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Wike Suspends 12 LG Chairmen …Seeks State Assembly’s Ratification …Opposition Leaders Laud Wike’s Inclusive Governance …As Gov Inaugurates 233-Member C’ttee On 2nd Term
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has notified the Rivers State House of Assembly of the suspension of 12 Local Government Council Chairmen.
Wike, in a letter to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, titled: “Notice of Suspension of the Chairmen of Twelve Local Government Councils,’ premised his action on Section 64 (3) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018.
He wrote: “I hereby serve you notice of the suspension of the following twelve Local Government Council Chairmen for security reasons for approval and ratification”.
He listed the council chairmen as Hon. Philemon Kingolo (Okrika); Hon Tom Aliezi (Emohua); Daniel E.O. Daniel (Abua/Odual); Hon Tony Phimoore (Degema); Hon. Lahteh Loolo (Khana); and Hon. Paul Kobani (Gokana).
Others include Hon. Ben Eke (Ahoada East); Hon Samuel Nwanosike (Ikwerre); Hon. Philip Okparaji (Eleme); Paul L. Paul (Andoni); Christian Nwaiwu (Omuma); and Hon Erasmus Victor (Ogu/Bolo).
The governor informed the state House of Assembly that in accordance with proviso (a) to Section 64 (3) of the Rivers State Government Law of 2018, he has directed the vice chairmen of the mentioned local government councils to act during the period of suspension.
Meanwhile,Leaders of opposition political parties in Rivers State have praised Governor Nyesom Wike for involving them in the governance process of his administration, declaring that they will take advantage of his olive branch.
They expressed happiness that Governor Wike has lived up to his pledge by constituting a multi-party committee to commence the transition into his second term.
Former AAC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Mr. Bombar Yeeh lauded Governor Wike for his kind gesture by extending the olive branch to the opposition.
He promised to bring his expertise as a former security officer to bear in collaboration with the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that peace reigns supreme in the state.
“My contribution is to cooperate with the government of Rivers State to ensure that peace reigns for the progress of all the people in the state. As a former security officer, I will ensure that I work hand in hand with every member of the state to ensure peace which is one of those things the state is looking for is properly restored for the benefit of all,” he observed.
Former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly for Bonny Constituency, Hon. Aye Pepple thanked God Almighty for the all inclusive government in the state spearheaded by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike . He said critical stakeholders will contribute their quota for the overall development of the state.
He lauded Governor Wike for bringing the opposition to join hands with him to engender peace and move the state forward.
“I want to thank God for the politics of inclusion spearheaded by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. We are critical stakeholders in the state and it is time for us to join hands with the Governor to contribute our quota for the development of the State. Rivers State as you know is a very peaceful state. The people must continue to ensure that there is peace by supporting the government of the day”, he said.
Immediate Past Rivers State Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Pastor Samuel Ihunwo noted that over twenty members of opposition political parties were included in the inaugurated State Committee on Thanksgiving, Four-Year Anniversary and Inauguration of the Governor’s Second Term.
He hailed Governor Wike for keeping to his promise, saying the Governor has demonstrated that he is really willing to work and serve the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to appreciate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for the wonderful gesture. He made a promise and we are here today for the inauguration of the transition and inauguration committee. Over 20 opposition political parties are involved and it’s a very welcome development. I want to tell you that we didn’t lobby, it just came and that is to show that the man is actually willing to work and serve the interest of Rivers State and to fulfil his promise of unity government and I want to say kudos to him”
In his comment, the Governorship Candidate of the Democratic People’s Party, DPP, Emmanuel Nwabriji thanked God for the prevailing peace in the state as according to him without peace, no meaningful development can take place in the state.
He commended Governor Wike for bringing the opposition to join hands with him to develop the state, promising to bring to bear his expertise to ensure that the state become a rally point among the comity of state.
“I want to say a very big thank you to Almighty God for making it possible for peace to prevail. We cannot actually thrive or do anything for greater heights without peace. So now that the peace has returned and in God’s wisdom, His Excellency, Governor Wike has deemed it fit to bring everybody on board and I am involved, am going to bring to bear my experience as a well trained and seasoned journalist, sound administrator and sound professional manager to ensure that Rivers State gets to its eldorado among the comity of states,” he opined.
Also speaking, former Special Adviser to former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Hon. Kuro Briggs lauded the Governor for deeming him fit to be part of his government, promising to contribute his quota to move the state forward.
“First of all, I want to thank His Excellency, the Governor of the state who is our brother for deeming it fit to bringing me on board to be part of this inauguration. Am happy and I will contribute my quota to the state and we believe the state must move forward which is the hallmark of Governor Wike’s government” he asserted.
In a related development, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, yesterday, inaugurated a committee for end of first term Thanksgiving Service and inauguration of his second term administration.
The committee, which is made up of 233 members, has the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara as chairman.
At the event which was held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, the governor said some names were omitted in the list.
He said the committee involved many interest groups in the spirit of his avowed all-inclusive government.
He congratulated the committee members, and urged them not to see it as an opportunity of making money, rather as an opportunity to serve the state.
“Please, take it as an opportunity to serve the state very well for the first time”, he said.
The governor stated that the committee was mandated to organise for the Thanksgiving Service for the end of the first term as well as inauguration of the second term of the governor which takes off 29th May, 2019.
Responding to the governor’s charge, Chairman of the committee, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara thanked the governor for finding them worthy of serving as members.
He said, “the governor’s second term is worth being celebrated, and we would not disappoint you”.
Opara promised that the committee would do a job the country would be proud of.
The chairman further remarked that extending membership of the committee to various interest groups was a testimony of the all-inclusive government that the governor promised.
He used the opportunity to congratulate Wike for his re-election victory.
However, the governor has suspended 12 local government chairmen in the state.
The suspension of the council chairmen is with immediate effect.
The council chairmen affected were those of Okrika, Emohua, Abua/Odual, Degema, Khana, and Gokana.
Others were Ahoada East, Ikwere, Eleme, Andoni, Omuma and Ogu/Bolo local government areas.
The affected chairmen were suspended for failure to participate in the inauguration of the committee.
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.