Politics
Wike Dissolves Exco
The live interview on Rhythm FM in Port Harcourt last Monday by Governor Nyesom Wike threw the curtain open for activities in Government House last week.
Speaking to the citizens of the State, Chief Wike reassured that he will never make empty promises to the people because his administration is built on transparency, accountability and commitment to the welfare of the people.
The governor described as unfortunate the statements made by the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, while insisting that most of the abandoned projects and debts incurred by Amaechi were cleared by him as he assumed office in May 2015.
Last Tuesday, Chief Wike appeared on Channels Televison Sunrise Programme where he made more clarifications on progress made by his administration to move, the state forward. He noted that the Federal Government was still shielding Amaechi from prosecution because the former governor financed the 2015 general elections for the APC.
The governor also explained that the failure of the former governor to fund the operation of security agencies for over six months during his second term contributed to the degeneration of security in the state.
Later in the evening of last Tuesday, the governor played host to the management of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Ltd led by its Managing Director, Mr. Tony Attah.
After the speech by Tony Attah, the governor expressed sadness that there was move to amend the NLNG Act without due consultations and recourse to the yearning and agitations of those communities who produce the natural resources.
Chief Wike urged the Federal Government not to allow the amendment of the NLNG Act to sail through at the National Assembly because of the negative multiplier effect it would have on the economy.
Earlier, the NLNG Managing Director appealed to the Rivers State Government to work with other stakeholders to ensure that the NLNG Act was not amended, as it would negatively affect the operation of the company in the international market.
Last Wednesday, the governor hosted the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the Health Implications of siting telecom masts near home and lamented that the trend was becoming common due to poor legal enforcement.
The governor urged telecom companies to obey rules regarding the location of masts adding, “the way these companies install masts near homes will definitely have health implications. I support the investigations by the House to change the situation”.
Last Thursday, the Rivers State Governor joined other governors in the federation in a peace meeting summoned by Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo at Abuja.
Returning to the State on Friday, Chief Wike met with Executives of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers of Nigeria (NUPENG) over the derelict state of the East/West Road stretching from Eleme Junction to Refinery Junction. The Governor promised that the bad portion would be reconstructed in collaboration with Indorama Petroleum Limited. He therefore called on NUPENG to resume operations after the labour body threatened to down tools.
Governor Wike last Saturday through his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, announced the dissolution of the State Executive council and wished the former Commissioners well.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Governor Alia praised TuFace for all the support towards his administration.
The Governor stated that TuFace can do more.
He stated, “On behalf of the Benue State Government and our very good people, we want to give you some more responsibility plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart a way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advice as well.
“So, I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.”
Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with The Tide’s source.
Similarly, the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager, following a meeting that lasted over six hours at the Government House.
Senator Manager said all PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and all local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.
The decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was made in the interest of Delta State’s long-term development.
Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was received by senior APC officials in what political analysts are already describing as a strategic realignment with far-reaching implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger State and most recently, Kwara State, calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to stem the tide.
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Rt Hon. Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the gruesome killings had led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met. The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
“While we acknowledge that defence and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions. True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering,” he said.
He called on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
According to him, States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.
“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis. It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.
“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country. The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.
“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government,” Rt Hon. Ogundoyin said.