Featured

Wike Bans ‘Sorting’ In RSU – Commissions Faculty Buildings – As Minister, Forum Endorse Him For 2019

Published

8 years ago

November 29, 2017

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike yesterday proscribed sorting and other academic frauds being perpetrated at the Rivers State University (RSU).
The governor also warned the Vice Chancellor, Prof Blessing Didia and the governing council of the institution to take the proscription seriously or face serious sanctions from the state government, if the trend continues unabated in the university.
Wike also approved the release of N500million for the building of infrastructure at the College of Medical Sciences at the institution.
The state governor made these pronouncements while commissioning faculties of Management and Environmental Sciences buildings undertaken by the state government at the institution, yesterday.
He warned lecturers, who indulge in sorting and intimidating students with failure if they fail to comply, to stop forthwith or be ready to pay the price, adding that providing qualitative education cannot be achieved without the provision of adequate learning environment and necessary infrastructure.
The governor berated the past administration for not doing enough for the institution, especially in the two faculties.
According to him, his administration was committed to ensuring the development of infrastructure in the institution, and called on those entrusted with public offices to ensure they do something for their people, adding that there would be a day of stewardship.
“You must do something for your people, not by giving excuses, there is a day you will give account, not by carrying military and SARS officials”, he added.
He used the opportunity to commend the management and the governing council of the institution for delivering on the projects, adding that he was impressed with the quality of work done on the two projects.
The governor, who was impressed by the quality of job done on the two buildings, announced the immediate release of N250million being part of the initial N1billion promised the institution, out of which N750million has already been released.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Justice Iche Ndu (rtd) lauded the state governor for his untiring efforts in the development of the institution, adding that the commissioning of the two faculties has added another milestone to the litany of achievements by the Wike-led administration in the state.
He urged the governor not to relent in his efforts in improving on the pace of the development of the institution by doing more, especially now that more faculties and courses have been approved for the university by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof Blessing Didia, had said that with the completion of the two faculty buildings, the university has overcome the office challenges facing it.
Didia added that the university was now ready to face any accreditation panel both nationally and internationally, even as it was set to revive the proscribed post-graduate degree programme in Business Administration occasioned by lack of building space in the Faculty of Management Sciences.
He thanked the governor for providing the needed funds that led to the completion of the projects, even as he assured the institution’s support in his quest to take the state to greater heights.
“The two faculty buildings are a three-storey complex made up of large conference rooms, class-rooms, offices and associated conveniences. The buildings are serviced with its own water and dedicated electricity line, to ensure regular power and water supply. Although, there will be the need in the future to provide a power generating plant for each of the buildings, and also adequately furnish them,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung has endorsed the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for a second term, declaring that the outstanding achievements of the governor have earned him the approval rating.
Dalung stated that the Rivers State governor has lived up to the expectations of his people, hence, the need to be rewarded with an additional term in office.
The minister spoke at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt, last Monday, during the opening ceremony for the Governor Nyesom Wike National Wrestling Championship organised by the Nigerian Wrestling Federation.
He said that the 2019 general elections would be a time for all political leaders to give an account of their stewardship, pointing out, “that only performing leaders like Wike would be successful at the polls”.
Commenting on the Governor Nyesom Wike National Wrestling Championship, Dalung said that the Rivers State governor has made history as the first governor to sponsor the championship.
“This National Wrestling Championship is setting an agenda for Nigeria to compete in the continental championship”, he said.
Declaring the Governor Wike National Wrestling Championship open, Wike assured the wrestling community that the Rivers State Government will also sponsor the 2018 event.
He said that Rivers State was a destination of choice for events, sports and conferences because his administration has invested in peace and security.
The governor said: “If Rivers State is not peaceful, people will not be trooping to the state every day. The propaganda of the enemies of the state has failed”.
Wike assured the athletes of their safety, saying that they will not regret coming to the state.
“We will continue to live up to the expectations of the people of Rivers State. We will never disappoint them”.
President of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali stated that the championship was a milestone in the development of the game.
Highpoint of the opening ceremony was the unveiling of the Logo/Mascot for the 2018 African Wrestling Championship.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has lauded the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung for his commitment to the development of a united Nigeria, irrespective of party affiliation.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by Dalung at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Monday, Wike said the minister has shown uncommon courage in allowing Rivers State to host the national wrestling championship and the African Wrestling Championship in 2018.
He said: “If we have ministers like you, nobody will be talking about political parties. People like you work well for Mr President. People like you are the ones Mr President needs to move the country forward.
“What you have done for Rivers State is not what money can buy. You have by this action introduced a positive for Rivers State. You are telling the world that Rivers State is peaceful and a place to invest”.
Wike also praised the President of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali for his decision to promote the hosting of the championship in Rivers State.
In his remarks, Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung said that wrestling was traditional to Nigeria, hence, the country will continue to excel in the sport.
He commended Wike for his investments in the development of sports, noting that the facilities put in place for the competition were world class.
The minister said that over 700 athletes, 300 officials, 24 states and 12 wrestling clubs were participating in the Governor Wike National Wrestling Championship.
He said while most states have neglected sports, Rivers State governor is promoting sports, thereby enhancing social cohesion.
Similiarly, in appreciation of the quality projects and programmes executed by the Rivers State Government, the Kengema Unity Forum (KUF) has endorsed Governor Nyesom Wike for a second term.
The group, on a solidarity visit to the governor at Government House, Port Harcourt, last Monday evening, declared that its members would work diligently for the re-election of Wike in 2019.
Leader of Kengema Unity Forum (KUF), Sobomabo Jackreece, who led thousands of KUF members on the solidarity visit, declared that the performance of the governor has endeared him to all development-loving people of Rivers State.
He said that the governor, aside diligent execution of projects, has exhibited love for all sections of the state through political patronage.
“Come 2019, the KUF will work for the re-election of Wike because he has used the mandate to improve the lives of the people.
“Our members across the state will work for the re-election of the Rivers State governor because we have seen his handiwork. We urge Wike to continue to carry the KUF along in all appointments”, Jackreece said.
Responding, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike assured the leader and members of the Kengema Unity Forum that he will sustain the development projects being executed across the state.
Wike said that he has a covenant with Rivers people to perform, noting that he will always keep his own side of the bargain.
He said: “The KUF supported us during the campaigns for 2015, and I have also reciprocated by ensuring execution of projects and appointments within available resources.
“I am happy that you have endorsed me for a second term. Be rest assured that I will continue to work hard to justify your trust. Projects like the Buguma internal roads, Degema internal roads, land reclamation, Abonnema Ring Road and Degema Zonal Hospital will be completed, among other ongoing projects in Kalabari land”, he said.
He charged the leader and members of KUF to continue with their peaceful mobilisation for his re-election, noting that their efforts will promote the interest of the people.

