Politics
Wike Urges Aides To Be Above Board
Activities in Government House ended on a strong note
last week, with the swearing-in of seven government functionaries, including four commissioners, Secretary to the State Government and a chief of staff.
The commissioners are the first batch of the state executive council and are expected to get the ground running two weeks after Governor Nyesom Wike and his deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo were sworn-in.
Governor Wike had returned to the state on Wednesday morning after attending the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly on Monday. Shortly after the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki as President of the Senate and Ike Ekweremadu as Deputy Senate President, Governor Wike told newsmen in Abuja that it was a good development for the country’s democracy and a great opportunity for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contribute its quota to democratic governance.
Shortly after arriving Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, the Rivers State governor hosted a joint delegation of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and Petroleum Technical Association of Nigeria in Government House.
The delegation had come under the umbrella of Business Community in Rivers State led by the newly elected President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Eni Membere-Otagi and outgoing president of the Chamber of Commerce, Emeka Unachukwu.
In his remarks, Dr. Membere-Otugi informed the governor that the visit was part of the group’s plan to rekindle cordial relationship between government and business community in the state. He thanked the governor for hosting them despite the short notice.
On his part, Mr. Unachukwu congratulated Governor Wike on his electoral victory, adding that “the visit is historic” and “a practical demonstration that change is coming to Rivers State”.
He placed before the governor the requests of the business community, saying “we believe that you will stop the problem of multiple taxation and other challenges facing by businesses in the state”.
Unachukwu urge the state government to constitute an Investment Promotion Council, and revitalise the Public Private Partnership (PPP), while lauding the governor for the appointment and policies made few weeks into his administration.
Responding, Governor Wike promised that his administration would ensure strong interface between government and business community. Among other things promised by the governor include appointing a professional to oversee the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, checking multiple taxation and issuance of certificate of occupancy as at when due to facilitate loan transaction for businesses.
On Thursday, the governor held meetings with different groups and firms. However, on Friday, he swore-in seven government functionaries. Among them are: Chief Kenneth Kobani as Secretary to the State Government, Engr. Emeka Woke as Chief of Staff, Fred Kpakol as Commissioner for Finance, Emeka Okah as Commissioner for Housing, Onimim Jack for Agriculture, Emma Aguma as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, while Mr. Opunabo Inko-Tariah as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.
Wike challenged the new appointees to work hard and ensure the state moves forward, reminding them that they were selected based on merit and not on patronage. He further warned against mediocrity and favouritism, stressing that he will not hesitate to disengage anyone found wanting.
As part of activities last week in Government House, top management staff of the University of Port Harcourt led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Joseph Ajienka paid a visit to the governor, intimating him of the 30th Convocation Ceremony of the institution and further seeking for government’s support.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the list of candidates for the 2027 governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections from Saturday, August 8, to Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
The commission announced the extension in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna.
According to INEC, the decision followed appeals by political parties for additional time to complete the submission process through the dedicated online portal.
“The submission window, which according to the revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the General Election was originally scheduled to close on Saturday, 8th August, 2026, has been extended to Tuesday, 11th August, 2026,” the commission said.
In a a related development, INEC announced the suspension of PVC collection in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The commission said voters who applied for replacement of lost, damaged or defaced Permanent Voter Cards would have until midnight on Sunday, August 9, to print downloadable copies of their cards.
The electoral body explained that the deadline was necessary to enable it compile data on downloaded PVCs and produce final statistics on the total number of cards collected ahead of the election.
INEC said PVC collection in Osun commenced at the Registration Area level from July 22 to 28, 2026, but was extended to July 31 following complaints about large crowds and difficulties experienced by voters at collection centres.
The exercise subsequently moved to the local government level and ran from August 1 to 7.
The commission also disclosed that replacement downloadable PVCs had been made available to voters in Odo-Otin and Ife Central Local Government Areas following the theft of cards during attacks on the two collection centres.
It stressed that the stolen cards could not be used to vote.
INEC reassured Osun residents of its preparedness for the August 15 governorship election.
