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2019 ELECTION VICTORY: Wike Praises Church For Standing Firm …Seeks United Front For Rivers Dev …Inaugurates Accreditation, Approves C’ttee For Private Schools, Today

Published

6 years ago

July 8, 2019

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has praised the Christian community of the state for standing firm to defeat the forces of democratic darkness on March 9, 2019.
The governor noted that Rivers Christians insisted on Rivers mandate must be respected, despite the ugly plots against Rivers State.
He spoke at the 2019 Election Victory Thanksgiving Service in his honour and Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo by all the Anglican Dioceses of Rivers State at Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Wike said: “I want to use this medium to thank the church for their support. It is important for us to realise that but for the support and prayers of the church, we wouldn’t have attained victory.
“I heard that some people are angry that I declared Rivers as a Christian State. With what happened on March 9, 2019, it re-emphasised my conviction that Rivers is a Christian State. Nobody can intimidate me into changing my position”.
Wike assured the church that he will never disappoint the church, noting that he will continue to deliver development to the state.
“I will not disappoint the church. I will continue to support the church. When people who think that they are God came, Christians stood firm and showed that Rivers State is a Christian State”, he said.
He stated that all his actions during his second term would be geared towards growing the state. He said some of his policies may be tough, but they will be pro-people in nature.
The governor reiterated the state’s rejection of RUGA settlements for herdsmen in whatever form it would be introduced by the authorities.
He said that the state can only donate ocean water to the system via the laying of water pipelines to serve the cattle in the northern part of the country.
In a sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Okrika Diocese, Rt Rev Tubokosemie Abere, said the Thanksgiving Service marked the beginning of a glorious era in Rivers State.
He said: “Today marks the journey of a glorious era of our state. The attitude of thanksgiving will never end in our state”.
Abere urged all Rivers politicians to work with the Rivers State governor to develop the state in line with the hand of reconciliation extended by Wike.
He commended the Rivers State governor for his outstanding performance in his first term, and urged him to step up the tempo in his second term.
The cleric noted that the thanksgiving service was necessary to appreciate God for standing with Rivers people during the elections and stopping the enemies of democracy who wanted to impose a governor.
The Saint Paul’s Choir and the Government House, Port Harcourt Choir sang two songs that prayed God to bless Rivers State, grant her peace and create the right environment for development.
The Thanksgiving Service was officiated by the Anglican Bishop of Okrika Diocese, Rt Rev Tubokosemie Abere, Bishop of Diocese of Ahoada, Rt Rev Clement Ekpeye, Bishop of Ogoni Diocese , Rev Dr Solomon Gberegbara, Bishop of Etche Diocese, Rt. Rev Okechukwu Nwala, Bishop of Ikwerre Diocese, Rt Rev Blessing Enyindah, Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, Bishop of Niger Delta Diocese, Rt Rev Cornelius Ebirien and Bishop of Niger Delta North, Rt Rev Wisdom Ihunwo.
In a remark, Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt Rev Innocent Ordu said that the entire Anglican Community in Rivers State celebrated Governor Wike and Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo for their contributions to the development of the state.
He said that governor and his deputy as confirmed Anglican parishioners, have lived up to the expectations of the people.
Prayers were said for Rivers State, Governor Wike, Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo and the country.
All Dioceses published goodwill messages for the Rivers State governor and his administration.
Songs of praise and worship rent the air and lifted the spirit of parishioners who attended the thanksgiving service.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has called on leaders of the state from all political persuasions to liaise with his administration to move the state forward.
Speaking during the first anniversary Thanksgiving Service of Anglican Bishop of Niger Delta North, Rt Rev Wisdom Ihunwo at the Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, last Saturday, the governor said it was incumbent on leaders of the state to work for the development of the state.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke, the Rivers State governor said with the conclusion of elections, this was the time to promote a united front for growth.
Wike said: “Now that elections have been won and lost, it is important for us to come together for the development of the state.
“The governor said that all political actors should reconcile for the good of the state. He forgave those who offended him and also sought forgiveness. Some criminal cases against some politicians have been withdrawn to pave the way for peace.
“The governor is serious about peace and he is determined to promote peace at all times for the purpose of development in Rivers State”.
He appealed to the church to participate in the development process, saying that the contributions of the church will make the difference, and congratulated the bishop for his first eventful year in office.
He commended him for his investments in human empowerment, which is in line with the achievements of the Rivers State Government.
In his remarks, the Anglican Bishop of Niger Delta North, Rt Rev Wisdom Ihunwo, thanked God for giving him the opportunity to serve in his vineyard.
While acknowledging that there was much work to be done, he prayed God to always create the avenue for the Diocese to grow.
In a sermon, Anglican Bishop of Etche Diocese, Rt Rev Precious Nwala, said that the Grace of God was necessary for salvation and social growth.
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Mr Solomon Eke, said that Bishop Wisdom Ihunwo was a blessing to the church and the people of Rivers State.
Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, will today inaugurate the newly constituted Committee for Accreditation and Approval of Private Schools in Rivers State.
The inauguration ceremony would hold at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt, at 12noon.
A statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, advised the committee members are to be seated by 11.30am at the Executive Council Chambers.
The Rivers East Committee to be given legal powers and operating orders has Prof. Mercury Ndimele as chairman, and Barrister. Florence Akaakar as secretary, while Prof. Eric C. Amadi, Dr Sam Edeh, Prof. Prince Chinedu Nmom, Mrs Martha Fortune Iruene, Dr Ngozi Iheanacho, Prof. Lawrence Emenike Bull Igwe, Deacon Awajiokinor M. Mfianigh, Bishop Emmanuel Datubo Fubara, Dr. Torbiro Lazaasi Lenee, Prof Mrs Opuenebo B. Owen and Engr Dr Hilkiah A. Ogoni as members.
Other members of the committee are, Barrister Simeso Amachree, Prof Jason Ossai, Engr Charles Kennedy, Dr Goodnews Wabah, Dr Clinton Eluozo, Dr Eme Weli, Prof Nlerum Okogbule, Mrs Mae Solomon (Director, Quality Assurance Dept Secondary), Mr Gilbert Dodd Samuel (SUBEB), Mrs Stella Ichenwo, and Dr Samuel Kalagbo.
The Rivers West Committee has Prof. Felix Ideriah as chairman, and Prof Onyee Nwankpa as secretary, while Dr Mrs. Ngozi Ordu, Mr. Ogbonda G. Darlington, Prof. Joyce Akaninwo, Onyenweaku Nwauche, Barrister Blessing Amadi, Dr Animia Wodu, Augustine Nelson, Dr Jacob Chujor, and Mr Sunny Jumbo (Director, Quality Assurance Dept Nursery/Primary) are members.
The Rivers South-East Committee has Prof Okey Onuchukwu as chairman and Mrs Grace Akpogunum as secretary, while Mr Orlu Lucky, Dr Onyinechi Wariboko, Sir. Charles Amadi, Dr Ibinabo Bobmanuel, Dr Awotein George, Mr Charles Paul K. E. Tomi, Dr Maxwell Eremie, Sir Emeh Wali, and Mr Akwor Boniface (SUBEB) are to serve as members.

