Featured

Again 5,000 Dump APC For PDP In Rivers; Say APC Has No Direction …Hail Wike’s Development Strides …Ogonis Explain Support For Gov’s 2nd Term

Published

8 years ago

March 12, 2018

About 5,000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) resident at the Abonnema Wharf Community in Port Harcourt, last Friday, thronged the Isaac Boro Park to declare their support for the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike come 2019 general elections.
The scene, which was heralded with fanfare, was graced by a cream of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) bigwigs and members of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), including Chief Emeh Glory Emeh, Hon Bright Amaewhule, Engr Samuel Nwanosike, Hon Edison Ogranya, Prince Umejuru, Kinikannwo Amadi and Ikechi Chinda.
Addressing the mammoth APC defectors led by Comrade Igoniko Gogo-Abite, Emeh, who represented the governor, said the decampees had done the right thing by returning to the PDP on noticing that APC in Rivers State was only existing on the various media platforms.
According to Emeh, “The people decamping today are doing the right thing, which I also did some time ago when I saw that the APC in the state has nothing to show that it is in existence”.
He noted that the Wike-led administration had done so well for Rivers State that the defectors would taste his magnanimity, and assured the Abonnema Wharf APC decampees that they would be carried along while their request for a market, revolving loan scheme, among others, would be looked into.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), Samuel Nwanosike regretted that the demolition of buildings at the Abonnema Wharf by former governor, Chibuike Amaechi was not in the good interest of Rivers State but for a particular company he chose to favour.
The former Ikwerre Local Government Area CTC chairman observed that the Abonnema Wharf community has a voting power that could decide who would manage the economy of the state, pointing out that the injury inflicted on the people cannot be easily forgotten while assuring the decampees that Wike would stand by them.
In his speech, PDP Chairman, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Ikechi Chinda assured that he would ensure the integration of the Abonnema Wharf defectors as quickly as possible, saying that with the development, the 20 wards of Port Harcourt would be won by the PDP come 2019.
In his remarks, leader of the decampees, Comrade Igoniko Gogo-Abite explained that they decided to abandon the APC because of the good works the governor has been doing for the state in terms of infrastructural development, adding that the APC has no leadership pattern and direction.
Gogo-Abite, who enumerated some projects constructed by Wike in the Abonnema Wharf area such as the State Ecumenical Centre and roads, appealed to the state chief executive to assist the community in the area of electricity as they have been in darkness for many months.
Meanwhile, the Paramount Ruler of Rumuodara in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Eze John Enyindah Amadi has commended the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for the flag-off of the reconstruction of Egbelu Road project in the area.
Amadi, who spoke to our correspondent, said the project would boost socio-economic life of the people of the area.
He said the road will decongest both the Okporo-Aba Road and the Rumuodara-East-West Road that was always congested.
“This Egbelu Road, if completed, will help free these nearby roads from traffic congestion common in this area.
“We are, indeed, very grateful to our action governor for flagging off the road,” he said.
Amadi said the entire people of Rivers State were proud of the governor’s style of good governance.
“Every community in the state has one project or the other to thank him for, so, also on political appointments. Wike is an action governor and a blessing to the state”, the paramount ruler stated.
The Nyewe-Eli-Odara, said Rumuodara will give Wike 100 per cent vote in 2019, and urged him to run for second term.
Describing Rumuodara as one of the fastest developing communities in the state, the royal father appealed to the governor to assist in establishing and constructing a police station in the community for improved security in the area.
He further urged the governor to appoint a son or daughter of the area as a commissioner in his administration.
In the same light, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Sir Kenneth Kobani has declared that the Ogoni Ethnic Nationality resolved to vote massively for Governor Nyesom Wike in future elections because of his outstanding projects’ delivery in the area.
Speaking during the defection of hundreds of All Progressives Congress (APC) members to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gokana Local Government Area, yesterday, Kobani said that Ogoni people were committed to the victory of Wike in 2019.
He said since the creation of Rivers State, no other governor has invested in the development of Ogoniland the way Wike has done.
The former minister of state for trade said all the local government areas that make up Ogoniland have benefited from strategic projects that have improved the living condition of the people.
According to Kobani, the dualization of the Saakpenwa-Bori Road, the completion of Kpopie-Bodo Road, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road, the General Hospital, Bodo City, the Bori Zonal Hospital; General Hospital, Nchia and the Birabi Memorial Grammar School were some of the projects that have transformed the landscape of Ogoniland.
He said: “Governor Wike has transformed Ogoniland, and we are committed to his re-election. If the governor has done this in three years, by the time he completes his second term, Ogoni people will benefit more.
“All Ogoni people, including those who left APC to join us, must remain committed to delivering Governor Wike in 2019. That is our principal goal. Governor Wike has done so much for the Ogonis. No other former governor can equal his record”.
He charged all organisations to work in unity to return Wike in 2019, and warned against divisive tendencies ahead of the campaigns.
Rivers State Finance Commissioner, Dr Fred Kpakol said Wike has placed Ogoni on his priority list in appointments and projects.
He said Gokana Local Government Area alone has the Secretary to the Rivers State Government and the Commissioner for Finance, an indication that Wike loves the people.
In his remarks, Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Politics and Strategy, Chief Emeh Glory Emeh advised the decampee APC members to remain steadfast as they will benefit from their association with the PDP.
He said that APC has nothing to offer the people of Ogoniland, adding that more APC leaders in the area will soon defect to the PDP.
President-General of Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), Chief Bright Amaewhule commended the APC members for defecting to the PDP.
He said their defection will help in ensuring the re-election of Wike in 2019.

Shedie Okpara and Chris Oluoh

Featured

PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

2 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

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

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