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RSG Declares War Against Street Trading …As Wike Heads Task Force, Sets …April 11 Deadline For Defaulters …Commends Work On Largest Shopping Mall In PH
The Rivers State Executive Council has set up a Special Task Force chaired by the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to clear illegal traders from major roads and streets in Port Harcourt and its environs.
In a statement issued shortly after the State Executive Council meeting, last Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Barrister Emma Okah said the decision to set up a high-powered task force was to demonstrate the irreversible determination of the state government to rid major roads in the state of the environmental hazards and sanitary embarrassment and nuisance which the activities of illegal traders were inflicting on the state and her people.
The statement reads in part, “The Government notes with sadness the recalcitrance of these street traders who have continuously dared the efforts of government to keep our roads and environment clean.
“Sadly, they mess up the environment, litter the roads, cause disorder and contribute nothing by way of tax or otherwise to clean their mess.
“As a government, we owe a duty to those we serve to protect the environment, enhance sanitation and promote order in our state,” Okah said, noting that “illegal traders in our major roads are on the wrong side of the law and will face the right music.
“Consequently, from Thursday, April 12, 2018, the governor of Rivers State will lead members of the Special Task Force, in the first phase of their mandate, to flush illegal traders from the roads and affected streets and restore normalcy. The exercise will be a continuing one until the ugly situation is reversed.
“However, it is necessary to warn that in the course of this exercise, traders caught by the special task force may lose their goods, suffer arrest, face prosecution and possible jail term upon conviction.
“If this happens the consequences may be unpleasant and unattractive for anyone to test the will of the special task force.
“Major roads and spots to be cleared by the task force in the first phase of this exercise include Bishop Okoye Street in Diobu, Garrison, Nitel near Garrison, GRA 2 junction, other parts of GRA Phase 2 where illegal trading is going on, Old GRA, Ikwerre Road, Wimpey Junction, Trans Amadi, etc”, the statement added.
Meanwhile, some street traders in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt last Wednesday appealed to the Rivers State Government to provide them affordable market stalls before enforcing its ban on street trading.
The traders spoke to newsmen in reaction to the government’s recent seven-day ultimatum banning trading activities along Bishop Okoye Street in Diobu, Port Harcourt.
According to them, it would be unfair for the government to drive them out of business without providing an alternative place from them.
One of the traders, Mrs Kechi Wechie, who sells vegetables, appealed to the government not to be hasty about banning trading along Bishop Okoye Street.
“We are aware that we trade along the road; but we have nowhere to go from here, we implore the government to help us.
“What we do here is petty trading, we will be happy to access affordable stalls with the assistance of the government,’’ Wechie said.
On his part, Archibong Matthew, a grinding machine operator, expressed concern at the notice that government had given the traders to quit trading along that street.
“It is from the proceeds of my activities here that I assist my younger ones in school; I pray this notice will not be enforced.
“I will be the greatest victim, I wonder the excuse to give to those that depend on me, I beg the state government to please change its mind,’’ he said.
Our correspondent reports that some residents of Mile Three, Diobu, in the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State had in the past appealed to the state government to stop traders from selling along Bishop Okoye Street.
They alleged that the traders there were fond of displaying fish, vegetables and other edibles in the open along the filthy street.
They alleged that they had since stopped buying things displayed on the street for fear of being infected by disease from such items.
In another development, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that the construction of West Africa’s largest supermarket in Nigeria underscores the importance of Port Harcourt as an investment destination.
Speaking after inspecting the ongoing construction of Next Shopping Mall at the Trans-Amadi area of Port Harcourt, recently, Wike stated that his administration would support the investor by reconstructing the roads leading to the mall.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the investment, which he said would create employment opportunities for residents and the host community.
He thanked the private investor, Mr Ndibe Obi for choosing Port Harcourt for the mall, saying that the city has all the facilities that would attract credible private investors.
Wike said: “I am highly impressed by what I have seen here today. We will encourage the investor who has put in his resources and time to see that this is done in Port Harcourt. We encourage others to come to Port Harcourt.
