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Rivers Economy Divine, Resilient -Wike …Seeks ADR To Poll Disputes
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that the state is operating a divine and resilient economy which has enabled it continue to execute projects and pay salaries, when other states falter.
The governor noted that the economic recession that has bedevilled the country will not affect Rivers State because God has positioned the state for greater exploits.
Wike, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Engineer Chukwuemeka Woke during the dedication of a new church and celebration of 100 years of Saint Simon’s Anglican Church, Ugiri-Ike, Diocese of Ikeduru, Imo State, at the weekend, said the state has continued to pay salaries, and pensions and was considering paying Christmas bonus to state workers.
He said: “We are not owing workers salaries in Rivers State, but we are considering how we will add Christmas bonus to workers.
“Rivers State Government is not operating an economy of recession, it is operating a divine economy. That is why in Rivers State , it is either we are commissioning projects or we are flagging off construction of new projects, “ he said.
The governor lauded an indigene of Ugiri-Ike community, Mr Donald Denwigwe (SAN) for his commitment to the promotion of the rule of law and added said that the state government is happy to celebrate with him and his community .
He said : “Donald Denwigwe (SAN ) was introduced to Wike at a trying time in the state’s political history by Emmanuel Ukala (SAN ). At a time when the government of the day in Rivers State wanted to scrap the PDP.
“Governor Wike felt that not everyone should move to the APC as requested at the time. The governor insisted that the PDP will not be scrapped. It was on this basis that he resolved to approach the court to enforce the right of Rivers PDP members to freedom of association.”
The governor explained that the Rivers State Government cannot be intimidated, pointing out that it will always celebrate those who promote the rule of law.
He thanked God that Christianity has continued to grow stronger in the area over the last years.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Mr Donald Denwigwe (SAN ) said that the completion of the church was made possible by God.
He also thanked God for sparing his life despite several attempts by the devil to eliminate him through illness.
He said that the new church building means that people should worship God with a pure heart.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria and his family thereafter gave thanks to God.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has suggested the introduction of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the settlement of political conflicts after major elections.
The governor noted that ADR will help reduce the level of bickering, time and resources expended on cases at the election tribunals, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the executive members of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIAN) last Friday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike said: “We as politicians have been discussing on how we can introduce Alternative Dispute Resolution in settlement of election matters without going to the tribunals .
”The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators can play a role in the introduction of ADR to election dispute. It will reduce bickering, it will reduce cost and time spent at the tribunal, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. In other words, there will be more time for governance”.
The governor added: “It is a major issue that we should put our heads together to see how it will be possible to introduce election matters as issues to be resolved through ADR”.
Wike also noted that Rivers State was safe for investments and tourism.
He said that Nigerians and expatriates have already disregarded politically motivated false insecurity reports being sponsored by the opposition hence they troop to Rivers State for conferences.
The state in the last four months has played host to Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigerian Bar Association, Rotary International and the West African Architects Fair, among others.
”Check the crime index in the country, that of Rivers State is quite low. It is lower than other major states. Go to Lagos and Kaduna , they have higher crime rate than Rivers State”, he said .
He commended the Nigeria Institute of Arbitrators for bringing its conference to Rivers State.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Mrs Mainnaya Essien (SAN), said that the institute chose Rivers State because the state was safe with modern amenities to host international events.
She noted that Rivers State will be promoted as a major destination for Alternative Dispute Resolution in the country on the same standing with Lagos and Abuja.
The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators conference will hold between November 10 and 11, 2016, in Port Harcourt.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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