Politics
Wike Assents To Street Trading Bill
Last week, the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, signed into law, the “Rivers State Street Trading, Illegal Markets and Motor Parks ( Prohibition) Bill No.8 of 2019.
The Governor also gave his accent to two other bills. They are “ Rivers State Healthcare Facilities Registration Bill No.6 of2019, and “Rivers State Environmental Protection and Management Bill No.7 of 2019”.
The bills were signed at the Executive Chamber of the Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday when they were presented to the governor by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The Governor commended the State lawmakers for passing three bills within the short period of the administration and noted that the bills, particularly the one on street trading would help his administration in its determination restore back the lost ‘ Garden City’ status of Port Harcourt.
He regretted that the state government could not do much in that regard because of the absence of a law to give enforcement impetus but expressed delight that now that the requisite law has been made, his administration would fully enforce it.
“ We are not going to allow the littering of the state capital. In the next few weeks, people will see improvement in Port Harcourt”, the governor said.
He also noted that the state has six mobile courts that would try and sentence offenders and directed the State Attorney-General to officially approach the Chief Judge of the state for appointment of Magistrates for the mobile courts.
Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Ikuinyi Ibani, said that the three laws are focused on enhancing the living standard of Rivers people and assured continued support of the House to Executive arms in its bid to lift the state ahead of others.
Also last week, the Governor’s big axe fell on the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof. Blessing Didia and the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Magnus Oruwari.
Wike appointed the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Opuenebo B. Owei, as Acting Vice Chancellor of the university.
The sack of the two top officers of the institution came on the heels of a query by the governor to the Vice Chancellor over recent shootings in the institution and death of two undergraduates of the university.
Governor Wike also suspended the ongoing employment exercise in the university and set up a committee to investigate the exercise and to report back to the governor in two weeks time.
In a similar note, Governor Wike also relieved the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Transport, Mr Samuel Eguma, of his appointment. The governor relieved the Permanent Secretary on Friday evening and remarked that the action would act as a deterrent to government officials who spend funds without approval.
Another major event in the week under review was the commissioning of the ALCON Low Voltage Panels Plant by the State Chief Executive.
Represented at the event held last Wednesday by the Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, the governor declared the commitment of his administration to work with the private sector to develope the industrial base of the state.
He said: “ The Rivers State Government will cooperate with the private sector to revive our manufacturing sector. Our commitment is to revive the Trans Amadi Industrial Layout.
“ Our ultimate goal is to generate employment opportunities to our youths”.
He urged the Organised Private Sector to form a pressure group to prevail on the Federal Government to revive the two sea ports in Rivers State and pointed out that when once the two ports become functional again, they will take off the unnecessary pressure presently affecting Lagos port and expand national economy.
Another major event in Brick House was an expression of condolences to the Governor and people of Adamawa State by the Brick House landlord over the demise of the father of his Adamawa state counterpart, Alhaji Umaru Badami.
Wike described the late Alhaji Badami as a patriot who served the country diligently and commiserated with the Adamawa state governor, Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru Fintri.
Chris Oluoh
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday in Abuja, swore in the sixth substantive chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN).
At the ceremony held at the State House Council Chamber, President Tinubu urged the new INEC Chairman to serve with integrity and beyond reproach.
“Your nomination and the subsequent confirmation by the Senate are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and the legislative arms of government.
“This significant achievement marks the beginning of a challenging, yet rewarding journey, and I trust that you will approach your responsibility with the highest level of integrity, dedication and patriotism,” the President said.
President Tinubu noted that the country had been on a path of democratic governance and learning since 1999, with notable achievements in the strengthening of various institutions.
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. We have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly in electoral systems, through innovations and reforms.
“We have learned a great deal along the way and have improved significantly from where we were many years ago. We must now remain committed to the principles that underpin democracy in a complex and multifaceted society.
“The electoral process is a vital part of a democracy that grants the people the exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach,” he added.
President Tinubu stated that the governorship election on November 8, 2025, in Anambra State will serve as a litmus test for the new leadership of the electoral commission.
“It is important that our elections are free, fair and credible. We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today and tomorrow.
“To maintain public trust in the election, electoral integrity must be protected. All aspects of the process – from registration to campaigning, the media access, voting and counting should be transparent, non–violent and credible.
“No electoral system is flawless, but since elections are vital to a nation’s future, it is essential to continually strengthen electoral institutions, ensuring that they are robust, resilient and safeguarded against artificial setback.
“I therefore charge you, Prof Amupitan, as you take on this important assignment to protect the integrity of our electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC.
The swearing-in ceremony follows the Senate’s confirmation of the INEC Chairman’s nomination on October 16.
Amupitan succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as INEC Chairman ran from 2015 to 2025.
