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‘Unity Can Surmount Economic Recession’
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has underscored the need for Nigerians to work together in a common front to overcome the current economic recession.
He gave the charge during a special honour and award ceremony for distinguished Knights of St John by the Port Harcourt Commandery of the Catholic Church in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Wike said, at this point in the nation’s history, unity was necessary to leap frog the country out of economic stagnation.
He said: “I am not an economist, but I know that if we present a united front, we will surmount our economic challenges”.
The governor also dismissed the negative reports about the security situation in Rivers State being orchestrated by entrenched political interests to create the wrong impression about the state.
The governor explained that the mass insecurity that has taken over almost all the states require collective attention, instead of the recourse to propaganda to vilify states like Rivers, for political reasons.
According to him, “I am happy that this programme has attracted Catholics from several states of the federation. As you can see, Rivers State is safe for people to live and do business. All the stories you read are merely planted for political reasons.
“Today in Nigeria, kidnapping has become the order of the day. From Lagos to Kogi, from Imo to Kaduna, from Ogun to Borno, there are different degrees of kidnapping and crime. In fact, in the case of one state, the Nigerian Air Force was deployed to bomb kidnappers. Today, the same Nigerian Air Force is involved in air surveillance on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway because of kidnappings.
“However, when two persons are kidnapped in Rivers State, it makes the front page. But if five persons are kidnapped in Lagos, the press hides it from the public. We are happy that more people now disregard the propaganda, and are trooping to Rivers State for the purpose of investment, conferences, religious and social events”, he said.
On the honour bestowed on different Knights, including Justice Mary Odili of the Supreme Court, the governor described it as an honour well deserved, and a call to greater service to the nation.
Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mr Francis Odesanya, was also among the honourees.
In his remarks, former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), commended the Knights of Saint John International, Port Harcourt Grand Commandery for doing the right thing by recognizing a woman of substance who grew through the ranks to contribute her quota to the development of Nigeria.
On his part, Chairman of the occasion, Justice Paul Onumajulu, said the honour bestowed on the honourees was a call for greater service to humanity.
Prominent among those who witnessed the event include, the former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili, former ministers, senior Knights from different states and members of the Rivers State Executive Council.
Meanwhile, the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, yesterday, assured Nigerians that the present economy recession rocking the country will soon be tackled through legislative support.
Saraki, gave the assurance in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, during an interaction with newsmen, while also affirming that Nigerians were really suffering.
According to him, the major preoccupation of the Senate upon resumption in September 20, will be on finding solutions to the economic recession.
“We are going to have an exhaustive and comprehensive debate on fixing the country’s economy when we resume next week.
“Already, all the economic priority bills are being analysed and collated so that we can hit the ground running when we resume. We understand the pains that Nigerians are going through and we do not take this for granted.
“Additionally, the Senate intends to invite everybody involved in the management of the economy to address the Nigerian people through the parliament on the steps that are being taken to get us out of this mess,” he said.
He said, “We fully intend to hold all those involved in the economic management of the country accountable.
“However, we will do so in a manner that is transparent and beneficial to the country as a whole”.
The Senate President said it was equally important to begin to formulate and actualise both legislative frameworks and executive policies to minimise the effects of the recession on Nigerians.
He added that it was also important for the parliament to start asking questions that will lead to plausible solutions.
“We need to ascertain our actual level of borrowing and what effect the devaluation of the naira has had on our economy.
“In every crisis, there is always an opportunity for positive reforms, in this regard, in order to solve this crisis, all hands must be on deck.
“Ideas should be sourced from all quarters, all arms of government, people of different political beliefs, from all socio-economic backgrounds and every part of Nigeria must work together at this time,” Saraki said.
He reiterated his call for a broader and bolder economic plan with input from both legislative and executive arms of government, the private sector and professional groups.
All the groups, according to him, must work together to put in place interventions that will create more jobs, strengthen the naira, bring more investment into the country, and attain fiscal responsibility.
Saraki harped on the need for Nigeria to rally its best economic minds both from within the country and in the Diaspora in order to tackle the economic recession.
“This recession does not identify with any one party, we need to tap into the expertise of our best economic minds to come up with plans that both the executive and the legislature can evaluate and implement”, he said.
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.
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