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Wike’s 2nd Term Inauguration: RSG Unveils Activities …Wike Pledges Focus On Security, Agriculture

Published

7 years ago

May 15, 2019

The Rivers State Government has confirmed that preparations are now in top gear to ensure a befitting second term inauguration of Chief Nyesom Wike as governor of Rivers State and Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo as Deputy Governor of Rivers State, on May 29, 2019.
It would be recalled that May 29, 2019 would also mark the 4th anniversary in office of the Wike administration.
A statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Barrister Emma Okah, yesterday, indicated that the events would start on Thursday, 23rd May, 2019, with a variety night with the governor at Dr Obi Wali International Conference Centre at 7pm.
“This will be followed Friday, 24th May, 2019 by a novelty football match at Sharks Stadium at 4pm.
“A Thanksgiving Church Service will come up on Saturday, 25th May, 2019 at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium (formerly Liberation Stadium), Port Harcourt at 9am,” the statement said.
According to the statement, “A public lecture and book presentation will hold on Monday, 27th May, 2019 at Dr Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt at 10am
“On Wednesday 29th May, 2019, the Inauguration will hold at Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt at 10am while the Inaugural/4th Anniversary Banquet (restricted to invited guests) will take place later in the evening at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Port Harcourt at 7pm,” Okah added.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has advised the numerous beneficiaries of the various Rivers State interest-free loans to be prudent with the money given to them to advance and expand their businesses in order to improve their living conditions.
This advise was given in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Barrister Emma Okah, in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
According to Okah, so much was expected of the beneficiaries of the traders and young entrepreneurs loan scheme because the bedrock of any economy was the active participation of small scale players in the economic chain of any society.
The commissioner explained that the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike believed that the private sector should be encouraged and given a boost to drive certain sectors of the economy as it was impossible to engage everybody in the public sector of the state.
“It is for this reason that the state government approved the interest-free N500million doctors’ loan; N100million monthly revolving interest-free loan to civil servants; N200million revolving interest-free loan to traders and young entrepreneurs”, Okah said.
“The successful performance of these loans will give the necessary vigour and translate to a positive economic growth for the good of the people and our state”, Okah added.
It would be recalled that the state government had earlier paid the sum of N500million to women petty traders to support their businesses.
Similarly, the governor had also given some N200,000 to N300,000 to each of the traders at the Fruit Garden Market in D/Line area of Port Harcourt, whose shops were razed by fire late last year.
Some of the traders, who were affected by the inferno got higher grant while he government also gave financial support to those who trade along the road and were not affected by the unfortunate fire outbreak.
Meanwhile,the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has stated that his administration would focus on security and agriculture during his second term.
Addressing journalists after projects’ inspection, last Monday, Wike added that his administration would also continue to develop the education and health sectors.
The governor said, “We believe that security is important and we believe that agriculture is key to making sure that we take our youths away from the streets.
“While we are continuing with education and health, security, agriculture and environmental sanitation will be given priority attention.
“Port Harcourt must not continue the way it is. People trading on the streets make Port Harcourt dirty. Cleaning up the city will be a special project. We will not allow Port Harcourt to continue to be dirty.”
Wike said that his administration would be very decisive on stopping street trading in the state capital and its environs.
The governor said during his first term, the administration started from the beginning because it was laying foundation which was absent at the time he took over.
Wike inspected the Real Madrid Football Academy, Judges’ Quarters and the Fruit Garden Market.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done at the project sites, adding that the projects would be commissioned after his inauguration for the second term.
The governor took out time during the projects’ inspection to interact with school children near the Real Madrid Football Academy and the Fruit Garden Market.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has sacked the Commissioner of Power, Hon Shedrach Chukwu.
The governor directed the sacked commissioner to submit all government documents and property in his possession to the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Power.
This was contained in a statement by the Governor’s Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, last Monday evening.
It would be recalled that the governor had before now, suspended some commissioners, including those of works, finance, among others, for non-performance.
He had also sacked some for the same reason, warning that his administration would not tolerate appointed officials who were not ready to deliver on their assigned mandates to meet the yearnings of Rivers people.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

Featured

Fubara Reaffirms Commitment To Peace, Development

Published

4 days ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of his administration to peace, unity, security, and inclusive development as Rivers State marked its 59th anniversary, last Wednesday.

In a goodwill message issued on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary, Governor Fubara stated that despite the challenges faced over the years, the people of Rivers State have continued to demonstrate resilience, strength, and an enduring spirit of unity that has sustained the state since its creation.

