Politics
Wike Congratulates Rivers Workers
The Workers Day Celebrations was the curtain raiser
last week in Government House. Governor Nyesom Wike issued a statement through his media aide congratulating workers with a pledge to always prioritise welfare of civil servants.
The governor urged Rivers workers to remain committed to the ideals of selfless service and development, noting that the process of massive development being witnessed across the state will be sustained. He particularly thanked the workers for their unflinching support to his administration since he assumed office.
Shortly after, Governor Wike attended the march past and parade of workers to commemorate the day at Gen. Gowon Stadium, Elekahia. Represented by his deputy, Dr Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, he described workers as an essential ingredient in the realization of a new Rivers State.
He called on the leadership of labour in the state to close ranks emphasizing that they can collectively achieve their goal for industrial harmony between government and workers.
On the same Sunday, wife of the governor, Justice Suzette Nyesom Wike attended the child dedication of Dr and Mrs Chika Chuku at St. Marks Anglican Church, Elelenwo. She promised that the state government led by her husband will sustain the flow of pro-people projects.
She said, “ I know the man I am married to, he is a determined and focused man. God will never let him down. He will continue to deliver in line with the promises he made to the people”.
Justice Nyesom-Wike called on the people to continue to pray for the governor for God’s grace to further the developmental feats attained by the administration.
Last Tuesday, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dr Austin Tam-George attended the World Press Freedom Day and was represented by Director of Public Enlightenment in the Ministry, Mr Paulinus Nsirim. Dr Tam-George urged journalists to perform their duties in line with the ethics of the profession.
The Commissioner pointed out that the future of the country lies in the hands of journalists who are expected to inform, educate and entertain the society. He therefore enjoined them to be bold and professional by undertaking investigative reports, assuring that the State Government will provide the necessary environment for them to carry out their duties.
Returning to the state on Friday after official duties outside, Governor Wike flagged-off a lottery programme organized by the Nigerian-Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) for intending Christian Pilgrims in the State. The governor announced that despite dwindling resources, the state government will continue to sponsor pilgrims to Jerusalem since Rivers State is totally a Christian State.
The governor at the function held at Dr Obi Wali Conference Centre announced plans by the State Government to send 200 youths to Israel for skills acquisition, adding that the skills will help the youths in self sustenance.
Wike also bought 150 lottery tickets for each of the 319 Ward of the state at the sum of N23 million. The tickets, he insisted, should be distributed to the less privileged and not to politicians.
Last Saturday, Governor Wike took time out to inspect ongoing projects in the state. Among some of the projects visited include the New Road at Borokiri, where he expressed satisfaction at the level of work done. He however directed that the drains be connected to the creeks and waterways to ensure effective drainage and reduction of flooding in the neighbourhood.
The Tide source reports that the committee, reportedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, is making moves to reclaim the Wadata Plaza headquarters months after it was sealed following a violent clash between rival factions of the party.
Senior officers at the FCT Police Command told our source that while they had not received an official briefing, police personnel would be stationed at the secretariat and other key locations to maintain peace.
The Acting National Secretary of the Mohammed-led committee, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, announced last week that the secretariat would reopen for official activities on Monday (today).
He dismissed claims that ongoing litigation would prevent the reopening, saying, “There are no legal barriers preventing the caretaker committee from resuming work at the party’s headquarters.”
However, the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) has fiercely rejected the reopening move, insisting that Sen. Anyanwu and his group remain expelled from the PDP and have no authority to act on its behalf.
Speaking with The Tide source, the committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, declared: “They are living in fool’s paradise. The worst form of deceit is self-deceit, where the person knows he is deceiving himself yet continues with gusto.
“Even INEC, which they claim has recognised them, has denied them. They are indulging in a roller coaster of self-deceit.”
Mr Ememobong further revealed that letters had been sent to both the Inspector-General of Police and the FCT Commissioner of Police, stressing that the matter was still in court and warning against any attempt to “resort to self-help.”
“The case pending before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik was instituted by the expelled members. They cannot resort to self-help until judgment is delivered,” he said.
He warned that reopening the secretariat would amount to contempt of court.
A senior officer at the FCT Police Command, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that officers would be deployed to the area to avert a repeat of the November 19 violence that led to the secretariat’s initial closure.
“The command would not stand by and allow a breakdown of peace and order by the party or anyone else. Definitely, the police will have to be on the ground,” he said.
Another officer added, “There will definitely be men present at the secretariat, but I can’t say the number of police officers that would be deployed.”
When contacted, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, said she had not been briefed on the planned reopening and declined to comment on whether officers would be deployed.
Asked to confirm whether the secretariat was initially sealed by police, she responded, “Yes,” but refused to say more about the current deployment plans.
The Kano State House of Assembly has debunked the purported impeachment plan against the Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo.
The Tide source recalls that the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, recently sparked controversy during an interview session with a local radio station.
Mr Waiya called on the deputy governor to resign for failing to follow his principal, Gov. Abba Yusuf, in defecting from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the spokesperson to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Kamaluddeen Shawai, while addressing journalists in Kano on Saturday, described reports circulating in some media outlets about Mr Gwarzo’s impeachment as baseless and misleading, emphasising that no such plan is underway.
Mr Shawai further stated that the House remains focused on its legislative duties and oversight functions rather than engaging in speculative political manoeuvres.
The spokesperson urged members of the public and the media to verify information before sharing it, stressing the importance of accurate reporting in maintaining political stability in the state.
He said, “There is absolutely no motion or initiative within the House to remove the deputy governor.
“These reports are false and should be disregarded by the public. The deputy governor continues to serve in his capacity with full support from the House.
“Our priority is good governance and serving the people of Kano, not circulating rumours.”
She made the declaration during an interview with Nigerian football legend, Mr Segun Odegbami, during a live radio interview on Saturday.
Prof. Obasanjo, who is also former commissioner in the state, ruled out a return to the Senate, stating that her focus was firmly on the governorship race.
“So, moving ahead, I’m not going to be Commissioner. Like I said, I’m not even going back to the same party because I think that’s old and I don’t see the use of it. And I’m not going to go back to the Senate,” she said.
“Like the Americans would say, there’s no need. And this is what I told my associates, when this all started. I said, the only thing I’ll come back to do is the governorship.
“And we have started that journey. We are going to see it through. And so that’s the journey I’m on. And we are very serious about it. I mean we are very dedicated to it.”
The politician also confirmed that she recently joined the APC, explaining that her return to active politics followed persistent calls from supporters.
“Like I told you, a group of people who I did not bring together, have been working, I think, for two years now. And then they started talking to me about a year ago, saying, ‘Look, we think you are the best candidate. We want you back,’” she added.
Her declaration sets the stage for what may become a keenly contested governorship race in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections.
-
Sports22 hours agoArsenal Women End Man City’s Invincibility
-
Sports22 hours agoU-20 WWC: Falconets claim qualifier win
-
Environment21 hours agoRivers State Government Suspend Fire Service Collection Levies
-
Environment21 hours agoLASEMA pushes attitudinal change to cut fire outbreaks in Lagos
-
Sports22 hours agoInsurance Deepen Enyimba’s Trouble
-
Sports22 hours agoYouth Olympics preparation Gears up
-
Politics23 hours agoI DEFECTED OUT OF CONVICTION …NO ONE COULD’VE IMPEACHED MY LATE DEPUTY ~ DIRI
-
Maritime1 day agoOver 6,223 Seafarers Abandoned In 2025 – Says ITF