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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 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.
