News
Wike Recalls Suspended HOS, Four Commissioners
Barely 17 days after announcing the immediate suspension of the head of service, four commissioners, and a special adviser, for three months, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Friday, exercised his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy by recalling the appointees.
The appointees are Head of Service, Barrister Rufus Godwins; Special Adviser on Lands, Anugbum Onuoha; commissioners for chieftaincy affairs, John Bazia; culture and tourism, Mrs Tonye Briggs-Oniyide; finance, Dr Fred Kpakol; and sports, Boma Iyaye.
The recall of the political appointees was conveyed in a statement, Friday, by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu.
This is the second time Dr Fred Kpakol, has been suspended and subsequently recalled.
The governor had on August 31, taken the action in connection with that day’s weekly Executive Council meeting, which the officials attended late.
The executive meeting had been slated to commence at 6.am, and it was learnt that the political appointees came behind schedule when the governor was already seated.
It was learnt that what angered the governor more was that despite a notice having been sent out ahead of time, some of the commissioners got into the Executive Council Chambers behind time.
Even those who came early were caught off-guard, while chatting outside when the governor came in.
The governor was miffed with what appeared as complacency from the affected officials who were supposed to be seated, at least, 30 minutes before he comes in.
The governor, who was visibly angry when they broke protocols by coming in when he had already sat down for deliberations, directed the Secretary to the State Government, Kenneth Kobani, to suspend them in order to send strong warning to others.
A Government House insider said that, “the governor is a stickler to time and punctuality, and if he discovers any sign of laxity, it puts him off”.
It would be recalled that this is not the first time the governor is suspending members of the state executive.
First week of February, 2016, he suspended the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Fred Kpakol, and later reinstated him a week after on Valentine’s Day.
Shortly after in March, 2016, he suspended Commissioner for Works, Engineer Kelvin Wachukwu, over failure to monitor ongoing road projects, and later sacked him for non-performance.
Sometime in July, after an unscheduled inspection visit to ongoing construction work at Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Wike summoned his Commissioner for Education, Prof Kaniye Ebeku, to appear in his office, to explain why the slow pace of work on the school’s renovation and rehabilitation projects.
The governor had sworn-in the first set of commissioners in June, 2015, advising them to ensure that his administration fulfils its promise of delivering quality service and good governance to the people in line with its NEW Vision for Rivers State.
While swearing-in the last set of commissioners last December, he warned that at no time would his administration tolerate non-performance from any of the political appointees.
Wike had reminded them that Rivers people expect and deserve nothing less than spectacular performance from the commissioners and special advisers.
He also said, “Any of you that are here to make money at the expense of service will be disappointed. Do not assault public sensibilities with ostentatious lifestyle that you cannot defend,” threatening to axe anyone found to have failed to keep the course of the administration or whose action or inaction sends the wrong signal to the people of the state on the genuine policies and programmes of the government.
He had said: “We hope and pray that you do not disappoint because to whom much is given, much is expected. Your duty is to serve public interest, and accountability is a sacred contract with the people of Rivers State.”
Nelson Chukwudi
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo