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RIVERS GUBER POLLS TRIBUNAL: We Were Bribed To Testify Against Wike -Witnesses …As PH Residents Hail Gov Over New Garrison Flyover Bridge

Published

6 years ago

July 15, 2019

The entire courtroom of the Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal was stunned to silence, last Friday, as two witnesses presented by the defeated Action Democratic Party (ADP) Governorship Candidate, Mr Victor Fingesi, confessed that they were procured to lie on oath.
The two witnesses, Mr Madume Wali from Ikwerre Local Government Area and Igonikon Gbeinyaa from Buguma in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, who impersonated members of Action Democratic Party (ADP) told members of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Port Harcourt that they were hired and bribed to testify against the election victory of the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Our correspondent reports that trouble started when the two supposed ADP witnesses, under cross-examination by Counsel to Wike, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), drew the attention of the tribunal to an election data tendered before the tribunal on the discrepancies surrounding the identity of the witnesses, and informed the tribunal that the two were impostors and false witnesses employed by the ADP to raise false allegations against his client.
That observation by Wike’s lawyer put off the first witness and the impersonator, Mr Igonikon Gbeinyaa, which made him confess to the tribunal that he was not Mr Stanley Okereke from Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, who served as collation agent in Ahoada West Local Government Area during the March 9, 2019 gubernatorial election but that he was paid to impersonate actual collection agent at the tribunal.
Also testifying before the tribunal, the second witness, Madume Wali, during cross-examination, told the tribunal that he was battling with his conscience to confess the crime.
He said that he collected money from the ADP governorship candidate, Mr Victor Fingesi, to lie before the tribunal, adding that the statement of witness on oath as tendered before the tribunal by the ADP governorship candidate was not from him.
It took the intervention of the lawyers at the tribunal to intercede on behalf of the two false witnesses for the tribunal judges led by Justice J. A. Orjiakor, to let them go free as the tribunal judges were bent on having them punished for lying on oath.
Speaking to journalists outside the courtroom, Counsel to the ADP, Dolapo Anthony said the testimony of their witnesses came to him as a surprise and shocking, adding that the duos were not bribed by anybody.
On his part, a member of the legal team representing the PDP, and Governor Nyesom Wike in the tribunal, Godwin Obla urged the ADP counsel to apologise to the tribunal for bringing false witnesses to the court.
It would be recalled that the tribunal, had earlier dismissed the petition of the Action Alliance Congress (AAC) and its candidate in the governorship election, Engineer Biokpomabo Awara against the victory of the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Wike of the PDP winner having polled 886, 264 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Biokpomabo Awara of AAC, who scored 173,859.
Meanwhile, residents and motorists in Port Harcourt City have commended the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for the commencement of preliminary works aimed at fulfilling the pledge to construct a flyover at the Garrison Roundabout on the ever-busy Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway.
In his address after taking the oath of office for a second term on May 29, Wike announced that his administration would construct flyover bridges at Rumuokoro, Garrison and Artillery in Port Harcourt.
The residents said that by taking steps to fulfill his pledge, Wike has proved that the people were right to have re-elected him.
A resident, Ifeanyi Nicholas noted that the governor was working hard for the development of Rivers State and the construction of key infrastructure projects.
He said: “Mr Projects is trying for the people of Rivers State. The fact that he is constructing this flyover shows that he means well for the people of the state.”
Another resident, Ola Olaniyi said that the flyover was needed at this time to resolve the traffic congestion at the area, and thanked the Rivers State governor for addressing the challenge.
“We have been expecting a flyover at this point for several years. We are happy that Governor Wike is constructing the flyover at Garrison. We are happy that the contractor is already on site, and they are taking the measurements to begin work”, he said.
On his part, Innocent Uya thanked Governor Wike for his commitment to making the lives of Rivers people easy.
Uya said: “We are happy that the governor is committed to making our lives easy. This flyover is necessary, especially now that more Rivers people are buying vehicles in line with the growing economy.”
“There is also the fundamental that all leaders continue to respect the purpose of their election by serving the people like Governor Wike”.
Other respondents while thanking the Rivers State governor for taking steps to construct the flyover, said they were looking forward to using the facility.
Enyinna Advance said: “It is a welcome development that the governor is taking steps to fulfill his pledge to the people because the roundabout at the place is becoming choked up.
“A new flyover at the Garrison Roundabout will resolve the traffic gridlock along Aba Road and help us ease traffic on this important road.
“We are happy with this welcome development. The people know that he is Mr Projects, that is why they voted for him for a second term”.
For Ezenye Felix: “This roundabout is now causing traffic congestion and a flyover will help resolve the challenge.
“I pray God to protect him to continue to do the best for Rivers people. He is a hardworking governor who loves the people of the state”, he added.

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PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

5 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