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Nigerians Proud Of Wike , Says Saraki …Commissions 12.2km Obiri-Ikwerre-Airport Road …Declares Rivers Safe For Investment

Published

7 years ago

July 9, 2018

The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki has commissioned the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road linking Obio/Akpor to Ikwerre local government areas in Rivers State, with the declaration that the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has made Nigerians proud through the signature project.
Commissioning the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road reconstructed by Wike, last Saturday night, the Senate President noted that the road was important because it would enhance investment opportunities in the state.
Saraki said: “This is a road that is significant in the sense that it is from here that investors will come into the state.
“If you stand here and look across, you will be proud to be a Nigerian. Looking up there, I can see Nigeria is working and it can work better”.
He said from the projects commissioned in Rivers State within the period, it was obvious that Wike was focused with the Rivers people fully in support of him.
The Senate president urged Nigerians not to lose focus and hope, saying that the country would eventually work.
“We are determined that there will be peace in this country. Those that don’t do the right thing will be sanctioned for not doing the right thing.
“We are determined that from every part of the country, this country belongs to us”, he said.
He regretted that three years were wasted trying to fight him, and noted that the three wasted years would have been used for the development of Nigeria.
Saraki charged Nigerians to continue to fight for the development of the country, and declared that Rivers State was safe for major investments as exemplified by the presence of Indorama.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike stated that with the Senate President, Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliation, would continue to fight the forces of darkness.
He called for the upholding of the rule of law across all tiers of government, saying that was the only way to attain progress in the country.
Wike said: “Any government that does respect the rule of law is the most corrupt government. This is because you cannot fight corruption without the rule of law”.
While berating the federal authorities for using EFCC to illegally probe the finances of Rivers State despite a subsisting court judgement yet to be vacated by a higher court, Wike condemned the Executive Order on corruption, which he said was unconstitutional.
Wike told the Senate President that his political party, the APC, has not kept her promises to Nigerians.
He thanked the Senate President for commissioning the 12.2-kilometre dual carriageway, stating that despite distractions, his administration continues to deliver meaningful projects.
The governor said before the reconstruction of the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road by his administration, the road had been impassable due to abandonment.
Wike, who congratulated the Senate President on his victory at the Supreme Court, said that Rivers people would always stand by him.
He said that the frame-up of the Senate President for armed robbery has negative consequences for the country.
Also speaking, the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose said PDP was behind Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.
Fayose told the Senate President that APC was now a spent vehicle that could no longer take him to the expected destination, and advised that it was high time the Senate President returned to the vibrant PDP.
In his remarks, Rivers State Works Commissioner, Hon Dumnemene Dekor said that the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road was a 12.2-kilometre route that was an architectural masterpiece.
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Solomon Eke said Rivers people would re-elect Wike in 2019 because of his outstanding developmental strides.
General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry, Apostle Chinyere Chibuzor said there was rejoicing in heaven and Rivers State because a righteous man was on the throne.
Similarly, the Senate President Bukola Saraki has laid the foundation for the construction of the Fertiliser Train 2 of Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemicals Limited.
This is as the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike declared that the $3.2billion (USD) for the development of Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemicals Limited is an investor’s destination.
The Senate President tacitly endorsed the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for a second term when he declared he will be in office in 2021, when the Train two of the Fertiliser Plant will be commissioned.
Performing the flag off, Senate President Bukola Saraki said with $3.2billion invested in Rivers State by the foreign investors, it shows that Rivers people are receptive to investors.
He said: “I am congratulating the people of Rivers State for creating the right environment for this investment. I like the example that Rivers people are setting for others to follow”..
In his address, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike said that Indorama has performed creditably through quality investments in the state.
Governor Wike said that the Rivers State Government will sustain the creation of a peaceful environment for the protection of Indorama’s investment.
“We are beneficiaries of the dividends of Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Petrochemicals Limited. We are happy with the management of the company “, he said.
The governor wondered why anyone would say that Rivers State is not safe for investments, when the Foreign Direct Investment by Indorama has hit $3.2billion.
“I am happy that within my time as Rivers State Governor, we commissioned the first train and the flag off of the second train for the Fertiliser Plant.
“If an investment of $3.2billion can be in Rivers State , how can anyone say that Rivers State is not safe. The Nigeria you are hearing is Rivers State “, the Rivers State Governor said
On the Supreme Court judgment on the Senate President, Governor Wike said that it is historic that Rivers State is the first state hosting the Senate President for an official assignment after the landmark judgment.

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PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

4 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.

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RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

2 weeks 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

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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