Politics

Wike Assents To Two Bills

Published

9 years ago

September 19, 2016

The Special award and dinner organised by Knights of
St. John International, Port Harcourt Grand Commandery of the Catholic Church opened activities last week in Government House. Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike attended the occasion held at the Presidential Hotel in honour of Justice Mary Odili, former first lady of the State.
Chief Wike while pouring encomiums on Justice Odili, expressed happiness that the body decided to host their activity in the state which to him was a clear indication that the state was safe and peaceful for business and tourists.
On the honour bestowed on the former first lady together with other personalities, including the State Police Commissioner, Chief Wike remarked that it was a call to greater service to the nation.
Last Monday, the State Governor played host to Muslim Community in the State. The visit of the muslim faithful was part of events to mark the Eid el-Kabir which commemorates the Supreme sacrifice made by Abraham as a mark of obedience to God.
A delegation of muslim clerics led by Alhaji Qasim Okachi commended the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises. He thanked the governor for sponsoring pilgrims on Hajj as a show of commitment to their religious advancement.
Responding, Chief Wike summoned on all Nigerians to work together to ensure peace and unity, and to pull the country out of its current economic downturn.
Consequently, a statement from the office of the deputy governor, Dr. Ipalibo harry-Banigo last Tuesday hailed the prudence exhibited by the Wike-led administration through fiscal policy of , “novariation”. Dr. Harry-Banigo observed that the policy has promoted speedy execution of jobs through judicious management of public-funds.
On the same Tuesday the governor hosted his kinsmen from Rumueprikom Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area as part of Eid-El-Kabir celebrations. He reminded them that politics was not war, but a game of sports that embraced both the loser and the winner.
The State Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) paid a solidarity visit to Governor Wike last Wednesday. The group was led by its Chairman, Bro. Felix Obuah, who is also the State Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). IPAC comprises of all registered political parties and they expressed a vote of confidence on the Wike-led administration.
But before hosting the IPAC members, the governor had earlier met with protesting community leaders, youth and women of Rumuola Community at the site undergoing construction for Port Harcourt Pleasure Park. He urged them to be calm and support the construction firm, Julius Berger to complete the project since they will benefit.
Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo congratulated former state governor, Sir Celestine Omehia on his 57th birthday. She described the erstwhile State Chief Executive as a team leader with exemplary conduct.
Rivers State First Lady, Justice Eberechi Nyesom-Wike hosted members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers last Thursday. She used the visit to advocate for the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Probibition Act. Justice Wike also said the State needs a family court.
Last Friday, four suspended Commissioners and the Head of Service, including Special Assistant to the Governor on Lands were recalled from a four-week suspension slammed on them by the State Governor during the State Executive Council meeting a forthnight ago. He and the exco visited a new LNG site at Rumuji in Emohua LGA later in the day.
Shortly after, on the same Friday, the governor inaugurated the Rivers State Amnesty Programme Committee, which will oversee proper integration and rehabilitation of repentant cultists and militants in the state.
Last Saturday the State Chief Executive assented to two bills passed by the State Legislature. They are; Local Government Amendment No. 1 Law No 5 of 2016 and Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice. No. 7 of 2015.

Politics

EFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

In what could be described as a proactive measure, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised the alarm that some opposition politicians were allegedly plotting to undermine the agency ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.

The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.

The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”

The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.

“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.

“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.

“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.

“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.

Politics

Datti Baba-Ahmed Reaffirms Loyalty To LP, Forecloses Joining ADC

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has dismissed speculation about a possible defection from the Labour Party (LP), declaring that he will not follow his former principal, Mr Peter Obi, to any new political platform ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Baba-Ahmed said his political allegiance remains firmly with the LP, the platform on which he emerged as vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election. He stressed that his future political aspirations are anchored on party loyalty and personal conviction, not shifting alliances.

The former senator representing Kaduna North stated that although he shared a joint ticket with Mr Obi in the last presidential race, he has no intention of joining him following Mr Obi’s recent alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party now being positioned by an opposition coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing journalists at the LP national headquarters, Senator Baba-Ahmed made it clear that he would not take the same political path, insisting that his decision was informed by long-term goals and a clear sense of purpose.

He expressed scepticism about the ADC-led coalition, describing its promoters as “disgruntled politicians” and arguing that the platform does not offer the kind of political vision Nigeria urgently requires.

Senator Baba-Ahmed also reaffirmed his commitment to national service, noting that he remained willing to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at fixing the country and would make himself available for service as the 2027 elections approach.

While acknowledging his past partnership with Mr Obi, he emphasised that political choices must be guided by principles rather than personal relationships.

According to him, his priority is to strengthen the LP and position it as a credible and enduring alternative for Nigerians.

It would be recalled that Mr Obi recently exited the LP and embraced the ADC as part of a broader opposition coalition seeking to unseat the APC in the next general election.

Politics

Bayelsa APC Endorses Tinubu For Second Term

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was made on during a special stakeholders meeting of the party convened by Governor Diri in Yenagoa, the State capital.

Senator Konbowei Benson, incumbent Senator representing the Bayelsa Central, moved the endorsement motion, and was seconded by a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and one time deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi.

The Tide reports that Chairman of the new caretaker committee of the party, Dr Dennis Otiotio, Senator representing Bayelsa East, Chief Benson Agadaga, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, attended the endorsement meeting.

Other attendees were, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samson Ogbuku, Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, other stakeholders as well as the ex-officio member (South South) of the APC National Working Committee, Hon. Godbless Diriware.

The Tide also gathered that the meeting was the first expanded stakeholders gathering convened by the governor since becoming a member and leader of the party in the state in October 2025.

In his speech, Governor Diri expressed delight that the State’s APC was one big family which has resolved to work together to deliver President Tinubu for another term in office.

He underscored the need for the members to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, humility and rise above politics of bitterness and divisive tendencies for the sake of peace, development and progress of the state.

The governor also urged the members to play by the rules and engage in politics of consultation, stating that those interested in political offices in the next election should shelve their ambitions for now.

“Here we are today in a very big family of the APC. Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the old members of the party for the reception accorded me and other Peoples Democratic Party members who crossed over. It was a welcome like no other.

“Political parties are vehicles for development. Let us truly be progressives. Whatever positions you want to contest for, whether governorship, House of Assembly or National Assembly, please put it on hold for now. Power comes from God. What should be uppermost is that we are all gathered here to make sure that President Tinubu returns for a second term”, he said.

In a brief remark, Senator Lokpobiri expressed joy to be part of the meeting and acknowledged that the Bayelsa APC now had one united and indivisible objective to wholly deliver the party for all elective offices in 2027.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, former APC governorship candidate in the state, Mr David Lyon, and Prince Ebitimi Amgbare lauded the governor for his maturity, noting that his inclusive governance style would lead the party to achieve its objectives.

Also, the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, commended Governor Diri for uniting all facets of the party’s political leadership in the state, which he noted had been fragmented for over a decade.

Dr Otiotio stated that the purpose of the meeting was to enjoin members and supporters to participate in the party’s electronic membership exercise in order to capture genuine voters.

Meanwhile the stakeholders observed a minute silence in honour of the former Bayelsa West Senatorial District representative in the 5th National Assembly, Senator John Brambaifa, who died on Saturday, January 3, 2026 in Abuja.

By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa