Featured
Wike, Atiku, Tambuwal Hold Talks Over PDP Convention …As Mpigi, Sekibo Pick Party Senatorial Tickets In Rivers …Rivers-West Senatorial Primaries Postponed
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, yesterday, held a consultative meeting with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
The meeting with Atiku came barely 24 hours after another consultative parley with the Sokoto State Governor and another PDP presidential aspirant, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal in Government House, Port Harcourt.
Atiku arrived Government House, Port Harcourt in company of former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and other campaign officials.
Wike and Atiku thereafter went into a closed door meeting at the conference room of the Government House.
The former Vice President visited the governor to canvass for delegates’ votes ahead of the October 6 and 7, 2018, National Convention in Port Harcourt.
Also in attendance at the meeting were the former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah and Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Government House Port Harcourt, Engr Emeka Woke.
However, another PDP presidential aspirant and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal has declared that immediate steps must be taken to set the country on the path of development, following the abysmal performance of the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.
Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Monday during a consultative visit to Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, the former speaker, House of Representatives, noted that the country was presently hanging on a cliff due to the failure of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
He said: “We should be able to bring back our country from the brink. As it is today, this country is on a cliff and there is a need for us to pull it back”.
Tambuwal said that Nigeria requires a leadership that has the capacity to unite the country, introduce fresh ideas in leadership and enhance the development of the nation.
“We are all aware that this country has never been this divided. This country has never been this polarised. There is a need for us, not only to have a 21st leadership, but a leadership that is Pan-Nigeria.
“We need a leadership that understands the complexities of this country”, he said.
The PDP Presidential aspirant noted that experiences garnered as a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and the incumbent Sokoto State governor have equipped him to offer Nigeria the right leadership it requires.
He urged PDP members to nominate him to fly the party’s flag during the 2019 Presidential Election, pointing out that he has the capacity to lead the party to victory.
Tambuwal informed that when elected he will work with all stakeholders to review the Constitution of the country to accommodate the aspirations of different sections of the country.
On security, the Presidential aspirant said he would deploy security and fresh ideas to improve the security of the nation.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike advised all Presidential aspirants to conduct themselves in a decorous manner to advance the interest of the PDP.
He said: “Tell Nigerians what you want to do for them. Sell yourself. Do not be desperate. If it is God’s will, nobody can stop you”.
He said if at the end of the day he loses out of the nomination of the party, he should support whoever emerges in the interest of the party.
The Rivers State governor noted that Tambuwal represents one of the Presidential aspirants with the capacity to lead and revive the country.
Wike said without a review of the revenue sharing formula of the country, states would not be able to pay the new minimum wage.
The governor thanked the leadership of the PDP for approving the hosting of National Convention in Port Harcourt, saying that the convention will positively impact the state’s economy.
Meanwhile, Rep member representing Oyigbo/Tai/Eleme Federal Constituency Hon. Bany Mpigi yesterday won the People Democratic Party ( PDP), Senatorial Primaries for South-East District of Rivers State.
Hon. Mpigi beat Senator Olaka Nwogu with 694 votes after poling 797 votes. A total vote of 903 was cast at the polls hold at the Dr Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt
Also, Senator George Sekibo pulled 1,230 votes as an affirmation of his choice of the party for the Rivers, East senatorial district seat. The Returning Officer at the elections Hon. Samuel Nwanosile described the polls as free and fair, as officials of the PDP National Secretariat and observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) witnessed the elections.
Hon Mpigi while accepting the nomination said he will not fail the people, stressing that he would work with Senator Nwogu to ensure that the party is united and strong to win the 2019 polls.
The House of Representatives member described Nwogu as a man of honour, as he pledged to dedicate himself to work for the betterment of the senatorial district.
Primaries for the Rivers West Senatorial Seat was, however, postponed to a later date yet to be announced.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.