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PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

4 days ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed the lifting of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members, yesterday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the State, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added.

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RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Eteh Ibas (Rtd), has approved the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex to enhance efficiency and productivity in the civil service.

Ibas made the announcement at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday,.

He disclosed that “initiative is designed to transform the secretariat into a modern, efficient and conducive work environment, directly supporting the civil servants who form the backbone of the state’s governance.”

The Administrator also approved the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants in the State.

Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration.

He stated that the awards ceremony was a symbol of deep appreciation for decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment.

“These interventions are designed to not only recognize your service, but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” the Administrator stated.

“We must build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he added.

The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.

He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and continuous training to build a civil service equipped for the future.

The Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, in her welcome address, described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed profound gratitude to the Administrator for his unwavering support and commitment to its modernization.“

“A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation,” Dr. Brown remarked, lauding the retirees as torchbearers of discipline and loyalty.

She pledged to build on their legacy through reforms and innovation, projecting that the Rivers State Civil Service would become a model of efficiency and transparency by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor,

expressed heartfelt appreciation for the historic recognition.

“For once, since the creation of the State, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, adding, “Our morale has been lifted.”

He pledged the association’s continuous support for government programmes, describing the body of experienced retirees as a resource available to contribute to state development.

The rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and the new housing scheme represent a major investment in the infrastructure and dignity of public service in Rivers State, signaling a new era of support for the civil servants who drive the government’s policies and programmes.

The Tide reports that the Administrator also conferred awards of meritorious service on retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State

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Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

3 weeks ago

September 1, 2025

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government election in the State, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched three local governments.

According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.

APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.

The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.

Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.

Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.

Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.

The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.

Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas

Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.

National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.

John Bibor & King Onunwor