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Beyond Partisan Politics …The Tambuwal, Wike Example

Published

9 years ago

August 29, 2016

For a country deeply enmeshed in bitter partisan bickering, political intolerance and senseless blame-game, the statesmanship displayed by Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal and Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike deserves some commendation. It indeed demonstrates the needed difference between ‘politicking’ and leadership.
Last weekend, Tambuwal, led by his host, Wike, commissioned various projects completed by Governor Wike in Rivers State after the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt. The host governor is of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his guest, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Among projects commissioned by Tambuwal were the Rumualogu-Alakahia road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area built to ease traffic congestion in that sector of the LGA and the expanded and rehabilitated Okrika ATC Jetty and pavilion reconstructed by the government for safer water transformation in the area.
Commissioning the projects, Tambuwal described Governor Wike as a man of the people committed to the development of the state. “I see that Wike is a man of the people who is committed to the development of the state. I commission this road to the glory of God and the benefit of the people”, Tambuwal said.
Tambuwal spoke from the heart as a good leader should and not a political opponent and demonstrated very clearly, that what follows after every election is leadership and service and not the needless blame-game that has characterised governance at the centre and the bitterness that has coloured the criticisms of the opposition in the state.
Nigeria recorded one of the worst examples of opposition politics months before the 2015 general elections and did not abate even after opposition won the Presidential elections. To date, name-calling takes the place of reasonable leadership.
It was an opposition that saw nothing good in government and politicised even national security. Some examples may suffice.
When it became evident that Nigeria could no longer enrich a cartel of Independent Marketers, who through questionable refined products import claims, made non sense of the petroleum subsidy, and moved to liberalise the downstream sector, opposition kicked, even if they knew it was the right thing to do. They mobilized civil society groups, labour and the jobless lot, provided them with uniforms, foods and flyers in protest against a lofty economic move.
Months later in government, the same APC government did what they should have encouraged the Jonathan government to do when, the Naira had stronger value against other major currencies than later that more than N350 is needed to buy a dollar. Today, the official rate of fuel is N145, up from N87 while, in the open market it sells for between N200 and N300, with consequential hike in prices of basic needs.
This is in spite of the fact that there are no palliatives to cushion the effects of the drastic increase as was being contemplated by the Jonathan Presidency. Attempts to tinker such palliatives this time around were dashed, no thanks to a badly polarised labour which lost its bargaining power to needless power tussle.
In the area of security, opposition view then was that the Jonathan Presidency was too soft on Boko Haram because of the relative inexperience of the Commander-In-Chief. But when the Nigerian troops, under Jonathan’s order took the fight to the terrorists stronghold, the opposition was the first to cry genocide and ethnic cleansing, both concoctions intended to present the Commander-In-Chief as anti-North.
Even so, opposition politicians sponsored a campaign to pressure government to bring back the Chibok School girls abducted by the terrorists. Initially, Nigerians were fooled into believing that the Bringback Our Girls campaigners were apolitical Civil Society activists, genuinely moved by the plight of the girls. It was only after the elections that Nigerians indeed realised that it was a partisan crusade.
But like all monsters, the group has now grown bigger than its owner, and still pursues its agenda of pressuring the APC-government to go bring back the girls. Denied audience with the Presidency, the group staged another protest last week, although the campaigners were later disowned by parents of the abducted girls, who said they were not part of the ill-fated protest to barricade the entrance to Aso Rock Villa.
In those three instances, opposition politicians gave the impression that they had alternative answers to the problems.
First, they would make the nation’s refineries perform optimally and even build new ones. Nearly two years in the tenure, nothing has been done to stop fuel importation. Nigerians are now left on their own and at the mercy of the same importers. What government used to spend to relieve the people of the burden has been removed with no sign that new refineries would emerge to force down prices.
The second is the war on terror. The initial impression was that Buhari had a magic wand with which in three months, we would bring the terrorists to their knees. In fact, December 2015 was peddled as deadline government gave to totally dissimate Boko Haram. Yes, the troops have done well and won territories, hitherto held by the terrorists, but the war is yet to be totally won.
The third is the Chibok girls. The talk then was that a Jonathan Presidency lacked the required military intelligence to locate and bring back the girls. That a Buhari Presidency would within days, locate the girls and save them from the strangle-hold of their abductors. A year and three months after, that has not happened.
The excuses then are today the same. First, government knew where the girls were but was avoiding collateral damage. And later, there is no clear information as to their whereabouts. Just then, Shekau, the Boko Haram henchman released a new video, showing the depleted number of the girls, with an accusation that troops’ bombings were responsible for the deaths of many. The bottomline remains that the girls are yet to be brought back.
If these issues of urgent national concern were not politicised and treated patriotically through bi-partisanship, Nigeria would not be where she is today. For instance, Nigerians would have gotten used to the liberalisation and be relatively stronger to face today’s harsh economy and joblessness. Perhaps also, Boko Haram would have been history and the Chibok girls brought back home.
That is the kind of bi-partisanship that is required in addressing development concerns of the people. That indeed was what Tambuwal and Wike demonstrated when they left their different party garbs behind to celebrate service to the people. That is what electoral victory should be all about. Knowing when to stop political bickering distinguishes a leader from a political jobber.
This is the example opposition politicians in Rivers State should imbibe and not continue to make the state a battle-field, a war front of sorts, where, every political contest must be bloody and inconclusive.
My Agony is that die-hard partisan jobbers would rather than see leadership in Tambuwal’s rare demonstration of statesmanship, misinterpret it, as anti-party and a sign of voting ambition for 2019. That’s how petty some can get, but fact is, both governors deserve commendation for a rare leadership example.

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Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed

Published

6 days ago

November 14, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.

Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.

He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.

Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.

“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.

The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.

Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.

He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.

“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.

“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.

Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.

He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.

The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.

He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.

“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.

Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.

He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.

Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.

“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.

Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.

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Fubara Pledges Cleaner Gateway To PH City …Visits New Dumpsite At Igwuruta

Published

4 weeks ago

October 24, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.

The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.

The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.

Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.

“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.

“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.

So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.

Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.

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Fubara Tasks New SSG On Honour, Service, Protection Of Rivers Interest

Published

1 month ago

October 17, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.

Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.

Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.

“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”

Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.

He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.

“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.

The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.

He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.

“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.