The Governor noted that the strong bond of brotherhood among the various ethnic nationalities of the state, including the Ijaw, Ikwerre, Ogoni, Etche, Ekpeye, Andoni, Kalabari, and others, remains one of Rivers State’s greatest strengths and a critical foundation for peace, stability, and progress.

He further observed that Rivers State has remained a major driver of Nigeria’s economy for decades, not only because of its abundant oil and gas resources, but also because of the exceptional contributions of its people across diverse sectors including academia, jurisprudence, business, entertainment, public service, and sports.

Governor Fubara assured the people that his administration will continue to prioritize policies and programmes that promote peace, protect lives and property, and expand development across all parts of the state. He emphasized that governance must be people centered and impactful, with equal attention given to every Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor also paid tribute to the elders and founding leaders of the state for preserving the spirit of unity and coexistence over the years, while urging the youths to remain hopeful, responsible, and actively committed to building a greater Rivers State through innovation, hard work, and patriotism.

He equally acknowledged the invaluable role of women in strengthening families, communities, and society, describing them as indispensable partners in the continued growth and stability of the state.

Governor Fubara called on all Rivers people to use the occasion of the anniversary as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, dialogue, and collective progress, stressing that the unity and future of Rivers State must always rise above personal interests and political differences.

Rivers State was created on May 27, 1967, by General Yakubu Gowon.

Editorial

Nigeria’s 27 Years of Civil Rule Journey

Published

4 days ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Nigeria returned to civil rule on May 29, 1999, after several years of military intervention in politics. The transition marked a major turning point in the nation’s history and raised hopes for freedom, stability, economic growth and accountable leadership. Citizens expected that elected governments would strengthen institutions, improve living conditions and unite the country after years of authoritarian rule. Twenty-seven years later, civil rule has survived without interruption, making it the longest uninterrupted civilian administration since independence in 1960.

Since 1999, Nigeria has witnessed six administrations at the federal level. Olusegun Obasanjo governed from 1999 to 2007, followed by Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from 2007 until his death in 2010. Goodluck Jonathan served from 2010 to 2015, while Muhammadu Buhari led the country between 2015 and 2023. Since May 2023, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been in office. Though democracy has remained stable, governance outcomes have produced mixed reactions among Nigerians.

The country has made some notable progress over the past 27 years. Democratic institutions such as the National Assembly, judiciary, political parties and the media have become stronger than they were during military rule. Elections are now regular, though still imperfect. Telecommunications, banking, entertainment and digital technology have expanded greatly. Nigerian youths have also become more politically aware and active. The country’s economy, despite its difficulties, remains one of the largest in Africa.

However, many of the expectations that came with democracy remain unmet. Corruption, unemployment, poverty, insecurity and poor infrastructure continue to trouble the nation. Public confidence in government institutions has weakened over time because many citizens believe political leaders have not done enough to improve their welfare. Ethnic and religious tensions also remain major challenges. While democracy has endured, good governance has not always matched the hopes of the people.

President Tinubu’s administration began with bold economic decisions aimed at reforming the nation’s finances. His government removed fuel subsidy and unified the foreign exchange system. Supporters argue that these measures were necessary to reduce waste and attract investment. The government also increased revenue allocation to states and sought to improve tax administration. Yet the immediate impact has been severe hardship for millions of Nigerians. Inflation, high transport costs and the falling value of the naira have placed enormous pressure on households and businesses.

In education, the Tinubu administration has promised reforms through student loan schemes, support for technical education and efforts to reduce strikes in tertiary institutions. Some progress has been recorded with the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. However, public schools still face poor funding, inadequate facilities and shortage of teachers. Many students continue to struggle with rising school fees and declining quality of education.

The health sector under the current administration has also recorded both efforts and challenges. Government has pledged to improve health insurance coverage. Nevertheless, hospitals across the country still suffer from inadequate equipment, shortage of medical personnel and brain drain as doctors and nurses continue to leave Nigeria for better opportunities abroad. Access to affordable healthcare remains difficult for many rural communities.

The power sector remains one of Nigeria’s biggest disappointments after nearly three decades of democracy. Despite repeated promises and reforms, electricity supply is still unstable. Businesses and households spend heavily on generators and fuel. The Tinubu administration has introduced policies aimed at decentralising power generation and encouraging investment, but ordinary Nigerians are yet to feel significant improvement in electricity supply.

