Featured
2019: Wike Tasks Organised Labour On Credible Polls …Flags Off NLC Secretariat, Kira-Nonwa-Eteo Road Construction
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has called on the organised labour to lend its voice to the demand for credible elections in 2019.
Wike also urged the organised labour to join other prominent leaders to seek the re-organisation of the nation’s security infrastructure for the safety of all Nigerians.
He spoke, last Friday, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, when he granted audience to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba.
The governor said: “This country belongs to all of us. Labour can no longer keep quiet on critical national issues. Labour should lend her voice on the issue of the overhaul of the security architecture.
“Labour should come out strongly to ensure that the 2019 General Elections are transparent and credible. Credible polls will lead to greater service to the people by elected officials”, Wike said.
The governor said that security agencies should not be seen to be stealing ballot boxes during elections, noting that such actions negatively affect the country’s image internationally.
He wondered why some leaders of the ruling party insist that performance should not be the yardstick for re-election.
“If projects cannot make people return to office, what should make people return to office? I know that 2019 will not be as easy as they think, because people are warming up to resist any form of political manipulation and rigging. Workers should show seriousness, so that votes must count”, he said.
Wike assured the workers of Rivers State that his administration would continue to improve on their welfare.
Earlier, the National President of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba commended the Rivers State governor for investing in the development of the state.
Wabba said: “We have seen landmark achievements, especially in the area of projects. We also appreciate the commitment and support of the Rivers State Government”.
The NLC president commended the Rivers State governor for the regular payment of salaries and pensions, stressing that the regular payment of salaries lubricates the state’s economy.
“I thank the governor for the continuous payment of salaries when others give excuses. Workers salaries have multiplier effect on the system”, he said.
The NLC president urged the Rivers State governor to use the state chapter of the NLC to always interface with Rivers workers.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has flagged off the construction of the state Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Speaking during the ground-breaking event in Port Harcourt, last Friday, performed by the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Wike stated that the state government would also finance the construction of the Rivers State Secretariat of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Wike said that the state government was embarking on the projects in appreciation of the cordial working relationship with Rivers workers.
He said: “We have worked harmoniously with labour. They have not troubled this administration with unnecessary strikes. In order to build stability, we have set up a structure that will enhance the performance of labour.
“This project must be completed by December. I don’t want to hear excuses. The contractor has been mobilised. We will also build a secretariat for the Trade Union Congress”.
He said that the Bureau for Special Projects was handling the construction of the NLC Secretariat because the administration was committed to the delivery of projects in line with the approved specifications and schedule.
Wike announced that the one-month salary of health workers withheld due to their illegal strike would be paid because of the intervention of the NLC president.
He added that the results of accumulated promotion interview of teachers would be released to them, while that of other workers would be addressed in due course.
Performing the flag off, NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba lauded the Rivers State governor for taking steps to improve the working condition of workers.
Wabba said: “This will go down in history as a landmark as you are one of the governors who has worked with labour for a better society”.
He said that the partnership between labour and the Rivers State Government would lead to faster development in Rivers State.
Wabba said: “Once workers are happy, they will put in their best, and the state will benefit in terms of development”.
The NLC president added that the congress was overwhelmed by the gesture of the Rivers State Government, which would advance the productive relationship between labour and the government.
“Workers and employers are supposed to be partners in progress. It is when we partner together that we will be able to deliver on our various mandates. This is commendable, and I urge that it should continue”, the NLC president said.
In her remarks, Rivers State NLC Chairman, Comrade Beatrice Itubo said that by constructing the Rivers State Secretariat of the congress, Wike has shown goodwill, which would be reciprocated by the workers.
Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Special Projects, Alabo George Kerley said Wike has enhanced governance through his projects’ revolution.
He said the new secretariat would be a modern three-storey building with a fortified foundation to carry five storeys.
It would be recalled that the Rivers NLC Secretariat was gutted by fire in 2015.
Since then, the congress has been operating in a makeshift apartment.
The event was witnessed by labour leaders and women groups, while different traditional dance groups entertained guests.
Similiarly, in continuation of its state-wide projects delivery, Rivers State Government, last Saturday, flagged off the construction of the Kira-Nonwa-Barayira-Sime-Eteo Road in Tai Local Government Area.
The 10.2-kilometre road cuts across Tai, Eleme, Oyigbo and Obio/Akpor local government areas of the state.
The Tide learnt that the road had been abandoned for 50 years by previous administrations.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike stated that all the 23 local government areas of the state have benefited from key projects in the last three years.
Wike said: “This is just three years, and we have reached the 23 local government areas. Let anyone come from any local government area, come forward to say that we have not executed project in his council.”
The governor commended the people of Tai Local Government Area for their patience over the years, noting that more projects would be executed in the area.
“You have been patient. By next week, you will get your commissionership appointment. There will be more projects for the people of the area”, he assured.
The governor advised the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government to focus on addressing the security challenges claiming thousands of lives in the country, instead of investing resources on rigging elections in Rivers State.
The governor said: “No amount of distraction will stop me from working. I have a contract with the people, and I will fulfil the contract”.
