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Group Hails Wike’s Giant Strides
A socio-cultural group, Nzuko Ndigbo, Rivers State chapter, an umbrella body of all Ibos living in the State has applauded the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for the giant development strides of his administration, particularly in the areas of infrastructural development and security.
The group, which made the commendation in a statement issued in Port Harcourt and signed by its President General, Chief Bestman Akwaeluonwu, Secretary General, High Chief Henry Kanu and Publicity Secretary, Mazi Felix Chikwuendu thanked Governor Wike for his great efforts in keeping the state safe and his infrastructural development initiative, particularly in road construction in Port Harcourt and its environs.
“As Ibo people are mostly traders and businessmen, even some of our sons and daughters in the corporate sector, we all need to be in safe environment for our businesses to thrive,” the statement said, adding that “ there is no way businesses can prosper without good security and good road network for distribution of goods and services.”
It also commended the governor for restoring the Garden City status of Port Harcourt and prayed God to keep him fully protected and grant him the grace to do more for the state.
The group equally applauded the efforts of the state police command under the watch of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Zaki Ahmed in combating crime and criminality across the state, pointing out that the Igbos had been at the receiving end, going by the spate of kidnapping and other criminal activities along Port Harcourt – Owerri Road axis of the State.
According to Nzuko Ndigbo, “ that route is a major route for our Ibo brothers and sisters who are always on the road either visiting their various villages or on business trips.”
He, however, noted with delight that in recent times, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other social vices have reduced to the barest minimum along that route.
The group also commended the efforts of the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Hon. Samuel Nwanosike towards this direction and thanked him for making the issues of security the top priority of his administration, stressing that since the council chairman assumed office, cult rivalry and kidnapping which he said had claimed several lives in the past have reduced drastically and by so doing making the area safe for Ibo people and other persons residing in the local government to carry out their businesses.
While lauding the Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Hon. Victor Ihunwo and his Obio/Akpor Local Government counterpart, Hon Solomon Eke for their tireless efforts in securing residents of the areas and their property, the body thanked Governor Wike for appointing Hon Emeka Onowu, who hails from Imo State as Commissioner for Special Duties.
The group, however, charged Ndigbo resident in the state to live peacefully with their neighbours including their host communities to foster harmony and unity of purpose among them.
Members of the body commiserated with Governor Wike over the demise of the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) and prayed God to grant him, the Aguma family and the people of the state the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Donatus Ebi
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene
