as the 11th substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution.

It would be recalled that Obi, whose tenure expired on November 30, was appointed Vice Chancellor on September 10, 2020, but officially assumed office on December 1, 2020.

She said her commitment to protecting students, especially the female ones, remained one of her greatest achievements as Vice Chancellor.

She said, “I fought against sexual predators and ensured timely release of students’ results to curb frustration within the institution.”

While expressing fulfilment at completing her tenure and thanking God for enabling her finish strong after five years in office, she said she would return to the classroom because teaching remained her passion.

Earlier, she addressed staff and students outside her office during a carnival-like, marching out parade in her honour, thanking them for their support throughout her administration.

She also encouraged them to support her successor to enable him to succeed and take the university to greater heights.

“This institution has recorded significant growth and I am confident that my successor will advance the progress already made”, she said.

The Tide’s source reports that under her leadership, the largest solar power plant in Cross River State was built in UniCal, ensuring stable electricity for the university and its teaching hospital.

Other achievements included upgrading the Faculty of Education to a College, getting Mass Communication accredited and elevated to a Faculty.

Her administration also constructed new hostels, introduced departmental scholarships, built a fire service station, and completed the Law Faculty complex.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Presents N1.664tn 2026 Appropriations Bill

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oboreveori, on Wednesday, presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.664 trillion to the State House of Assembly.

Presenting the bill during plenary of the Assembly in Asaba, Oborevwori said, “I wish to announce a budget proposal of N1.664 trillion for the services of Delta State Government in 2026.”

He said the amount comprised the sum of N499 billion, representing 30 per cent of total budget for Recurrent Expenditure, and N1.165 trillion representing 70 per cent of total budget for Capital Expenditure.

The Governor added that the 2026 budget size indicated an increase of N685 billion, or 70 per cent over the 2025 Appropriation.

He also said sources of funds for the 2026 budget as proposed would be mainly from statutory allocation, internally generated revenue, mineral derivation, and Value Added, Tax among others.

Giving breakdown of the budget proposal, he said the state was earmarking N450 billion for road projects across the state in the 2026 fiscal year.

He said, ”A well-developed road infrastructure is a catalyst for economic growth.

”It facilitates easy movement of goods and services, reduces transportation costs, attracts investment, and improves access to markets and thereby boosting socio-economic development and generating employment opportunities.

”Agriculture is key to economic diversification and sustainable development.

”We shall continue to devote considerable attention and resources to fast-track developments in the agricultural sector towards enhancing food security in Delta State.

”This will also enable economic diversification, promote self-reliance, and generate employment opportunities.”

The Tide’s source reports that the sum of 10 billion has been earmarked for the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the 2026 Budget.

Oborevwori, who is the immediate past Speaker of the Assembly, commended the House for its partnership and urged members to expedite consideration and passage of the budget to sustain ongoing development momentum.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building “a prosperous, secure, and stronger Delta where no one is left behind.”

In his remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Dennis Guwor, commended Oborevwori’s administration for the steady strides recorded under the “Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda”.

”Over the past year, we have witnessed sustained investments in critical infrastructure, impactful social interventions, prudent fiscal management of resources, and strategic initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security, and economic stability across the State”, he said.

Guwor also commended the Governor for approving the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) and initiating the construction of permanent offices for the Assembly Service Commission.

He assured the Governor of the Assembly’s resolve to undertake a thorough and timely review of the appropriation bill, stressing that the Legislature remains committed to people-centered governance, accountability, and equitable development.

“Your Excellency, I want to assure you that the entire Members of this 8th Assembly are united behind your vision for the transformation of the State.

”While our roles in government are distinct and protected by the Constitution, our objectives remain aligned; delivering the greatest good to the greatest number of the people of the state”, he stated.