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Obio/Akpor, Degema, Christian Women Endorse Wike …Your Votes ’ll Make The Difference, Wike Tells Christians
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has charged Nigerians to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the country for Nigeria to return to the days of performance and development.
Addressing thousands of supporters during the PDP Campaign Rally at Obio/Akpor Local Government Area last Saturday, Governor Wike said that it is only under the PDP that sustained development can take place.
He said: “PDP is not a party of excuses. It is a party founded on development . It is a party of performance. That is why Nigerians must return to the PDP”.
The governor urged the people of Rivers State to vote massively for Atiku Abubakar for the revival of the seaports killed by the non-performing APC Federal Government in the state.
“Atiku Abubakar through quality economic policies will revive the Trans-Amadi Industrial Estate and the two seaports in Rivers State.
“Atiku Abubakar will create jobs and ensure that the government works for the good of all Nigerians”, he said.
While acknowledging Obio/Akpor as the Local Government Area with the highest number of registered voters in the state, Governor Wike urged the people to cast 90percent of their votes for the PDP and her candidates.
Governor Wike advised PDP members to ensure that the party wins all the 359 polling units of the Local Government Area. He said that political patronage would be based on winning of polling units.
“You must deliver your polling unit. Victory of the polling unit is the ticket to political appointments. We don’t want to hear any excuse that your polling unit result was snatched. You must protect the results “, he said.
The governor advised the people not to be deceived by INEC claims that they will organise credible polls. He said they should remain vigilant to protect their votes.
He said that the PDP remains sure of victory in Rivers State because his administration has satisfied the people.
Speaking further, Governor Wike said only those who have impacted positively on the state should contest elections or promote candidates. He said as a Minister he attracted development to the state. He wondered why the Minister of Transportation has failed Rivers People, despite his opportunities in the failed APC Federal Government.
Director General of Rivers State PDP Campaign Council, Ambassador Desmond Akawor said that all across Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the projects of Governor Wike are a testament of his performance
Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah said that the rally is a mass affirmation of the Governor’s acceptance by his people. He said that rally is more than a local government gathering.
He presented PDP Candidate for Rivers East Senatorial District, Senator George Sekibo, PDP Candidate for Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, Kingsley Chinda, PDP Candidate for Obio/Akpor State Constituency 1, Martins Amaewhule and PDP Candidate for Obio/Akpor State Constituency 2, Mr Michael Chinda to the people and asked them to vote for them.
PDP Candidate for Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, Kingsley Chinda said the governor has sold himself to Nigeria and Nigeria to the world. He said that the people are happy for the governor and his commitment to the development of the state.
He assured the people that all the legislators will represent the area effectively at the State and National Assembly.
Former President of the NBA, Chief Onueze Okocha lauded Governor Wike for his outstanding projects delivery and declared that he deserves re-election.
He said that the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area with the highest number of registered voters will vote all PDP candidates during the forthcoming general elections.
Former Attorney General of Rivers State, Mr Frank Owhor said it is the desire of the people to re-elect Governor Wike for the continuation of his good works.
Commissioner of Health, Prof Chike Princewill said that the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area will use the elections to make a statement of their preference for Governor Wike and the PDP.
President General of Grassroots Development Initiative, Bright Amaewhule said that the rally is a rehearsal of the victory party after the Governor’s re-election.
Chairman of PDP in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Chukwuemeka Aaron assured that the people would vote for Governor Wike and defend their votes.
Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Mr Solomon Eke said in all parts of the Local Government Area, Governor Wike has left his imprints of projects and performance.
Ace Musician and Port Harcourt First Son, Duncan Mighty thrilled the crowd with his songs.
Meanwhile, leaders and people of Degema Local Government Area have declared that they will work round the clock to ensure the re-election of Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
The leaders spoke at the PDP campaign rally in Degema yesterday, where they said all structures of the party have been energized to deliver Governor Wike in the 130 Polling Units of the area.
They said that key projects have been executed across Degema Local Government Area to improve the living condition of the people.
Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo described Governor Wike as a true leader who is Kalabari friendly. She hails from the area.
She said the Rivers State Governor has blessed Degema people with key projects. She thanked Governor Wike for keeping faith with her as his running mate.
“Since the creation of Rivers State, no woman has been deputy governor. In your tenure, you made it possible for a woman to be deputy governor”, she said.
She said that Degema people have decided that they would use their permanent voters cards to re-elect Governor Wike.
PDP Candidate for Bonny/Degema Federal Constituency , Doctor Farah Dagogo said Niger Delta people believe Governor Wike as an exceptional leader of the region. He said Niger Delta people are prepared to make sacrifices for Governor Wike to remain a leader of the region.
