Politics
Wike Bags Silverbird, The Sun Awards
Nigerians again celebrated the Rivers State Governor, Chief NyesomWike over the weekend as he lifted two major national awards.
Wike was enthroned as the Silverbird Man of the Year 2017 on Friday, while on Saturday, he was also celebrated as The Sun Governor of the Year.
The events which took place at Eko Hotels in Lagos was witnessed by the creame-de-lacreame of the Nigerian society.
Former Vice President, AtikuAbubakar who presented the Silverbird award to Wike described him as a worthy leader who is laying the right foundation for the rapid development of Rivers State.
Atiku who was excited by the honour said: “ I have witnessed virtually all administrations in Rivers State. I have not seen an administration that has done so much within a short time as that of Governor Wike”, adding that the feat is a remarkable achievement which he finds difficult to locate in any part of the country.
Chairman of Silverbird Group, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, said Wike emerged the Silverbird Man of the Year on the strength of votes by the people and his focus on the development of the state though delivery of meaningful projects and programmes.
In his response, the Rivers State Governor said: “Today, I am much honored to receive this award because it represents the very ideals that sustain my interest in public service.”
He said his commitment has been to promote, defend and advance the best interest of the state.
On the Sun Governor of the Year Award, the Governor restated his commitment to the development of the state and unity of Nigeria and promised to serve the state and win more accolades.
He thanked The Sun Publishing Limited for finding him worthy to win the award back to back and dedicated the award to the people of Rivers State and his wife.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’abba last Wednesday, described Wike as a clear example of the leader Nigeria needs for her rapaid development.
Na’abba who stated while commissioning the Edeoha-Ikata-Ochigba Road in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State declared: “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”.
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prince ChibudumNwuche noted that Wike is not just a politician but a statesman, explaining that the road that was commissioned was abandoned by former Governor of the State, ChibuikeAmaechi because of their political differences.
Wike assured that under his leadership there would be no politics of victimisation and urged all to join hands towards developing the state.
The clamour for Wike to run for a second term continued last week. The people of Rivers East Senatorial District endorsed him for another tenure in office, stressing that their move was premised on the strength of Wike’s superlative performance.
The event which took place Tuesday at General Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt attracted such personalities as Senator George Thompson Sekibo, Sir Celestine Omehia, former Governor of the state, former NBA President, Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN) House of Representatives Member, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Austin Opara amongst others in the eight local government areas that make up the Senatorial District.
A youth representative, Oraye St. Franklyn said Governor Wike has no option but to contest and further develop the state.
Another major event in Government House last week was the meeting of South-South PDP leaders which resolved to unite and ensure that the party forms the next Federal Government in 2019.
Wike said PDP leaders will do everything possible to ensure that the party emerges victorious in 2019 and stressed the need for free and fair election that would enable Nigerians determine their future.
He urged PDP leaders to remain focused as they have the duty to salvage the country and set it on the part of growth.
PDP National Chairman, Prince UcheSecondus said Nigeria has collapsed with the Presidential Villa in ruins, hence it has become imperative to salvage the country in 2019.
Prominent members of the party from the six states that make up the zone attended the meeting.
Chris Oluoh
During a press conference held in Owerri, the coalition called the campaign a “dangerous and shameful display” designed to distract the public from the governor’s performance in office.
The CSOs directly linked the Greater Imo Initiative (GII) —the group that made the allegations on September 4, 2025—to Governor Uzodimma, describing the group as his “mouthpiece and attack dog.”
“Every word spoken against INEC was spoken on his behalf.
“By falsely alleging that Professor Yakubu has an alliance with Dr. Amadi to compromise the 2027 elections, Uzodimma has not only maligned a man of proven integrity but also assaulted the very foundation of our democracy”, said Dr Agbo Frederick, speaking for the coalition.
The coalition described Professor Yakubu as a “beacon of electoral professionalism” and called the attempt to soil his reputation “defamatory and a national security risk.”
They also defended Dr. Amadi, a “respected development scholar,” stating that the governor’s accusations were “laughable, desperate, and dangerous.”
The CSOs see the motive behind the campaign as an attempt to “silence the dissent, intimidate the opposition, and divert attention from the governor’s abysmal record in office.”
The coalition issued four key demands to Governor Uzodimma: An immediate retraction of the false and defamatory allegations against Professor Mahmood Yakubu and Dr. Chima Amadi.
- A public apology to both men within seven days, to be published in at least three national newspapers and broadcast on major television networks.
- An end to diversionary tactics and proxy propaganda.
- A renewed focus on governance, including addressing insecurity, unemployment, and poverty in Imo State.
The CSOs warned that failure to comply would force them to “review our position with a view to seeking legal redress from Governor Uzodimma for defamation, false accusation, and reckless endangerment of lives.”
“Governor Uzodimma must be reminded that he did not find himself in the seat of power to chase shadows.
“We call on all Nigerians to reject Uzodimma’s diversionary antics as they are nothing short of desperate plots by a government terrified of accountability”, the statement concluded.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that preventing the senator from resuming her legislative duties violates democratic principles and disenfranchises her constituents.
“The suspension, having been imposed by the Senate and not a court of law, has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is therefore both illegal and morally indefensible,” Mallam Abdullahi said.
The party noted that denying Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan access to the chamber silences the voice of the people who elected her, adding that the withdrawal of her salary, aides, and office access during the suspension amounted to excessive punishment.
The ADC also criticised the Clerk of the National Assembly for declining to process her resumption on grounds that the matter was before the courts, arguing that the Clerk’s role was administrative, not judicial.
“Administrative caution must not translate into complicity. When the administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished,” the party stated.
Highlighting that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, the ADC warned that the handling of the case sends a discouraging signal about gender inclusion in Nigerian politics.
“Any action that resembles gender intimidation of the few women in the Senate would only discourage women’s participation. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while excluding half of its population from key decision-making spaces,” Mallam Abdullahi added.
The ADC insisted that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her seat immediately, stressing that the matter was about more than one individual.
“What is at stake here is not just one Senate seat, but the integrity of our democracy itself,” the party said.