News
Emulate Gowon, Wike Urges The Youth …Harps On Religious Tolerance
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has challenged the Youth of Nigeria to take a cue from the humble and patriotic lifestyle of the former Head of State, Gen. Dr. YakubuGowon and work for the peace and unity of the country.
Governor Wike stated this during a one Day National Prayer Rally in Port Harcourt, tagged Nigeria Prays, South-South Zone, with the theme “When a Nation Travails.”
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, thanked the Chairman and Convener of Nigeria Prays, Dr. Yakubu Gowon for sustaining the vision of a united Nigeria and holding regular prayer sessions for the stability and prosperity of the Nation for 19 year’s running.
He described Nigeria as a nation covenanted to God and expressed optimism that Nigeria would come out stronger as a country from its onerous challenges.
According to the Governor, the hosting of the programme in Port Harcourt, would bring about spiritual rebirth in the State and advised the people not to lose faith in the efficacy of prayer.
“Today you have stepped your feet in Rivers State and I know there will be a spiritual shake up in heaven over our State. Light and liberty will prevail over Rivers State.” He asserted
Chief Wike cited the importance of corporate intercession by Believers during the build up to 2015 General elections when there were negative predictions over Nigeria’s corporate existence.
The State Chief Executive thanked the body of ‘Nigeria Prays’ and the former Head of State for finding Rivers State worthy to host the South-South zonal rally and assured him that Rivers people will continue to pray for him until he fulfills his vision for the country.
Chairman, Nigeria Prays, Gen Dr. Yakubu Gowon said the essence of the programme was to intercede for leaders at all levels of Government, including the stability, unity and end to the incessant terrorist bombing in the North East.
“We should confess our transgressions and forgive one another irrespective of ethnic and religious background. Let us continue in the faith and seek for peace and tranquility.” Gowon declared.
In his sermon, the General Oversea of Glorious Covenant Church, Bishop Samuel Akinola, advised Christians to be steadfast and faithful to attract God’s blessings.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the National Secretary, ‘Nigeria Prays’, Evang. Austin Kemie said the Ministry is a non–denominational and non-partisan prayer network borne out of genuine concern for God’s intervention and transformation of the nation.
Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Bishop Winston T. Iwo said the present administration is considering changing the annual carnival festivity which was used to showcase masquerades and all kinds of idols in the State and replaced it with Rivers Praise and Choral Night slated to hold on the 19th of December this year at the renamed Gen. Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia Port Harcourt on the December 19, 2015.
He therefore urged Christian Organisations of all denominations and the good people of Rivers State to attend the programme.
The event featured inauguration of Rev. Winston T. Iwo, Special Adviser to the Governor of Rivers State on Religious Affairs and General Oversea of Grace Covenant Church and the presiding Bishop of Glorious Covenant Church, Bishop Samuel Akinola as Patrons of Nigeria Prays, Rivers State Chapter.
High point of the event was symbolic intercession session by representatives of the various ethnic groups, Professional bodies, Leaders at all levels of Government, Security Agencies, Institutions and Children.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has declared that people should be tolerant of each other’s religion.
Governor Wike made the statement yesterday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, while addressing the Regional Eck Spiritual Aide, Mr. Ifeatu John Areh and his entourage who paid him a courtesy visit.
“What is important for us, as a government, is religious tolerance. Your religion should preach about peace, unity and how to live in harmony. This is the essence of religion. Religion is a personal thing. “Governor Wike said.
Governor Wike who was thankful to Eckankar Nigeria for choosing to organize the African conference in Port Harcourt remarked that Rivers state will gain positive publicity because its current image an insecure place will be dispelled.
“It is not easy for a city to host an entire continent. Government will benefit from this event. We are supposed to lobby people to come to our state, but you have decided to come on your own. We are really appreciative of that”, Governor Wike said.
The State Chief Executive also described Eckankar as a religion that preaches discipline among its followers.
Governor Wike who remarked that wastage of public funds is bad and good governance is about making the people happy said that his administration will do everything to attract investors to the state and finish projects that will benefit Rivers people even if they were initiated by previous administrations.
He also said his administration would do everything to partner with groups that would move Rivers state forward.
Speaking earlier, the Regional Eck Spiritual Aide, Head of Eckankar in Nigeria, Mr. Ifeatu John, who lauded Governor Wike’s infrastructural developmental efforts said the African seminar is meant to be informed and teach about Eckankar.
He said that the recent rally of where over 800 eckists marched through the streets of Port Harcourt distributing flyers was an awareness exercise to portray Rivers state and its inhabitants as a peaceful, accommodating and loving people.
Also speaking, Anne Archer Butcher, the ECK African Seminar guest speaker, said the seminar will be centered around her new bestselling book, titled, “INNER GUIDANCE A DIVINE BIRTHRIGHT” which is really about the promoting the teachings of Eckankar.
Anne Butcher emphasized that all religions are important and people who are seeking God should be honored and respected because all human beings are one.
According to her “our responsibility is to reach the divine spirit so that we may become worthy vehicles of love and harmony. I understand this is a mission you hold dear to bring love, harmony, peace and happiness to the people of Rivers state.” She informed Governor Wike.
News
Be Patient With Us, Diri Tells Bayelsans … Inspects New 60mw IPP …Expresses Confidence In Technical Partners, BECL MD
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
