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Wike Declares War On Secret Cultists …Gives Magistrates 57 Automobiles …Buys Land For Judges’ Quarters
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has declared a total war on cultists in the state, stating that they will be rooted out and prosecuted.
The governor also announced that the state government has acquired 4.1 hectares of land in the Government Reserved Area (GRA), to construct residential quarters for judges of the Rivers State Judiciary.
Presenting 57 official Honda Accord cars to Magistrates of the state judiciary, yesterday, at the State High Court Complex, the governor said that measures have been taken to fish out those responsible for cult-related violence in the state.
The governor noted that nobody will be allowed to stop the pace of projects delivery and state-wide development.
He said, “we have declared a total war on cultism. We will fish out those who sponsor cult- related violence in some communities of the state.
“I have provided the required support and logistics to the security agencies to tackle these cultists. Nobody remotely involved will be spared. No cultist will go free”.
He said that his administration will continue to invest in security for the protection of the residents of the state.
On the presentation of the cars to 57 Magistrates, the governor explained that it was done to provide an enabling environment for the Magistrates to dispense justice according to the law.
In her remarks, Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Adama Inyie Iyayi-Lamikanra, commended Governor Wike for taking actions that will enhance the dispensation of justice despite the financial meltdown.
She urged the Magistrates to reciprocate by putting in their best to serve the state.
Attorney-General of Rivers State and Commissioner for Justice, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) said the presentation of vehicles was not a result of pressure on the governor, but the governor’s desire to improve the working conditions of Magistrates.
Meanwhile, determined to ensure efficient justice administration in the state, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has commissioned 57 executive Honda Cars for Magistrates in the State Judiciary Service to ease their mobility challenges.
The state governor, while performing the commissioning ceremony during a brief programme at the State Judiciary Complex in Port Harcourt, yesterday, said the gesture was to spur the magistrates to do their work effectively, adding that the cars must be used as an official vehicle and not for private purposes.
Wike averred that the cars were in fulfillment of his earlier promise to the Magistrates during his visit to the state Judiciary, adding that the vehicles would ease the problems the Magistrates encounter in the discharge of their duties.
He described the judiciary as a veritable component in the fight against corruption, noting that for the war against corruption to succeed; all arms of government must be strengthened.
He also disclosed that the state government had acquired land for the construction of houses for the state Judges for their personal use after they had retired from the service.
He thanked the judiciary for the support given to his administration since inception, adding that the state government would not relent in providing those needed infrastructures that will help them do their job effectively.
Also speaking, the state Chief Judge, Justice Adama Inyie Iyayi-Lamikanra, thanked the state governor for the gesture, adding that the cars would help the Magistrates exercise their responsibilities accordingly.
Iyayi-Lamikanra described the governor’s gesture as his commitment to ensuring maximum delivery of administration of justice in the state, and urged the benefitting Magistrates to reciprocate the gesture by being focused in the discharge of their duties.
In his good will message, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN), said the cars were not purchased under any pressure, but rather borne out of the governor’s desire to enhance the performances of the Magistrates and strengthen the administration of justice in the state.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
