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FG, Not Serious With Anti-Graft War -Insists On Trial Of Indicted Ex-RSG Officials – Condoles Nigerians Over Ekwueme’s Demise
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has stated that the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government’s fight on corruption can only be taken seriously, if it prosecutes indicted persons who siphoned resources belonging to the Rivers State Government.
Wike said that documents and evidence from the State Judicial Commission of Inquiry have been transmitted to the police and the anti-corruption agencies, but no action has been taken.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the members of the Okpo Club of Nigeria (Ikwerre Lawyers Worldwide), yesterday, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike said that the sale of Rivers assets was done in a manner to defraud the state.
He said majority of the assets were sold to Sahara Ltd in very questionable circumstances as determined by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
According to him, the sad aspect of the transactions by the immediate past administration was that it paid back $50million to Sahara Ltd on the allegation that the company loaned that amount to the Rivers State Government.
He directed the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to commence the process for the unilateral implementation of the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, since the anti-corruption agencies have refused to act.
On interventions in the construction of federal courts in Rivers State, Wike said that his administration was interested in advancing the course of justice, hence the diligent investments.
He said that the National Industrial Court will be completed by January 2018.
Wike said despite the hostilities of the Court of Appeal, the administration undertook to remodel the Port Harcourt Division of the court in the interest of justice.
On state-wide development, Wike noted that the administration has visible projects presence in 22 out of the 23 local government areas of the state.
Earlier, Chairman of Okpo Club of Nigeria (Ikwerre Lawyers Worldwide), Chukwuma Chinwo lauded the Rivers State governor for investing in the revival and growth of the Judiciary in the state.
Chinwo stated that achievements in the area of education, health and road infrastructure have changed the landscape of the state.
He assured Wike of their support, noting that they were proud of his achievements as a lawyer.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has commiserated with Nigerians, the government and people of Anambra State and the family of the former vice president, Dr Alex Ekwueme over his passage.
The governor, who described the late former vice president, Alex Ekwueme, as an outstanding democrat, compassionate leader, true patriot and exemplary statesman, said he would be missed by all lovers of democracy and development.
While extending his deepest condolences to Nigerians, Wike noted that he was pained by the death of the former vice president.
He prayed God to grant the family of the former vice president the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Meanwhile, the Senate has urged the Federal Government to immortalise former vice president, late Dr Alex Ekwueme, who died in a London hospital.
The upper chamber also called on Federal Government to immediately name the Federal Polytechnic, Oko and other federal assets after him.
This followed a motion moved by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekwerenmadu, who officially informed the Senate of Ekwueme’s demise.
He noted that the deceased was an intellectual giant who had lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
The senators took turns to eulogise late Ekwueme, whose statesmanship and leadership qualities they described as outstanding.
The Senate consequently resolved to send a high-powered delegation to commiserate with his family, government and the people of Anambra State.
The lawmakers also observed a minute’s silence in his honour.
President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, had in his statement, last Monday, said that the death of Ekweme was a loss for the country, saying that the deceased was a detribalised Nigerian that put Nigeria first and showed loyalty to the former government headed by Shehu Shagari.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.