Wike berated the All Progressives Congress (APC) for having a factional chairman who is facing multiple murder charges because they want to cause bloodletting in the state.
Performing the flag off of the construction of the road, Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio said God has endorsed Rivers State governor for rapidly developing the state.
Akpabio said: “Even God himself is happy with Governor Wike because of his good works. Propaganda cannot win a war. What wins a war are men and material on ground. For Governor Wike, his numerous projects will win the election for him”.
The former Akwa Ibom State governor stated that Nigerians need performing leaders like Wike as testified by the APC-led federal lawmaker.
Akpabio urged Wike never to be distracted by the criticisms of his political enemies, noting that the political foes of the Rivers State governor would only witness his political victory.
Also speaking, member of the House of Representatives representing Tai/Eleme/Oyigbo Federal Constituency, Barry Mpigi said though he was a member of the APC, Wike deserves a second term on the basis of his performance.
Mpigi said Wike was the only person with the capacity to drive the growth of the state, adding that the issue of Rivers development transcends party affiliation.
In his remarks, Rivers State Works Commissioner, Hon Dumnamene Dekor said that the road would create 210 direct jobs for the people of Tai and Eleme local government areas, and also boost the economy of the areas.
The Gbenemene Tua-Tua Tai, King Samuel Nne said the people of the area were happy with Wike for his commitment to the development of the state.
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.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Executive Council.
The governor announced the cabinet dissolution yesterday in a statement titled ‘Government Special Announcement’, signed by his new Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi.
Governor Fubara directed all Commissioners and Special Advisers to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most Senior officers in their Ministries with immediate effect.
He thanked the outgoing members of the State Executive Council for their service and wished them the best in their future endeavours.
The three-paragraph special announcement read, “His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, has dissolved the State Executive Council.
“His Excellency, the Governor, has therefore directed all Commissioners and Special Advisers to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most Senior officers in their Ministries with immediate effect.
“His Excellency further expresses his deepest appreciation to the outgoing members of the Executive Council wishing them the best in their future endeavours.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday told the National Assembly that it requires N873.78bn to conduct the 2027 general elections, even as it seeks N171bn to fund its operations in the 2026 fiscal year.
INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, made the disclosure while presenting the commission’s 2026 budget proposal and the projected cost for the 2027 general elections before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Abuja.
According to Amupitan, the N873.78bn election budget covers the full conduct of national polls in 2027.
An additional N171bn is needed to support INEC’s routine activities in 2026, including bye-elections and off-season elections, the commission stated.
The INEC boss said the proposed election budget does not include a fresh request from the National Youth Service Corps seeking increased allowances for corps members engaged as ad-hoc staff during elections.
He explained that, although the details of specific line items were not exhaustively presented, the almost N1tn election budget is structured across five major components.
“N379.75bn is for operational costs, N92.32bn for administrative costs, N209.21bn for technological costs, N154.91bn for election capital costs and N42.61bn for miscellaneous expenses,” Amupitan said.
The INEC chief noted that the budget was prepared “in line with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the Commission to prepare its election budget at least one year before the general election.”
On the 2026 fiscal year, Amupitan disclosed that the Ministry of Finance provided an envelope of N140bn, stressing, however, that “INEC is proposing a total expenditure of N171bn.”
The breakdown includes N109bn for personnel costs, N18.7bn for overheads, N42.63bn for election-related activities and N1.4bn for capital expenditure.
He argued that the envelope budgeting system is not suitable for the Commission’s operations, noting that INEC’s activities often require urgent and flexible funding.
Amupitan also identified the lack of a dedicated communications network as a major operational challenge, adding that if the commission develops its own network infrastructure, Nigerians would be in a better position to hold it accountable for any technical glitches.
Speaking at the session, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) said external agencies should not dictate the budgeting framework for INEC, given the unique and sensitive nature of its mandate.
He advocated that the envelope budgeting model should be set aside.
He urged the National Assembly to work with INEC’s financial proposal to avoid future instances of possible underfunding.
In the same vein, a member of the House of Representatives from Edo State, Billy Osawaru, called for INEC’s budget to be placed on first-line charge as provided in the Constitution, with funds released in full and on time to enable the Commission to plan early enough for the 2027 general election.
The Joint Committee approved a motion recommending the one-time release of the Commission’s annual budget.
The committee also said it would consider the NYSC’s request for about N32bn to increase allowances for corps members to N125,000 each when engaged for election duties.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Simon Along, assured that the National Assembly would work closely with the Commission to ensure it receives the necessary support for the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Bayo Balogun, also pledged legislative support, warning INEC to be careful about promises it might be unable to keep.
He recalled that during the 2023 general election, INEC made strong assurances about uploading results to the INEC Result Viewing portal, creating the impression that results could be monitored in real time.
“iREV was not even in the Electoral Act; it was only in INEC regulations. So, be careful how you make promises,” Balogun warned.
The N873.78bn proposed by INEC for next year’s general election is a significant increase from the N313.4bn released to the Commission by the Federal Government for the conduct of the 2023 general election.