Former Degema Local Government Chairman, Mr Abiye Davids said that the PDP remains the only functional political party in the area.
Commissioner of Energy and Natural Resources, Elder Damiete Hebert Miller said that the Governor and Deputy Governor are a match for victory. He expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Governor for his outstanding projects delivery. Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Dr Tony Philmoore said that Degema people are working round the clock to re-elect Governor Wike.
Chairman of PDP Degema Local Government Area, Chief Tonye Tyger thanked the Rivers State Governor for his love for the area which led to the retention of Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo as his running mate.
Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah presented PDP Candidate for Rivers West Senatorial District, Mrs Betty Apiafi, PDP Candidate for Bonny/Degema Federal Constituency , Doctor Farah Dagogo and PDP Candidate for Degema State Constituency, Soberekon Raymond to Degema people and asked them to vote for them.
Addressing the rally, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike assured Degema people of more projects in the area.
The governor stated that his administration after consulting leaders of Degema Local Government Area, will elevate a traditional stool to first class status.
He called on Degema people to overwhelmingly vote for Atiku Abubakar for the transformation of the country.
He said for the people of Rivers State, Atiku Abubakar remains the best option because he has already started investing in the state.
Governor Wike stated that Atiku Abubakar will facilitate job creation for the teeming youths of the country.
“Voting for Atiku Abubakar will generate more jobs for the country and revive the economy. For us in Rivers State, he is the best option “, he said.
He said the struggle ahead is to fight to overcome the forces of darkness and dictatorship. He said all Nigerians must be united to make progress in this regard.
Governor Wike said that a vote for PDP will translate to freedom and development, noting that all PDP candidates deserve the votes of the people.
On the PDP Presidential Rally on Monday, Governor Wike urged the people to mobilise PDP to make the desired statement to the entire country.
Highpoint of the occasion, was the defection of hundreds of APC members to the PDP.
Similarly,thousands of Rivers Christian Women from the 23 Local Government Areas of the state have endorsed the re-election of Governor Nyesom Wike.
The women under the aegis of Women’s Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) declared that they are happy with the performance of Governor Wike since 2015.
Leader of Women’s Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) , Pastor Mrs. Ene Secondus said all Christian Women will use their permanent voters cards to support Governor Wike.
“We are here to publicly endorse the Re-election of Governor Wike. He has worked for Rivers State and enhanced the development of the state.
“All our permanent voters cards are dedicated to ensuring that the Rivers State Governor gets a second term. The state will benefit from his second term “, he said.
While thanking Governor Wike for constructing the Christian Ecumenical Centre for the unity of Rivers Christians, she said Christian Women are happy that Governor Wike has declared that Rivers is a Christian State.
She said that Governor Wike has made Christian Women to love his style of leadership and they are always praying for him.
They called on Governor Wike to as part of his educational programmes to indigent women by sponsoring adult women education in the state.
According to the Rivers Christian Women, their support for Governor Wike is borne out of passion and commitment to the development of the state.
Mrs Secondus announced that the women will also support the PDP Presidential Candidate and all other PDP candidates during the elections.
Responding, Governor Wike thanked Rivers Christian women for their overwhelming endorsement of his re-election.
Governor Wike said that it is incumbent on women to work for the bright future of the state and the country, hence they must guide their families to support PDP candidates.
“I am happy with the way that you have come to show your support for us this morning. This is a step in the right direction. The mobilisation is awesome “, he said.
He said all Christians must be concerned on the direction of the country, so that they can team up with other stakeholders to halt the nation’s free fall.
“Today, the level of insecurity in the country is horrible. People are being killed everyday. As Christians, we must be concerned about our future and destiny. When things are wrong, everyone is affected “, he said.
Governor Wike urged the women to use the opportunity of the elections to ensure a positive change in the country.
“This is a period that we must take a decision on the future of the country. We must make sacrifices by setting aside the election days of voting and defending our votes. No trading, farming or working on those days. We should reserve them for voting.
The governor charged the women to take up the role of voter mobilisation by talking to family members to turn and vote for the PDP.
He explained that only through such campaign will they enthrone Atiku Abubakar who will enhance security, employment opportunities and economic development.
“If you allow this government to continue at the Federal Level, then you are digging your graves. I will not dig my grave and you will not dig your grave because we have the opportunity to sack this failed APC Federal Government.
“You must cast your vote. You must exercise your right and vote out this bad government. Vote out the failed APC Federal Government and vote for PDP”, he said.
