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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
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.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday extended interim relief measures to the people of Bille Kingdom as the government intensifies efforts to address the ongoing environmental degradation affecting the area.
This was contained in a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi, yesterday.
The governor, during a working visit to Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area, reassured residents of his deep concern for their health and well-being.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the persistent gas emissions observed in the community’s land and water sources since November 2025.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the governor announced immediate interventions to address urgent needs.
Some of the relief measures include the provision of potable water and essential medical services through the release of ?100 million as palliative support for the affected community.
According to the SSG, “Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Bille Kingdom. Although unable to attend in person due to pressing state engagements, he is fully aware of the situation and determined to tackle the root cause of the environmental challenge”.
The governor assured residents that the state government would not relent in its efforts to provide a permanent solution to the gas emissions, emphasizing that the current intervention is only a temporary measure to ease the suffering of the people.
He further urged members of the community to remain law-abiding and continue supporting his administration, noting that he has consistently demonstrated a track record of fulfilling his promises.
Earlier, the Chairman, Council of Chief for Bille Kingdom, Chief Bennet Dokubo, expressed joy over the State visit, describing Fubara as a leader who listens to the plight of the people.
He urged the governor to critically look into the gas emission which he described as dangerous to human health.
“If we take you into the river, we notice that the entire environment is bubbling and smelling.
“We most humbly urge you to critically look into this situation. This is something strange we have never experienced before. It is not good for human health,” the monarch stressed.
The Federal Government has declared tomorrow (Friday) and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The ministe congratulated all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter, and urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
He reiterated that the goal of the government remains to make decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
The Tide reports that good Friday will be marked tomorrow, while the Easter Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday across the world.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to carry out their duties with discipline, loyalty and a firm commitment to the success of the administration and the wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.
The governor warned that any involvement in unauthorised nocturnal meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government will attract immediate dismissal.
Fubara gave the warning yesterday shortly after the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo S.A. Wokoma and the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
As part of the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the duo before the governor gave his charge.
Addressing the appointees, Fubara reminded them that their elevation to the new positions was a call to service and not a platform for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition.
He stressed that their foremost responsibility should be to themselves and to the people of Rivers State, stressing that their conduct must always reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to public good.
Speaking directly to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual depth and capacity to deliver on the new assignment.
The office of the Secretary to the State Government, Fubara stressed, demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. He charged the SSG to represent the State with honour at all times.
“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us.
“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met, are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state,” he stated.
Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the governor explained that he is expected to ensure smooth administrative coordination, managing official engagements effectively and safeguarding the image of the Government House.
He underscored the sensitive and personal nature of the role and emphasised that the position operates strictly under the authority of the governor.
Fubara stressed that the role does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.
“Let me sound it here very clearly. Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here.
“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it,” he said.
The governor cautioned that involvement of the new appointees in any action capable of bringing the government or his office to disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.
While congratulating the new appointees, Fubara expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.
He called on all public officials to work together in unity, observing that collective success is stronger and more enduring than individual achievement.
The governor who also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, directed those of them who have reached retirement age to start preparing their handover notes without delay.
The notice, he said, was not intended to scare anybody but to prepare their minds towards the inevitability of exiting the service one day and to pave way for an orderly transition.
He warned against any attempt to engage in financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that he was closely monitoring the system to ensure strict enforcement of accountability rules.
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