Featured

Fubara Reads Riot Act To New SSG, CoS …Warns Against Unauthorized Meetings

Published

3 weeks ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to carry out their duties with discipline, loyalty and a firm commitment to the success of the administration and the wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.

The governor warned that any involvement in unauthorised nocturnal meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government will attract immediate dismissal.

Fubara gave the warning yesterday shortly after the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo S.A. Wokoma and the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.

As part of the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the duo before the governor gave his charge.

Addressing the appointees, Fubara reminded them that their elevation to the new positions was a call to service and not a platform for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition.

He stressed that their foremost responsibility should be to themselves and to the people of Rivers State, stressing that their conduct must always reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to public good.

Speaking directly to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual depth and capacity to deliver on the new assignment.

The office of the Secretary to the State Government, Fubara stressed, demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. He charged the SSG to represent the State with honour at all times.

“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us.

“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met, are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state,” he stated.

Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the governor explained that he is expected to ensure smooth administrative coordination, managing official engagements effectively and safeguarding the image of the Government House.

He underscored the sensitive and personal nature of the role and emphasised that the position operates strictly under the authority of the governor.

Fubara stressed that the role does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.

“Let me sound it here very clearly. Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here.

“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it,” he said.

The governor cautioned that involvement of the new appointees in any action capable of bringing the government or his office to disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.

While congratulating the new appointees, Fubara expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.

He called on all public officials to work together in unity, observing that collective success is stronger and more enduring than individual achievement.

The governor who also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, directed those of them who have reached retirement age to start preparing their handover notes without delay.