He urged the women to be agents of peaceful polls. He said as mothers, they should prevail on their children not to be used as killers or purveyors of violence.
The governor announced that his administration will embark on the vigorous promotion of Adult Women Education.
The women sang several endorsement songs to promote the candidacy of Governor Wike.
Special prayers were said for the success of the PDP during the elections. The women also prayed for the peaceful conduct of the polls.
In another development, Chief Nyesom Wike has called on Christians to troop out and vote during the forthcoming elections, because their votes will make the difference.
Speaking during a Special Combined yesterday Worship Service at the Deeper Life Camp Ground, Rumudara, Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said Nigerian Christians can no longer stand aloof while the country slides into destruction.
He said that Christians should not believe the false propaganda that they cannot influence the outcome of political contests in the country.
“You must vote during the forthcoming elections. If you don’t vote and a bad leader emerges, you are part of those that brought that bad leadership.
“Your vote can make the difference. So go ahead and vote to effect a positive change”, he said.
He charged the Church not to allow the Children of God to be surrounded by those not supposed to be in charge of leadership of the country.
The governor said that all Christians have witnessed first-hand the failures of the last four years of the Federal Government which have destroyed the economy, engendered unemployment, insecurity and dictatorial tendencies. He said this is the opportunity to chart a new direction.
Governor Wike said that all efforts of Christians to ensure that the country makes progress would be crowned when they vote for their preferred choice.
He appealed to Christians to continue to pray against those plotting electoral violence and bloodshed in Rivers State.
He said: “Please pray for this state. Pray against those plotting electoral violence in this state. Pray for the state to have peaceful and credible polls. Those plotting shall be disappointed.
“None of my supporters should engage in political violence on my behalf. Nobody should use violence to support me”.
The governor stated that security agencies plotting bloodshed in Rivers State will be consumed by their plot and Rivers State will emerge victorious.
He further urged the Church to pray for the Judiciary. He said Christians should pray that God enables Judges to act right despite the intimidation and false propaganda by the failed APC Federal Government.
The Deeper Life Camp Ground Youth Choir Ministered to the congregation in a Special number where they declared that they are no longer slaves to sin and fear, but children of God.
In his remarks, State Head of Deeper Life Church, Pastor Chike Onwuasunya said truly Governor Wike is Mr Project as his projects are visible.
He said that since 2015, Deeper Life Church in the state has been praying for the success of Governor Wike. He said the Church will always remain committed to praying for the state.
He declared that all those making prophecies and preaching violence against Rivers State will witness the peaceful elections. He said all evil plans will fail.
He urged Deeper Life members to vote to determine the positive direction of the country.
Prayers were said for the Rivers State Government, Governor Wike, his family and the peaceful conduct of credible elections.
The Adult Choir also ministered at the Church Service declaring freedom for the Children of God.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it has now received a total of 129 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.
The update was provided during the commission’s regular weekly meeting held in Abuja, yesterday.
According to a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, seven new applications were submitted within the past week, adding to the previous number.
“At its regular weekly meeting held today, Thursday 10th July 2025, the commission received a further update on additional requests from associations seeking registration as political parties.
“Since last week, seven more applications have been received, bringing the total number so far to 129. All the requests are being processed,” the commission stated.
The commission revealed the introduction of a new digital platform for political party registration. The platform is part of the Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System and aims to streamline the registration process.
Olumekun disclosed that final testing of the portal would be completed within the next week.
“INEC also plans to release comprehensive guidelines to help associations file their applications using the new system.
“Unlike the manual method used in previous registration, the Commission is introducing a political party registration portal, which is a module in our Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System.
“This will make the process faster and seamless. In the next week, the commission will conclude the final testing of the portal before deployment.
“Thereafter, the next step for associations that meet the requirements to proceed to the application stage will be announced. The commission will also issue guidelines to facilitate the filing of applications using the PFRAS,” the statement added.
In the meantime, the list of new associations that have submitted applications has been made available to the public on INEC’s website and other official platforms.
President Bola Tinubu yesterday signed into law four tax reform bills aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework.
The four bills include: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.
They were passed by the National Assembly after months of consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, yesterday.
The ceremony was witnessed by the leadership of the National Assembly and some legislators, governors, ministers, and aides of the President.
The presidency had earlier stated that the laws would transform tax administration in the country, increase revenue generation, improve the business environment, and give a boost to domestic and foreign investments.
“When the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments,” Special Adviser to the President on Media, Bayo Onanuga said on Wednesday.