The 58-year-old academic outlined his plans to reform Nigeria’s electoral system, strengthen institutional independence, and rebuild public trust in the commission at the screening.
The new INEC Chairman will assume office immediately.
The House of Representatives yesterday urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, to take urgent and decisive measures to curb the growing trend of arbitrary rent increases across the country.
The House, which described incessant rent increment as exploitative and detrimental to citizens’ welfare, took the resolution following the adoption of a motion on notice at Thursday’s plenary, sponsored by the member representing Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency, Cross River State, Bassey Akiba.
Recall that in May 2024, the House passed a similar resolution sponsored by Emmanuel Udo (PDP, Akwa Ibom), calling for rent control and landlords’ regulation within the Federal Capital Territory.
Udo’s motion advocated monthly rent payments and directed the House Committee on the FCT to propose measures to address excessive, reckless increments in rent by landlords.
Across the country, there are reports of a hike in rents, particularly in areas witnessing new government infrastructural projects such as roads and markets.
In the FCT, rents in some neighbourhoods have jumped from ?800,000 to ?2.5 million annually, for a two-bedroom flat; a development that has plunged many Nigerians into economic distress.
Akiba, while drumming support for the bill, argued that “The rise in the cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for families and businesses to meet rental obligations,” warning that “Unregulated rent increments threaten stability in the housing sector.”
While acknowledging landlords’ rights, he noted that tenants’ welfare must be equally protected to ensure fairness and economic balance.
Referencing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the lawmaker reminded his colleagues that the welfare and security of citizens constitute the primary responsibility of government.
He also cited the United Nations Habitat Agenda, which emphasises access to adequate and affordable housing as a basic human right.
Lawmakers present at the plenary voted in support of the motion when it was put to a voice vote by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session.
Consequently, the House urged the Federal Government to “Intensify efforts toward providing affordable housing schemes to ease pressure on the rental market and expand access to low-cost homes.”
It also directed the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to “Collaborate with state governments in implementing effective rent control policies, ensuring that public infrastructure development does not trigger unjustified rent escalations.”
The House also recommended that any rent review should not exceed 20 per cent of the existing rate, regardless of improvements in facilities.
Furthermore, the House mandated its Committee on Housing and Habitat to ensure compliance and submit a report within four weeks for further legislative action.
The newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has vowed to restore credibility and public confidence in the country’s electoral system, declaring his appointment as a “divine” call to serve the nation.
Speaking shortly after his inauguration by the President at the State House yesterday, Amupitan declared that his mission was clear — to deliver free, fair, and credible elections while deepening democratic values across the nation.
During his first official meeting with the commission’s directors, he stressed that achieving INEC’s mandate would hinge on teamwork, discipline, and integrity within the institution.
“Our mandate is clear, and what is it? To deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people. To achieve this, we must work together as a team,” he stated.
Addressing INEC staff and directors, the don pledged to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
“As we mark the beginning of the new chapter, I want to assure you of my commitment to upholding the highest standard of integrity, transparency, and discipline in all our operations,” he said.
Turning his attention to the upcoming Anambra State governorship election, the INEC chairman described it as a defining moment for the commission.
“The upcoming Anambra state governorship election is not just another electoral exercise. It represents a pivot opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair, and credible elections,” he declared.
“The eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is our duty to rise to that occasion.
“Credibility in our election is paramount, and we must ensure that every voter feels confident that their vote will count. Because that is a constitutional task. And let’s restore back the confidence of every voter that whenever there is an election, their vote will count,” Amupitan added.
The don also made staff welfare a central part of his agenda, acknowledging that the commission’s workforce plays a vital role in ensuring credible elections.
“For me, staff welfare is going to be my priority. We are going to be expecting so much from you, so your welfare is going to be a priority.
“We’ll work assiduously and tirelessly to ensure that our working conditions are conducive and that our staff are equipped with the necessary resources to excel,” the INEC chairman assured.
The chairman, accompanied by his wife, children, and senior officials from the University of Jos, expressed gratitude to his academic colleagues who celebrated his appointment.
“I was told that the whole university got shut down out of excitement. One of theirs is now given this very heckling and important responsibility of heading this commission at this time,” he said.
Despite the weight of his new responsibilities, he said he was ready for the challenge.
“The places I’ve gone to, including some national commissioners, they were saying, I don’t envy you. But let me say that I am excited about the journey ahead.
“Together, let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly for the credibility of our elections,” the don said.
He concluded his remarks on a reflective note, describing his appointment as part of a divine plan.
“Maybe if I had a choice, I would say I would not come here. But from all the indications, I could see that God is moving in this country, and my coming is divine.
“If God says go, who are you to say I’m not going? I’m here because I have a role to play to ensure that a new Nigeria is born. And of course, you know, INEC has a very, very important role to play in this quest.
“God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.