Politics

Wike Ties Security To PIB

Published

8 years ago

April 30, 2018

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Thursday, announced the readiness of the state to host the International friendly match between the nation’s Super Eagles and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on May 28, 2018.

This disclosure came after a meeting between the Rivers State Governor, President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick and the coach of Super Eagles, Gernard Rohr in Government House, Port Harcourt.

Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye who addressed journalists at the end of the high-profile meeting said the state would do everything to keep the stadium in form and commended the Nigeria Football Federation for collaborating to develop sports in the country.

NFF President, Amaju Pinnick in his reaction thanked the governor for the unflinching support for Super Eagles.

Wike, last Wednesday, called for the passage of host communities bill aspect of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to give the communities a sense of belonging.

The governor made the call when the Senate committee on PIB paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Port Harcourt.

Wike said: “This is an important aspect of the PIB as it concerns the host communities. The host communities will become a component part of the entire process”.

He regretted that the host communities had been bedeviled by all kinds of environmental challenges and added that the passage of the bill will also enhance security of petroleum pipelines as it would involve the host communities in the process.

He also called for the setting aside certain funds for the development of the oil host communities and urged the committee to endeavour to visit the communities to know their peculiar needs .

Chairman of the committee on PIB, Senator Kabiru Marafa said the Senate attaches importance to the passage of the bill and that the present Senate intends to pass the host communities aspect of the bill before its long vacation.

Another major event in Government House last week was Wike’s investiture as the Grand Ambassador for malaria elimination on Wednesday by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

South-South Coordinator of WHO, Dr Wale Faiyesin said the Governor’s investiture gives him the mantle to make further investments in eradicating malaria.

In his speech, the governor said the state governor will join all roll back malaria a partners to develop a formidable platform to eliminate the disease in the state.

Wike said the fight against malaria goes beyond providing bed nets or ensuring access to effective treatment.

He called on private sector to join the fight to ensure end to malaria prevalence in the state.

The governor also canvassed for minimum wage approach that would consider the individual financial capacities of different states.

Wike who spoke last Friday during a public hearing organised by Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage for South -South in Port Harcourt said the past reviews were unrealistic because it made wages across the country a uniform one.

He said the state government has great value for its workers and supports a review aimed at giving workers a living wage.

Rivers State chairperson of NLC and a representative of TUC in South -South who spoke on behalf of workers in the zone said they adopted the N66,500 minimum wage as set by NLC and TUC.

They however called for a special package that would put into consideration the peculiar nature of the South- South zone.

Chris Oluoh

News

Oji Clears Air On Appointment Of 15 Special Advisers By Fubara

Published

3 days ago

January 23, 2026

The Tide

The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.

Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.

He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.

According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.

On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.

He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.

Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.

Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.

He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.

The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.

He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.

Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.

King Onunwor

Politics

Rivers Political Crisis: PANDEF Urges Restraint, Mutual Forbearance

Published

2 weeks ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for restraint and mutual forbearance over the recent political development in Rivers State.

The Forum has also set up a high level Reconciliation Committee chaired by a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

This is contained in a press statement released in Abuja on Saturday.

The statement was jointly signed by PANDEF’s Board of Trustees Co-Chairmen, Chief Alfred Diete-Spiff, and Obong Victor Attah (a former governor of Akwa Ibom State), as well as PANDEF’s National Chairman, Chief Godknows Igali.

Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.

“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.

“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.

“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.

The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.

“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.

“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.

“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.

PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.

Politics

Wike’s LGAs Tour Violates Electoral Laws — Sara-Igbe

Published

2 weeks ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

A prominent Ijaw leader and former spokesperson of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, of violating Nigeria’s electoral laws through what he described as premature and unlawful political mobilisation across local government areas in Rivers State.

Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.

According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.

“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.

The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.

Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.

Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.

During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.

Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.