The rising cost of living has become the greatest concern for many Nigerians today. Food prices, transportation costs and rent have increased sharply. Though the Federal Government introduced palliative programmes and cash transfer initiatives to cushion the effects of reforms, many citizens believe the interventions have been inadequate or poorly distributed. There is growing demand for more effective social protection programmes targeted at vulnerable citizens.

On national security, the government continues to battle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence. Security agencies have recorded some successes in parts of the country, yet insecurity remains widespread. Farmers in many rural communities still face attacks, affecting food production and increasing fear among citizens. Regional stability in West Africa has also become more uncertain due to political crises in neighbouring countries. Nigeria continues to play a leading diplomatic role in the region, but internal security challenges weaken its influence.

In infrastructure and other key sectors, the Tinubu administration has continued several road, rail and housing projects inherited from previous governments. Investments in ports, gas and digital technology have also been encouraged. In agriculture, government has promoted mechanised farming, dry season cultivation and access to credit. Yet food insecurity remains high because insecurity, inflation and poor rural infrastructure continue to affect agricultural productivity. Nigeria still imports many food items despite its vast agricultural potential.

To improve national conditions, the Federal Government must place greater attention on job creation, industrialisation and support for small businesses. More investment is needed in agriculture, healthcare, education and electricity. Anti-corruption institutions should be strengthened while government spending must become more transparent. Leaders must also prioritise national unity and reduce political divisions. Nigerians expect reforms that produce visible improvements in their daily lives, not only policy announcements.

In Rivers State, the 27 years of civilian rule have produced substantial development alongside political tensions. The state has remained economically important because of its oil and gas resources. Different administrations since 1999 have invested in roads, schools, healthcare facilities and urban renewal projects. However, political conflicts and struggles for power have often affected governance and slowed development in parts of the state.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara assumed office in May 2023 amid high expectations and intense political disagreements. In infrastructure, his administration has initiated projects such as massive road construction, bridge rehabilitation and urban development schemes in parts of the state. Ongoing works on major roads and public facilities have been presented as efforts to improve transportation and economic activities. Critics, however, argue that political instability in the state has distracted government’s attention from faster project delivery.

In education and health, the Rivers State Government has continued support for public schools and healthcare centres. Efforts have reportedly been made to improve learning environments and sustain payment of workers’ salaries. In health, there have been interventions in hospitals and primary healthcare services. On security, the administration has worked with security agencies to maintain peace, although political tensions in the state have created uncertainty. In the civil service, workers and pensioners have largely continued to receive salaries, stipends, and welfare support. The state government has also shown interest in agriculture and power development, though these sectors still require stronger investment and clearer long term strategies.

Going forward, Rivers State needs greater political stability to achieve meaningful development. The government should focus more on rural roads, youth employment, agricultural expansion and uninterrupted healthcare services. Investments in independent power projects and industrial development would help attract businesses and reduce unemployment. Above all, political leaders in the state must place the interest of the people above personal or factional battles. Democracy can only succeed when governance delivers peace, development, and hope to ordinary citizens.

Featured

WASSCE: RSG Distributes Science Materials To Secondary Schools

Published

3 weeks ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has distributed science equipment and materials to all senior secondary schools across the state to support students during the ongoing West African Examinations Council exams and to strengthen practical learning.

Flagging off the distribution at the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board premises in Port Harcourt, on Monday, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, said the move demonstrates Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment to improving education standards in the State.

Nwagor said the materials were approved and provided by the state government specifically to boost the teaching and learning of science subjects, describing science education as the foundation for technological advancement, innovation, and national development.

“No society can compete globally without deliberate investment in science and technology,” the Commissioner stated.

He commended the governor for consistently prioritising the education sector by providing tools needed for effective teaching and hands-on learning.

The Commissioner directed principals to ensure that the equipment are used strictly for practical lessons in their schools, warning that any principal or administrator found diverting, hoarding, or selling the materials wil face disciplinary action under public service regulations.

Nwagor also warned against examination malpractice, saying any principal found aiding or encouraging malpractices will be decisively sanctioned.

“We must collectively restore the dignity and credibility of our educational system,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman, Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board, Tony Egwurugwu, urged school heads to make judicious use of the materials for students’ benefit.

He thanked the State Government for providing the resources, and assured that monitoring mechanisms would be put in place to ensure the materials serve their intended purpose.

In his own remarks, a Board Member for Technical Education, Nwisabari Bani Samuel, expressed appreciation to the governor for prioritising education and acknowledged the Commissioner’s role in advancing education development in the State.

He said the distribution covers all senior secondary schools in the State and is intended to improve students’ performance in both internal and external science examinations.

Akujobi Amadi