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Excellent Performance: Wike Bags Double Honours …As Silverbird, The Sun Confer On Him Man Of The Year, Gov Of The Year Awards …His Choice As Gov, Good One -Obuah …Type Of Leader Nigeria Needs -Na’abba
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike will be receiving the Silverbird Man of the Year 2017 Award today while on Saturday, he would receive The Sun Man of the Year 2017 Award for the second time back- to- back.
Chief Wike was announced as the Silverbird Man of the Year early this year by a board and management of Silverbird Communications after he polled the highest votes to beat other personalities.
The management of Silverbird Communications which visited the governor to announce his emergence early this year said Wike was nominated for embarking on a massive infrastructural development in the state, earning him the title, “ Mr Projects”.
The award will be conferred on the governor this evening at the Prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island in Lagos.
Wike will be honoured alongside Deji Ali, Leo Stan Ekeh and Dr Ola Orekunrin who are to receive Silverbird Extra- Ordinary Business Award. Senator Ike Ekweremadu will receive Silverbird Legislator of the Year Award.
On Saturday, the governor will also receive The Sun Governor of the Year Award, which he has won for the second time in a row.
The emergence of Chief Wike as The Sun Governor of the Year was conveyed to him by Managing Director of The Sun Newspaper, Eric Osagie with other members of the paper editorial board team in Port Harcourt early this year.
Osagie said the award was based on merit by those who have contributed in diverse fields of development of the nation and improvement in the quality of lives of the people.
Meanwhile, as commendations herald the choice of Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for the prestigious 2017 Silverbird Man of the Year and The Sun Governor of the Year Awards, the state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro. Felix Obuah has expressed joy, saying that the choice of Wike, as the candidate of the party in 2015 was a good and wise one.
In a statement in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Obuah lauded the governor for his developmental efforts, especially in areas of infrastructure and human capacity development.
While commending Wike for winning the prestigious Silverbird Award, which presentation would be made in Lagos, today, and the Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year Award, which presentation will hold tomorrow, Obuah said the party was not surprised that the governor’s giant strides were being appreciated, even by those outside the state.
He recalled that less than three years in office, Wike has remarkably reshaped the state, proving that, indeed, good governance was possible if done with sincerity of purpose.
Obuah said Wike deserves to be applauded for winning the Silverbird Man of the Year and The Sun Governor of the Year Awards, respectively, considering the pedigree of those who were shortlisted before the pendulum swung in his favour.
The PDP chairman declared that based on merit, all the projects constructed and executed by Wike remain a model and unparalleled among similar projects by previous administrations in the state.
Obuah said the party was also thankful to the board and management of Silverbird Group, The Sun Newspaper and all Nigerians, who voted for Wike online for finding him deserving of the awards, adding that the awards have further showcased Wike’s good works to the good people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
“Surely, a gold fish does not have a hiding place and that explains why Wike’s excellent performances will continue to attract attention from local, state, national and international communities. That is what democracy and good governance is all about.
“With less than three years down the line in his four-year tenure, the governor has garnered awards from a horde of reputable organisations around the globe, including the major media houses in the country. These awards just go to show that Wike is working”, Obuah said.
Against this backdrop, the PDP chairman urged the people of the state to continue to support the governor, adding that their support and appreciation would spur him to do more.
“Wike had also won Independent Newspaper Political Icon of the Year Award, New Telegraph Newspaper Man of the Year Award, amongst others. These are exceptional great feats, and we celebrate him, giving thanks to God for the achievements”, Obuah added.
Also, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Ghali Umar Na’abba has described Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike as the type of leader needed for the rapid development of the country.
Na’abba endorsed Wike’s brand of politics, which he said was focused on the development of all communities, kindness to all politicians, irrespective of their political affiliation, and display of uncommon maturity in all political situations.
The former speaker spoke, last Wednesday, after he commissioned the Edeoha-Ikata-Ochigba Road in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He said with his political attitude and high level performance in office, Governor Wike will grow to be the President of Nigeria.
Na’abba said: “The message I have for Governor Wike is that this kind-hearted politics, this statesmanship that you have demonstrated, please continue.
“Nigeria needs politicians like Governor Wike. With this kind of posture, one day, you will become the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Should you declare for the Presidency one day, count on my support and that of those under me. What we need in this country is this kind of attitude: Attitude of friendship”, he added.
Na’abba commended the Rivers State Governor for playing inclusive politics that promotes development.
He said it takes statesmanship for a governor to construct projects in the communities of his opponents, and noted that the brand of politics being practised by Wike will introduce sanity into the political terrain.
Also speaking, ex-Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prince Chibudom Nwuche said Wike was not just a politician, but a statesman.
Nwuche said the Edeoha-Ikata-Ochigba Road was abandoned by the former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi because of him (Nwuche).
The former deputy speaker noted that Wike released funds for the construction of the road, despite the fact he (Nwuche) was a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said: “I tell people that politics is about the people. People love Wike for his good works. They love him for the roads he has done for Ahoada people. I urge Governor Wike to keep being the good person that he is”.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike stated that he constructed the Edeoha-Ikata-Ochigba Road in fulfilment of his promise to Prince Chibudom Nwuche.
Wike said: “This road was abandoned because of Chibudom Nwuche, and I gave him my word that we shall construct the road.
“We cannot allow our people to suffer simply because their leader belongs to another political party”, Wike said.
The governor noted that under his leadership, there was no politics of victimisation because everyone is carried along in the spirit of New Rivers State.
“There is no politics of victimisation in Rivers State. The only political party we have in this state is Rivers State. All of us are working for Rivers State”, he said.
The governor urged all the people of the state to attract developmental projects, whenever they have the opportunity.
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Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.
Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.
He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.
Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.
“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.
The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.
Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.
He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.
“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.
“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.
Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.
He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.
The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.
He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.
“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.
Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.
He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.
Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.
“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.