The notice, he said, was not intended to scare anybody but to prepare their minds towards the inevitability of exiting the service one day and to pave way for an orderly transition.

He warned against any attempt to engage in financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that he was closely monitoring the system to ensure strict enforcement of accountability rules.

Featured

Fubara Dissolves Rivers Executive Council

Published

1 month ago

February 13, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Executive Council.

The governor announced the cabinet dissolution yesterday in a statement titled ‘Government Special Announcement’, signed by his new Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi.

Governor Fubara directed all Commissioners and Special Advisers to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most Senior officers in their Ministries with immediate effect.

He thanked the outgoing members of the State Executive Council for their service and wished them the best in their future endeavours.

The three-paragraph special announcement read, “His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, has dissolved the State Executive Council.

“His Excellency, the Governor, has therefore directed all Commissioners and Special Advisers to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most Senior officers in their Ministries with immediate effect.

“His Excellency further expresses his deepest appreciation to the outgoing members of the Executive Council wishing them the best in their future endeavours.”

Featured

INEC Proposes N873.78bn For 2027 Elections, N171bn For 2026 Operations

Published

1 month ago

February 13, 2026

The Tide

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday told the National Assembly that it requires N873.78bn to conduct the 2027 general elections, even as it seeks N171bn to fund its operations in the 2026 fiscal year.

INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, made the disclosure while presenting the commission’s 2026 budget proposal and the projected cost for the 2027 general elections before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Abuja.

According to Amupitan, the N873.78bn election budget covers the full conduct of national polls in 2027.

An additional N171bn is needed to support INEC’s routine activities in 2026, including bye-elections and off-season elections, the commission stated.

The INEC boss said the proposed election budget does not include a fresh request from the National Youth Service Corps seeking increased allowances for corps members engaged as ad-hoc staff during elections.

He explained that, although the details of specific line items were not exhaustively presented, the almost N1tn election budget is structured across five major components.

“N379.75bn is for operational costs, N92.32bn for administrative costs, N209.21bn for technological costs, N154.91bn for election capital costs and N42.61bn for miscellaneous expenses,” Amupitan said.

The INEC chief noted that the budget was prepared “in line with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the Commission to prepare its election budget at least one year before the general election.”

On the 2026 fiscal year, Amupitan disclosed that the Ministry of Finance provided an envelope of N140bn, stressing, however, that “INEC is proposing a total expenditure of N171bn.”

The breakdown includes N109bn for personnel costs, N18.7bn for overheads, N42.63bn for election-related activities and N1.4bn for capital expenditure.

He argued that the envelope budgeting system is not suitable for the Commission’s operations, noting that INEC’s activities often require urgent and flexible funding.

Amupitan also identified the lack of a dedicated communications network as a major operational challenge, adding that if the commission develops its own network infrastructure, Nigerians would be in a better position to hold it accountable for any technical glitches.

Speaking at the session, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) said external agencies should not dictate the budgeting framework for INEC, given the unique and sensitive nature of its mandate.

He advocated that the envelope budgeting model should be set aside.

He urged the National Assembly to work with INEC’s financial proposal to avoid future instances of possible underfunding.

In the same vein, a member of the House of Representatives from Edo State, Billy Osawaru, called for INEC’s budget to be placed on first-line charge as provided in the Constitution, with funds released in full and on time to enable the Commission to plan early enough for the 2027 general election.

The Joint Committee approved a motion recommending the one-time release of the Commission’s annual budget.

The committee also said it would consider the NYSC’s request for about N32bn to increase allowances for corps members to N125,000 each when engaged for election duties.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Simon Along, assured that the National Assembly would work closely with the Commission to ensure it receives the necessary support for the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Bayo Balogun, also pledged legislative support, warning INEC to be careful about promises it might be unable to keep.

He recalled that during the 2023 general election, INEC made strong assurances about uploading results to the INEC Result Viewing portal, creating the impression that results could be monitored in real time.

“iREV was not even in the Electoral Act; it was only in INEC regulations. So, be careful how you make promises,” Balogun warned.

The N873.78bn proposed by INEC for next year’s general election is a significant increase from the N313.4bn released to the Commission by the Federal Government for the conduct of the 2023 general election.