Featured

Rivers Women Endorse Wike For 2nd Term …As 15,000 Non-Indigenes Join Endorsement Train

Published

8 years ago

January 19, 2018

Thousands of Rivers women, yesterday, joined the emerging tradition in the state as they stormed the Government House, Port Harcourt, to endorse Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for a second term.
Also, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike declared that supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) to form the Federal Government in 2019 was akin to digging the nation’s grave, as the country was already dead since they gained control in 2015.
Rivers women declared that they will follow their endorsement with massive rural and urban mobilisation of all groups to vote overwhelmingly for Wike in 2019.
The women in their thousands marched from Mile One to Government House, Port Harcourt, celebrating the governor and creating awareness on his achievements.
As they marched to Government House, they displayed banners and placards urging Wike to seek re-election.
The women were drawn from the 23 local government areas of the state, with each highlighting the projects executed by Wike in their respective councils.
In a solidarity message, former Rivers State Chairman of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Mrs Florence Amiesimaka said the governor has made Rivers people proud through development projects, hence, the endorsement.
She assured the governor that Rivers women will stand with him all through the electioneering period up to his re-election.
Spokesperson for Rivers South-East Women, Mrs Charity Demua declared that the women have experienced good governance under the leadership of Wike, saying that they will reciprocate by re-electing him.
Mrs Macetelli of Rivers West and Mrs Carol John of Rivers East stated that the infrastructural development of the state by the present administration has had positive impact on the lives of women and their businesses.
Rivers State Women Affairs Commissioner, Mrs Ukel Oyaghiri lauded the governor for his commitment to the welfare of Rivers women.
In his response, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike said that all Nigerians, irrespective of gender, have a solemn responsibility of ending the failed APC-led Federal Government in 2019.
He said that the nationwide breakdown of security, especially in APC states, exemplifies the failure of the incumbent administration to productively manage national resources.
Wike said: “Nigeria is in crisis. Never in the history of this country have we had crisis of this magnitude. Rather than resolve developmental challenges, they continue to give excuses for their failure.
“We must come together in 2019 to protect our votes. Supporting APC is like digging our graves. The country is already dead under their control. Every day, the country is moving from one problem to another,” Wike said.
The governor stated that APC leaders from the state take pride in de-marketing and destroying the economy of the state for political reasons.
He charged Rivers women to jealously protect their permanent voters’ cards as that was the only weapon to uproot the APC in 2019.
Wike announced a business development scheme worth N500million for Rivers women in 2018, adding that the fund will be domiciled at the Rivers State Microfinance Bank and managed by the Ministry of Women Affairs.
He said the empowerment scheme will assist the women develop small-scale businesses, stressing that the state Women Development Centre will be completed in 2018.
Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of gifts by the women to the Rivers State governor.
Meanwhile, over 15,000 thousand non-indigenes living and doing business in Rivers State, last Wednesday, endorsed the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for a second term.
This is as the Rivers State governor, urged Nigerians, irrespective of their linguistic and religious affiliations, to use their voter’s card to sack the non-performing All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government
The non-indigenes, under the platform of Non-Indigenes Without Borders trooped to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday, where they declared their unalloyed support for Wike come 2019.
The non-indigenes announced their endorsement of the governor during a solidarity visit to the Government House, Port Harcourt.
The visit was like a carnival as different ethnic groups displayed their cultural dances and attires.
The non-indigenes stated that their support for Wike stems from his outstanding development strides which have improved their standard of living.
Spokesman of the Igbo community in Rivers State, Chief Emeka Vitalis said that the Igbos will vote en-masse for Wike because his development projects have helped their businesses to grow.
In their separate remarks, spokespersons for the Yoruba and Edo/Delta communities in Rivers State, Alhaji Omotayo and Henry Iyoha, respectively, said their endorsements of the Rivers State governor stem from his commitment to the welfare of all residents of the state.
The Bayelsa community, represented by Agbai Tom, Akwa Ibom/Cross River State community led by Obong Godwin Inyang and the Muslim community in the state led by Hajia Mariam also announced their respective endorsements for the re-election of Wike.
Spokesman of the Hausa community, Alhaji Maisundu said his people will mobilise votes for Wike in 2019 because he was a de-tribalised leader.
Commissioner for Special Duties, Emeka Onowu, who is a non-indigene, noted that the Rivers State governor has been a father to the non-indigenes, carrying them along as he develops the state.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike assured the non-indigenes that he will continue to deliver quality projects and programmes that will improve the lives of residents of the state.
He declared that all residents of Rivers State should remain resolute in their commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying that they should not fear the evil machinations of the APC.
Wike said because the people have discovered that the APC was full of lies and deceit, the party may resort to rigging in 2019, adding that the APC will fail in Rivers State in the next elections.
He said: “Nobody should be afraid of anyone. Anyhow they want it, we are ready. There is nothing like do or die in this election, only God gives power. We believe in God, that is why we always defeat them.
“Whether they go to the United States of America or North Korea to bring anything, we shall withstand them. The only weapon you have is your voter’s card. Mobilise and use your voter’s card, that is the weapon that will remove them from office”.
He regretted that after two and half years, the APC-led Federal Government has no single project in Rivers State and assured that the state will be ‘a no-go area’ for them in 2019.
Wike said that contrary to the allegations of the APC ahead of the 2015 General elections, he has proved that Rivers State was a home for all by carrying the non-indigenes along through appointments and projects.
“I will always fulfill my promises. I will never give excuses. I am not like the APC that thrives in excuses. My commitment remains to deliver on projects”, Wike said.
The governor assured that he will respond to the request to seek re-election at the appropriate time.

Featured

PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

4 days ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed the lifting of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members, yesterday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the State, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added.

Featured

RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Eteh Ibas (Rtd), has approved the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex to enhance efficiency and productivity in the civil service.

Ibas made the announcement at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday,.

He disclosed that “initiative is designed to transform the secretariat into a modern, efficient and conducive work environment, directly supporting the civil servants who form the backbone of the state’s governance.”

The Administrator also approved the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants in the State.

Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration.

He stated that the awards ceremony was a symbol of deep appreciation for decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment.

“These interventions are designed to not only recognize your service, but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” the Administrator stated.

“We must build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he added.

The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.

He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and continuous training to build a civil service equipped for the future.

The Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, in her welcome address, described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed profound gratitude to the Administrator for his unwavering support and commitment to its modernization.“

“A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation,” Dr. Brown remarked, lauding the retirees as torchbearers of discipline and loyalty.

She pledged to build on their legacy through reforms and innovation, projecting that the Rivers State Civil Service would become a model of efficiency and transparency by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor,

expressed heartfelt appreciation for the historic recognition.

“For once, since the creation of the State, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, adding, “Our morale has been lifted.”

He pledged the association’s continuous support for government programmes, describing the body of experienced retirees as a resource available to contribute to state development.

The rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and the new housing scheme represent a major investment in the infrastructure and dignity of public service in Rivers State, signaling a new era of support for the civil servants who drive the government’s policies and programmes.

The Tide reports that the Administrator also conferred awards of meritorious service on retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State

Featured

Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

3 weeks ago

September 1, 2025

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government election in the State, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched three local governments.

According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.

APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.

The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.

Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.

Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.

Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.

The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.

Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas

Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.

National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.

John Bibor & King Onunwor