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RSG, Not FG, Funded Don Waney’s Fall – Wike …Denies Sponsorship Of Cult Group For Election …Berates FG For Stalling Elelenwo-Akpajo Road Project

Published

8 years ago

January 22, 2018

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike last Saturday said the government of Rivers State funded the recent military and DSS joint operation which led to the elimination of notorious killer, Johnson Igwedibia, a.k.a. Don Waney, whose reign of terror left several persons killed in Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
Wike, in a media programme in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, was reacting to the widespread notion that the security offensive which killed Don Waney was ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari, without knowledge of the Rivers State Governor. Chief Nyesom Wike. “The State Government funded the operation that led to the death of Don Waney. The President may have encouraged it, but the operation was funded by the Rivers State Government.
“Don Waney accepted Amnesty, but refused to abide by the tenets of the amnesty. It was at this point that the Security Council resolved to track him down.
“If we do not work in synergy with security agencies, how would we have gotten Don Waney?. Whether we like it or not, it is incumbent on us to play our own part on security”, Wike stated.
In self appraisal on his stewardship, the governor noted that electoral prospects of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers have been enhanced by his outstanding performance.
He said: “If elections are held 100 times in Rivers State, the PDP will win. The chances of the PDP are even brighter in Rivers State as a result of my performance.
“I have projects located in all local government areas of the state. I have reasons in each local government area why the people should vote for me.”
He also assured that council polls would hold this year as the State Electoral Commission has proposed a budget for same, adding that PDP will hold transparent primaries that will lead to the emergence of popular candidates which will form the premise for victory in 2019.
Meanwhile, Wike has debunked rumours making the rounds in the state by the opposition that he sponsored cult groups to win the 2015 governorship election, but Governor Wike over the weekend reacted and declared that, he had never sponsored or armed any cult group to win any poll in the state.
Gov. Wike also said he had never belonged to any cult group since his undergraduate days at University of Port Harcourt and in Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, even during his days in the Nigeria Law School.
The state Governor stated this in Port Harcourt at the weekend during an exclusive radio interview programme with Rhythm 93.7, View Point monitored by The Tide in the state capital.
The governor who told his listening audience that, right from his days as student and twice chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, he had never bought weapons for anybody or cult groups to assist him win election.
“My records are straight, I graduated from UNIPORT and later proceeded to RSUST and served my National Youth Service Corps in Gongola State, I never joined any cult group or sponsored any even at the law school,” Gov Wike said.
Hear Gov Wike, ‘Rivers people know my antecedent even as a former chairman of Obio/Akpor local government and a serving governor now’.
I have never bought guns, weapon for anybody to put me in power, I have also, never sponsored any cult group to win any election in the state even as governor’
On the killing of a notorious cult leader Don Waney in Omuoku by the security agencies, Governor Wike said, Don Waney as a cult leader embraced amnesty, but later embarked on killings of innocent people in Ogba, Egbema, Ndoni Local Government Area, ONEGLA that led to the killing of over twenty persons on the New Year eve.
He also revealed that the criminal gangs were plotting to launch another attack that could have killed over 200 persons in Omoku before he was gunned down by the security agents.
The governor insisted that the killing of Don Waney has brought peace in the area and that residents of ONEGLA are now going about their lawful business peacefully
Governor Wike said, his timely killing was masterminded by the provision of logistics by the Rivers State Government to aid the operations of the security agencies.
Late Don Waney, Wike said was operating from Awara forest located in Imo State with his criminal gangs before he met his waterloo early January.
Wike insisted that, he is ready to partner with security agencies in the state at ensuring that total peace is returned to the state an support them with logistics to do their work
On the 32 persons pronounced as cultists in the state, Governor Wike said, the names were submitted by security agencies after thorough intelligence gatherings, noting that he cannot wake up and pronounces those names as cultists terrorising the peace of the state.
On whether he would contest the 2019 governorship election in the state, Gov Wike said, he would consult the leaders of the party to decide, noting that his performance as governor in the past two and half years speaks volumes of him.
Gov. Wike said, he had virtually executed tangible projects in all the 23 local government Areas of the state and his and performance as governor will convince the electorate to vote him for second term in office.
Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has berated the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government for deliberately stalling the completion of the dualization of the Elelenwo-Akpajo Road which links Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to Eleme Local Government Area in the state.
Addressing journalists, last Friday, after inspecting the portion where the Federal Ministry of Transportation officially directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) not to cooperate with the Rivers State Government, Wike said that the objective of the APC-led Federal Government was to stall the completion of the all-important project.
The road links the economic nerve centre of Rivers State where Onne Port, Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, Port Harcourt Refinery, Indorama, Intels, Notore Fertilizer Company, and other oil multinationals are located.
The governor said that the refusal of the APC-led Federal Government to cooperate with the Rivers State Government on the completion of the road will not stop his administration from completing it.
Wike, however, admitted that the antics of the APC-led Federal Government may delay the completion of the road.
He directed the contractor to study the affected portion of the road, and suggest options within the shortest possible time.
The governor said: “We wrote to the Nigerian Railway Corporation for an understanding on this portion of the road. But what we got was that they made up their minds not to cooperate with us.
“That instruction was given by the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi. This road was awarded by the minister when he was the governor of the state. But he never mobilised the contractor”.
“When we took over, we felt the former contractor lacked the capacity for this important road, so, we engaged Julius Berger Plc. We thought he should be happy that we are doing what he failed to do”.
Wike regretted that the APC-led Federal Government and her agents politicise everything, including development.
“This may affect the commissioning of this project within the scheduled time. That is what they are trying to achieve. But, we will do everything we can to ensure completion of the road”, he said.
Earlier, Project Manager of Julius Berger Plc, Sam Ngbor assured the governor that the engineers of the firm will study the situation, and find solution to the challenge.

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PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

1 day 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.

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

Published

1 week 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

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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