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FG Has Politicised Security, Wike Alerts …As RSG Launches Golden Jubilee Commemorative Stamps
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that the APC Federal Government has politicised security to the disadvantage of national development.
He said that the Federal Government and her agencies de-market certain opposition states for cheap political points.
The Governor made the remarks yesterday in Port Harcourt during an interview with an international television station.
”There is no insecurity here in Rivers State. People only de-market the state for political reasons.
”There is no insecurity when it comes to drilling oil for the economic wellbeing of the entire country. But they claim insecurity when it comes to political gains.
Security issues in Nigeria have been politicised by the APC Federal Government,”he said.
The governor regretted that the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency initiated by the Rivers State Government, had their training base attacked by soldiers.
He said that Rivers State is one of the most secure locations in the country which has been transformed into the nation’s destination of choice for conferences and events.
”Rivers State is an investment destination because we have created the right environment through the provision of critical infrastructure “, he said.
Governor Wike said that his administration is developing the tourism potentials of the state to boost her economy.
He noted that the hosting of NAFEST was targeted at showcasing the cultural potentials. He said that the State will build a museum to promote the culture of the people.
On Seki, Governor Wike said that his administration will partner with the producers to further promote the Rivers culture.
He said: “I was impressed with the concept of Seki. It makes us remember our culture, our dances and our heritage”.
Meanwhile,the Rivers State Government yesterday launched the state’s golden jubilee commemorative postage stamps to promote the state’s identity and culture in the international arena.
Launching the commemorative postage stamps at the Government House Port Harcourt, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike said the stamps are appreciated for their intrinsic value and the historic messages and imagery they convey.
He said: “We are here to formally launch the historic commemorative postage stamps of Rivers State as part of that historic moment and in demonstration of our commitment to communicate and connect the state and its values to the rest of the world”.
The governor said that the first commemorative postage stamp focused on the Brick House which was the seat of power under several administrators before Former Governor Peter Odili built the new Government House.
He said while the second stamp dwelt on the Point Block which is the tallest building at the State Secretariat , the third and fourth stamps promoted the images of the traditional resources and occupation of Rivers people.
He said: “Collectively, these four stamps recall and demonstrate our illustrious history and traditions; honour the vision, creativity and extraordinary achievements of our past; attest and affirm our capacity to evolve, grow and fight for our place in the sun.
”Above all, they embody the colourful identities that make up our shared history, assume our expectations and enable the world to understand what defines us as a people and the ideals we represent “The governor noted that while the state is proud of her past and secure in her present, Rivers people are looking with hope into the future for victory over their challenges.
Chairman of the Rivers State Golden Jubilee Committee, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba said commemorative postage stamps are valued because they are collectors items.
He said that Rivers State is making history by releasing the golden jubilee commemorative postage stamps.
Representative of the Post Master General of the Federation, Mrs Funmilayo Ogunlana commended the Rivers State Governor for collaborating with NIPOST to release the Golden Jubilee Commemorative Stamps.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.