“The commission reiterates that the stolen cards cannot be used to vote.
“INEC reassures the people of Osun State of its readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible and inclusive governorship election on 15th August, 2026,” the statement said.
The commission said the deadline, initially set for Saturday, 8 August, has been extended to Tuesday, 11 August 2026, following appeals from political parties for more time.
INEC also announced that the window for voters who applied to replace lost, damaged or defaced PVCs to download their replacement cards will close at midnight on Sunday, 9 August.
The move is to enable the commission compile final PVC collection figures ahead of the 15 August Osun governorship election.
INEC said replacement downloadable PVCs have also been provided to affected voters in Odo-Otin and Ife Central Local Government Areas after hoodlums carted away cards from two collection centres, stressing that the stolen cards cannot be used to vote.
The commission reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible and inclusive election in Osun State.
Gov. Kefas made the remarks over the weekend at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, during the flag-off of the second phase of the Renewed Hope Medical Outreach in Taraba State, organised as part of activities marking Prof. Yilwatda’s 58th birthday.
The governor commended Prof. Yilwatda for choosing to mark his birthday by providing medical care to people in need.
“What Professor Nentawe did is a powerful demonstration of what leadership should be,” Gov. Kefas said.
He assured that his administration would continue to support initiatives that complement government efforts to improve healthcare delivery and the wellbeing of residents.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Yilwatda called on Nigerian leaders to embrace the culture of giving and use their positions to touch the lives of the less privileged.
He said his decision to celebrate his 58th birthday in Taraba State was deliberate and informed by the needs of underserved communities, particularly people who face difficulties accessing healthcare because of distance and financial constraints.
According to him, the intervention followed a needs assessment and was extended across the three senatorial districts of the state.
He said the exercise commenced on August 3 at Takum General Hospital and covered the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Wukari; First Referral Hospital, Sunkani, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area; General Hospital, Bali; General Hospital, Gembu; and FMC Jalingo.
Prof. Yilwatda said the intervention provided medical services to thousands of beneficiaries, including people who required surgical procedures.
He said sustainable national development could only be achieved when strong institutions placed Nigerians at the centre of development.
“Leadership is about service,” he said, urging political and public leaders to make giving back to society an important part of their responsibilities.
He reaffirmed his commitment to serving Nigeria and its people, saying his personal vision was to make every day of his life useful to humanity.
“Every day that I live, the vision is: let it be useful to humanity,” he said.
The Taraba State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bordiya Buma, commended the initiative, saying it was consistent with the Renewed Hope agenda and efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.
Dr Buma said the second phase followed the successful completion of the first phase, which was conducted simultaneously in six local government areas, with two LGAs selected from each of the three senatorial districts.
According to him, more than 10,000 patients were attended to during the first phase, including people with medical and surgical conditions.
He disclosed that 327 general surgeries, 71 eye surgeries and 575 dental procedures were carried out during the exercise.
The commissioner expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Medical Outreach and thanked Prof. Yilwatda for supporting the initiative and choosing Taraba State as a beneficiary.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, also commended Prof. Yilwatda for choosing Taraba State to mark his 58th birthday through a medical outreach.
Prof. Pate said making healthcare the centrepiece of the birthday celebration was significant because health affects everyone.
-
News3 days agoRSG Targets Nine Million Residents in Mosquito Net Distribution Campaign
-
Oil & Energy3 days agoAiyedatiwa Signs New Electricity Bill
-
Maritime3 days agoMarine Minister Commends President Tinubu On NPERA Bill Assent
-
Oil & Energy3 days agoNLNG Commissions Research And Innovation Centre In RSU
-
News3 days agoKenPoly Holds Eight Convocations, August 29
-
News3 days agoRSG Begins Another Phase of Projects Commissioning Today
-
News3 days agoRMAFC Completes Revenue Sharing Review, Proposes New Pay
-
Maritime3 days agoNAGAFF Petitions IGP Over Alleged Maritime Police Harassment