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Wike Seeks Clerics, Monarchs’ Support On Security …Calls For Unity Amongst Christians
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that with greater collaboration with the church, members of the society and traditional rulers, the new security architecture of the state will attain greater success.
Speaking during the first session of the Fourth Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Evo in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday, Wike said that successes have been recorded since the state government launched ‘Operation Sting’.
He said: “With robust collaboration with the church, society and traditional rulers, we will win the fight against insecurity.
“The church should also support our efforts in crime fighting. The church should continue to pray for the administration to achieve greater success in the fight to promote security.
“Beyond prayers, church members should also provide information to the state security council and security services on the activities of criminal elements. This will help in tackling insecurity”.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke, the governor urged members of the society to support the Rivers State Government to improve security, which will enhance investments in the state.
He said: “Once we achieve better security, more investments will come to the state. These investments will translate to jobs for our people”.
Wike thanked the Anglican Dioceses in Rivers State for the Thanksgiving Service they held for his re-election on July 7, 2019, and thanked the Christian community for their support.
Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt Rev Innocent Ordu thanked Wike for his consistent support for the church.
“The governor has done so well for us. He has supported the church in diverse ways. The diocese owes it a duty to always support the state government in prayers”, he said.
Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Mr Solomon Eke expressed the appreciation of Obio/Akpor people for the governor’s support to the Evo Diocese.
He assured the Rivers State governor that the people of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area will provide the needed support to ensure the success of ‘Operation Sting’.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has called on Christians to work in unity for the growth of the faith.
Wike also regretted the level of disunity among Christian denominations, saying that it was hindering the expansion of the church.
He spoke during a courtesy visit by Baba Aladura and Prelate of The Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Dr David Bob-Manuel, Moses Orimolade IX, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said:”Let me appeal to Christians that the time has come when we have to work as a body.
“There are too many divisions in the faith. Look at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Rivers State; it has been divided into factions. This is not necessary. We cannot be the body of Christ and we are not work together.
“Working as a team will make the church grow faster than it is doing right now”.
Wike assured the Christian community that his administration would continue to support them, adding that the support was borne out of the fact that Rivers State is a Christian state.
He reiterated that there was no gain in youths becoming cultists, and urged the church to work with the Rivers State Government to discourage cultism.
“There is no gain in joining cult groups. Cultism does not pay. We need to continue talking to our youths on the need to shun cultism”, he added.
Wike congratulated the Baba Aladura on his emergence as the leader of Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, explaining that Rivers people were proud of him.
Earlier, the Baba Aladura; Dr David Bob-Manuel, commended the Rivers State governor for his consistent support for the Christian community.
The Prelate of The Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide congratulated the Rivers State governor on his victories at the poll and the tribunal, urging him to use his second term to consolidate on his first term achievements.
“Your achievements in the state are monumental. Your effort to address insecurity in the state through the launch of ‘Operation Sting’ is quite commendable.
“You have left your footprints in the sands of time. God will grant you the enablement”, he stressed.
He said that he was in Rivers State for the International Youth Conference of the church, which would attract 7,000 youths from across the world, adding that this year’s event was the first time the church was holding the programme outside Lagos.
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Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.
Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.
He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.
Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.
“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.
The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.
Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.
He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.
“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.
“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.
Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.
He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.
The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.
He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.
“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.
Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.
He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.
Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.
“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.