Before the signing of the four bills, President Tinubu had earlier yesterday, said the tax reform bills will reset Nigeria’s economic trajectory and simplify its complex fiscal landscape.
Announcing the development via his official X handle, yesterday, the President declared, “In a few hours, I will sign four landmark tax reform bills into law, ushering in a bold new era of economic governance in our country.”
Tinubu made a call to investors and citizens alike, saying, “Let the world know that Nigeria is open for business, and this time, everyone has a fair shot.”
He described the bills as not just technical adjustments but a direct intervention to ease burdens on struggling Nigerians.
“These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes. They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet,” Tinubu wrote.
According to the President, “They will unify our fragmented tax system, eliminate wasteful duplications, cut red tape, restore investor confidence, and entrench transparency and coordination at every level.”
He added that the long-standing burden of Nigeria’s tax structure had unfairly weighed down the vulnerable while enabling inefficiency.
The tax reforms, first introduced in October 2024, were part of Tinubu’s post-subsidy-removal recovery plan, aimed at expanding revenue without stifling productivity.
However, the bills faced turbulence at the National Assembly and amongst some state governors who rejected its passing in 2024.
At the NASS, the bills sparked heated debate, particularly around the revenue-sharing structure, which governors from the North opposed.
They warned that a shift toward derivation-based allocations, especially with VAT, could tilt fiscal balance in favour of southern states with stronger consumption bases.
After prolonged dialogue, the VAT rate remained at 7.5 per cent, and a new exemption was introduced to shield minimum wage earners from personal income tax.
By May 2025, the National Assembly passed the harmonised versions with broad support, driven in part by pressure from economic stakeholders and international observers who welcomed the clarity and efficiency the reforms promised.
In his tweet, Tinubu stressed that this is just the beginning of Nigeria’s tax evolution.
“We are laying the foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent, and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria.
“A tax regime that rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and mobilises revenue without punishing productivity,” he stated.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, the National Assembly, and Nigeria’s subnational governments.
The President added, “We are not just signing tax bills but rewriting the social contract.
“We are not there yet, but we are firmly on the road.”
The Senate has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over its failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts probing alleged financial discrepancies amounting to over ?210 trillion in its audited reports from 2017 to 2023.
Despite being summoned, no officials or external auditors from NNPCL showed up yesterday.
However, representatives from the representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and Department of State Services were present.
Angered by the NNPCL’s absence, the committee, yesterday, issued a 10-day ultimatum, demanding the company’s top executives to appear before the panel by July 10 or face constitutional sanctions.
A letter from NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Dapo Segun, dated June 25, was read at the session.
It cited an ongoing management retreat and requested a two-month extension to prepare necessary documents and responses.
The letter partly read, “Having carefully reviewed your request, we hereby request your kind consideration to reschedule the engagement for a period of two months from now to enable us to collate the requested information and documentation.
“Furthermore, members of the Board and the senior management team of NNPC Limited are currently out of the office for a retreat, which makes it difficult to attend the rescheduled session on Thursday, 26th June, 2025.
“While appreciating the opportunity provided and the importance of this engagement, we reassure you of our commitment to the success of this exercise. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”
But lawmakers rejected the request.
The Committee Chairman, Senator Aliyu Wadada, said NNPCL was not expected to submit documents, but rather provide verbal responses to 11 key questions previously sent.
“For an institution like NNPCL to ask for two months to respond to questions from its own audited records is unacceptable,” Wadada stated.
“If they fail to show up by July 10, we will invoke our constitutional powers. The Nigerian people deserve answers,” he warned.
Other lawmakers echoed similar frustrations.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) insisted that NNPCL’s Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, must personally lead the delegation at the next hearing.
The Tide reports that Ojulari took over from Mele Kyari on April 2, 2025.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) said the two-month request suggested the company had no answers, but the committee would still grant a fair hearing by reconvening on July 10.
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) warned the NNPCL against undermining the Senate, saying, “If they fail to appear again, Nigerians will know the Senate is not a toothless bulldog.”
Last week, the Senate panel grilled Segun and other top executives over what they described as “mind-boggling” irregularities in NNPCL’s financial statements.
The Senate flagged ?103 trillion in accrued expenses, including ?600 billion in retention fees, legal, and auditing costs—without supporting documentation.
Also questioned was another ?103 trillion listed under receivables. Just before the hearing, NNPCL submitted a revised report contradicting the previously published figures, raising more concerns.
The committee has demanded detailed answers to 11 specific queries and warned that failure to comply could trigger legislative consequences.