“In supporting him, we will make sure that the roads leading to this facility are reconstructed to enhance the value of the shopping mall.
“I have never seen anything like this in any part of this country. If this becomes operational, it will send signals to other people that the best place to invest is Port Harcourt”.
Wike said: “So, I thank the private investor for choosing Port Harcourt to build this kind of supermarket”.
In his remarks, the Private Investor, Mr Ndibe Obi said that the mall would house an 11,000-square metre supermarket which would sell all types of products.
Obi said that facility would create 600 direct and indirect employments for residents of the state and the host community.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday extended interim relief measures to the people of Bille Kingdom as the government intensifies efforts to address the ongoing environmental degradation affecting the area.
This was contained in a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi, yesterday.
The governor, during a working visit to Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area, reassured residents of his deep concern for their health and well-being.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the persistent gas emissions observed in the community’s land and water sources since November 2025.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the governor announced immediate interventions to address urgent needs.
Some of the relief measures include the provision of potable water and essential medical services through the release of ?100 million as palliative support for the affected community.
According to the SSG, “Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Bille Kingdom. Although unable to attend in person due to pressing state engagements, he is fully aware of the situation and determined to tackle the root cause of the environmental challenge”.
The governor assured residents that the state government would not relent in its efforts to provide a permanent solution to the gas emissions, emphasizing that the current intervention is only a temporary measure to ease the suffering of the people.
He further urged members of the community to remain law-abiding and continue supporting his administration, noting that he has consistently demonstrated a track record of fulfilling his promises.
Earlier, the Chairman, Council of Chief for Bille Kingdom, Chief Bennet Dokubo, expressed joy over the State visit, describing Fubara as a leader who listens to the plight of the people.
He urged the governor to critically look into the gas emission which he described as dangerous to human health.
“If we take you into the river, we notice that the entire environment is bubbling and smelling.
“We most humbly urge you to critically look into this situation. This is something strange we have never experienced before. It is not good for human health,” the monarch stressed.
The Federal Government has declared tomorrow (Friday) and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The ministe congratulated all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter, and urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
He reiterated that the goal of the government remains to make decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
The Tide reports that good Friday will be marked tomorrow, while the Easter Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday across the world.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to carry out their duties with discipline, loyalty and a firm commitment to the success of the administration and the wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.
The governor warned that any involvement in unauthorised nocturnal meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government will attract immediate dismissal.
Fubara gave the warning yesterday shortly after the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo S.A. Wokoma and the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
As part of the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the duo before the governor gave his charge.
Addressing the appointees, Fubara reminded them that their elevation to the new positions was a call to service and not a platform for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition.
He stressed that their foremost responsibility should be to themselves and to the people of Rivers State, stressing that their conduct must always reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to public good.
Speaking directly to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual depth and capacity to deliver on the new assignment.
The office of the Secretary to the State Government, Fubara stressed, demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. He charged the SSG to represent the State with honour at all times.
“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us.
“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met, are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state,” he stated.
Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the governor explained that he is expected to ensure smooth administrative coordination, managing official engagements effectively and safeguarding the image of the Government House.
He underscored the sensitive and personal nature of the role and emphasised that the position operates strictly under the authority of the governor.
Fubara stressed that the role does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.
“Let me sound it here very clearly. Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here.
“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it,” he said.
The governor cautioned that involvement of the new appointees in any action capable of bringing the government or his office to disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.
While congratulating the new appointees, Fubara expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.
He called on all public officials to work together in unity, observing that collective success is stronger and more enduring than individual achievement.
The governor who also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, directed those of them who have reached retirement age to start preparing their handover notes without delay.
The notice, he said, was not intended to scare anybody but to prepare their minds towards the inevitability of exiting the service one day and to pave way for an orderly transition.
He warned against any attempt to engage in financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that he was closely monitoring the system to ensure strict enforcement of accountability rules.