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No Break On Projects Delivery, Wike Vows …Restates Commitment To Civil Servants’ Welfare …Charges Newly Sworn-In LG Chairmen On Service Delivery
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that he would not slow down on projects delivery because the people of the state deserve the very best.
Speaking after inspecting projects in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre local government areas, yesterday, Wike said that he is motivated to maintain the tempo of projects delivery to make up for the eight years that the state lost during the tenure of the immediate past administration.
Accompanied by Senator Samuel Anyanwu (PDP, Imo East) and Cross River PDP chieftain, Dr Sandy Onor, Wike said that he would make the maximum use of the opportunity to serve Rivers State to leave his positive footprints on the sands of time.
He said: “Not everyone has the privilege to serve. What we are doing is to serve Rivers State to the best of our ability.
“These basic amenities are meant to attract investors. The attraction of investors will create employment opportunities and enhance the economy of the state.
“We cannot take a break in terms of the delivery of projects because there is so much work to be done.”
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work at the Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, noting that an old structure was left in the middle of the school to remind people of the dilapidated nature of the institution before the reconstruction.
He said that the school would be commissioned by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria on Saturday.
Wike also visited the Isiokpo Internal Roads billed to be commissioned tomorrow by the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, adding that the projects commissioning and flag-off would continue till July 10, 2018.
The governor also inspected ongoing construction of Cinemas and Restaurants at the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, explaining that the cinemas would be the best in the country.
In an interview, Senator Samuel Anyanwu commended the Rivers State governor for living up to the expectations of Rivers people.
He said that the outstanding developmental strides of Wike were premised on the developmental philosophy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Meanwhile, The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that his administration would continue to give priority attention to the welfare of civil servants.
Also, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah Jang declared that the excellent performance of Wike and other PDP governors was an indication that only Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) can redeem Nigeria.
They spoke, last Monday during the commissioning of 24 units of three-bedroom flats for civil servants in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Wike said: “This is a day for workers. This is a direct project meant for the workers of Rivers State, who are the engine room of this administration.
“As our civil servants inhabit this wonderful estate, they must take steps to keep it clean. We will appoint a facility manager, but the payment will be borne by the state government and the occupants”.
He explained that the state government would flag off the construction of Labour House on June 29, 2018.
“We are interested in workers welfare. Our commitment is to ensure that we create the right environment for workers to perform their roles”, he said.
Commissioning the 24 units of three-bedroom flats for civil servants, the former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah Jang said that projects were only being commissioned in PDP states.
He lauded Wike for transforming the landscape of Rivers State with new projects, noting that Port Harcourt was regaining her garden city status.
“What our governors are doing, particularly what Governor Wike is doing, and you cannot but bring PDP back to transform the country. There is no sign that anything new will happen. If they have not done anything new in three years, they cannot do it in the campaign year”, he said.
The former Plateau State governor noted that there were no new projects being commissioned in APC states because they are not interested in the welfare of their people.
The Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State Council, Comrade Beatrice Itubo thanked the Rivers State governor for being workers friendly, and assured the governor of the support of the NLC.
In his remarks, Head of Service, Rivers State, Barrister Rufus Godwins said that after the Dr Peter Odili era, Wike was the first governor to construct a brand new housing estate for Rivers civil servants.
Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has sworn-in the 23 Local Government Council chairmen elected during the June 16, 2018 Local Government Elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Performing the swearing-in at the Executive Council Chambers, last Monday, Wike charged the council chairmen to prioritise payment of salaries, promotion of security and environmental sanitation.
He said: “Now that you have emerged through a credible process, you must prioritise payment of salaries. This is key as no excuses will be tolerated.
“Council money is for salaries, development of the areas and security. You should endeavour to leave legacies of development across the state. Make a difference through the development of your local government areas.”
He advised the newly sworn-in local government council chairmen to work closely with security agencies in their local government areas.
“You must create avenues of cooperation with all the security agencies. That will help you create the right environment for development to take place in your areas”, he said.
The governor charged the council chairmen of Akuku-Toru, Asari-Toru and Degema to develop the right platforms to ensure that their communities were safe.
He challenged the council chairmen of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Oyigbo and Eleme local government areas to take serious steps to ensure they clean specific areas of their councils.
Wike urged the council chairmen to work amicably with their councillors to avoid unnecessary conflicts that will cripple their councils.
On the conduct of the Local Government Elections, Wike commended the security agencies for providing security for the peaceful and credible conduct of the polls.
He also commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for conducting free, fair and credible polls.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by leaders of the state, commissioners and party chieftains.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro Felix Obuah says if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies can take a cue from the conduct of the just-concluded local government elections by the RISIEC, most of the pitfalls that characterize national elections in the country would be put to rest.
Obuah, who made the observation in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jerry Needam, commended the RSIEC for a very peaceful, free and credible chairmanship and councillorship polls across the 23 local government areas of the state last Saturday.
He also lauded the massive turnout of Rivers people and residents in the state for the voting exercise, describing it as most commendable and encouraging.
The state PDP boss noted that the smooth and rancour-free council elections as witnessed last Saturday in all the 319 wards and over 4,000 electoral units in the state have proved beyond doubt that free, fair and credible elections were still possible in Nigeria only if the INEC, electoral officials and security agencies would be sincere and committed to their respective duties and to the ideals of democracy during elections.
He expressed joy that the successful and peaceful conduct of the elections have not only exposed those usually behind election crisis in the state in the past but also confirmed the promise of the PDP-led state government under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike to institutionalize a cost effective and less rancorous model for future local government elections in the state.
Obuah enjoined Rivers people, especially the youth to learn to imbibe democratic ideals and ingenious methodologies of all time experienced leaders and democrats in the mould of Wike, whom he described as a rare political gem irrespective political leanings.
It is only through such non-partisan attitude, the state PDP boss noted, that a perfect electoral system would evolve.
The state PDP boss congratulated all the newly elected council chairmen and councillors on their electoral victories, and enjoined them to join hands with the state chief executive to ensure that development gets to the grassroots which was the essence of the third tier government.
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.
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RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans
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
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
