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100 Days In Office: Wike Begins Projects’ Commissioning, Today

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As part of activities to celebrate the first 100 days of his second term in office, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, will today address the media before beginning scheduled commissioning of completed landmark pro-people projects spread across different sectors in the 23 local government areas and three senatorial zones of the state.
In a media briefing to herald the activities lined up for the auspicious event in Port Harcourt, last Friday, the Secretary to Rivers State Government and Chairman, 2nd Tenure 100 Days in Office Committee, Dr Tammy Danagogo, said the celebration was in keeping with the governor’s promise to stay committed to good governance and make Rivers State the pride of all on assumption of office on May 29, 2019.
While noting that the 100 days would be used to showcase the monumental legacies that have become part of the NEW Vision administration, Danagogo said, that the giant strides which positioned and transformed the state and made the governor enjoy national and international acronym in the first tenure did not come as a surprise, particularly mentioning the nickname given Wike by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo as ‘Mr Projects’.
“As you are aware, the governor is a man who walks the talk, several projects and programmes have already been carried out such as the new security architecture, which halted the security challenges at the Rumuwoji Road and the talent hunt/development of our kids in Spain presently. Projects in different sectors are to be commissioned between Monday, 9th September and Friday, 27th September, 2019”, Danagogo noted.
“I invite you all to be a part of history as we embark on another voyage of development,” he added.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary and Media/Publicity Secretary of the 2nd Tenure 100 Days Celebration, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, thanked the media for their support, and requested for more synergy and collaboration between the government and the media to facilitate better performance and improved dividends of democracy for residents of the state.
Nsirim further appealed to residents of the state to partner the government for the good of all because making Rivers State better was the responsibility of all resident and doing business in the state.
The Tide recalls that a statement titled, ‘Schedule of events and inauguration of completed projects’, released last week had indicated that the activities would begin with the commissioning the reconstructed Bonny, Adaka Boro and Elliot Henry Streets, Port Harcourt Township by 2pm.
It further indicated that tomorrow, the governor would commission Community Secondary School, Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area by 11am, and move ahead to inaugurate the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park Cinema along Aba Road, by 11am on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the governor would on Friday, present Certificates of Recognition and Staff of Office to government-recognized traditional rulers by 11am, just as the governor would on Saturday at 11am, commission the Rumuokwurusi-Elelenwo-Akpajo dual carriage way, which would be followed by a reception organized by the Elelenwo Community at 2pm.
“Monday, September 16, 2019, commissioning of reconstructed and expanded Seabed Model Primary School, Port Harcourt by 11am, and on Tuesday, September 17, commissioning of Rumuwoji Market, Mile One, Port Harcourt by 11am,” it stated.
Also, on Wednesday, September 18, the governor is expected to commission the reconstructed and re-equipped Government Craft Development Centre, Aba Road, Port Harcourt by 11am.
Similarly, on Thursday, September 19, would be the commissioning of Civil Servants’ Quarters, Amadi Flats, Old GRA, Port Harcourt by 11am; while on Saturday, September 21, would be the commissioning of the Real Madrid Football Academy, Elekahia, Port Harcourt by 5pm.
The SSG disclosed that same day (Saturday), there would be a novelty football match between the Channels Kids Champions and select Under 13 Rivers kids.
The statement further disclosed that on Monday, September 23, would be the commissioning of the Rivers State University Students’ Union Building, Port Harcourt by 11am.
On Tuesday, September 24, residents would witness the commissioning of the Fruit Garden and Vegetable Market in D/Line, Port Harcourt by 11am; while the next day (Wednesday) September 25, would be the commissioning of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) House, also in D/Line, Port Harcourt.

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Be Patient With Us, Diri Tells Bayelsans … Inspects New 60mw IPP …Expresses Confidence In Technical Partners, BECL MD

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has sued for patience on the ongoing installation of the state’s new independent power project.
The Tide gathered that the 60-megawatt gas turbine project, which installation commenced in October this year, was earlier scheduled to be completed by December but suffered logistics related delays.
The governor called on people of the state to have an open mind about the project, which he said now requires a new completion date due to unforeseen challenges.
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?The Tide further reports that the State’s Chief Executive who undertook an on-the-spot-assessment of the project at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area on Wednesday, said like other citizens of the state, he was also disappointed that the December completion deadline could not be met.
However, he stated that his reaction to the delay had been that of understanding rather than being angry as had been noticed, particularly on the social media.
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?”You can see I’ve  gone round the whole facility. It was based on the working agreement and information available at my disposal that I gave the December date. But as it is with every human endeavor, we must all have an open mind, when it comes to issues, particularly technical matters like this.
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?”I am as disappointed as any other Bayelsan because I believed that we were going to celebrate the 2025 Christmas with our own independent power, but it turned out not to be so.
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?”I call on Bayelsans to have an open mind. These technical experts are working virtually 24 hours, but delays like this will certainly come”, he said.
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He implored the people 9f the state to appreciate the work of the engineers, stressing that a minor mistake was capable of jeopardising the millions of dollars expended on the project.
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?”For 29 years Bayelsa has been in darkness or has endured epileptic power supply. Now that we are getting close to the day of liberation, some people have become impatient.
“Let us not behave like the proverbial tortoise in the prison for years that asked to be released immediately as the place was smelling the moment he knew it would regain freedom the next day”, the governor added.
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?The Bayelss Governor gave a thumps up to the technical partners, Jampur Group, and its team on ground as well as the Managing Director of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Ltd, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, saying they were working round the clock to ensure the job was completed.
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?”Those who have been following me on this inspection would know that work has not stopped even for one day since it started. I am sure the job is more than 90 per cent complete. So let us hold our fire.
“Engineer Olice, I am not putting you under any pressure. From the reports I have, Olice is one of the best electrical engineers in Nigeria”, governor Diri said.
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The governor, however, hinted that the government was looking at inaugurating the project during its sixth anniversary in February.
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The MD of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited, Kemenanabo, who also spoke, said the state was on the right track towards actualising the project and assured that the alignment of the entire system, including the gas generator and alternator were on course.
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He also stated that the remaining two turbines would be delivered to the project site in a few days.
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?Speaking on behalf of the Jampur Group, Mr. Sherrif Abu-Anif said the company was in good position to meet its own end of the bargain and appreciated the state government for playing its part very well.
By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Suits After Priest’s Sermon 

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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.

Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.

He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.

“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”

In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.

In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.

Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.

Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.

The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.

With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.

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‘Best Way To Show Gratitude Is To Deliver Tinubu in 2027’

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.

 

Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.

 

He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.

 

“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”

 

Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project,  stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life  for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.

 

He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.

 

“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.

 

Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.

 

In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.

 

She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.

 

Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.

 

“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.

 

In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.

 

He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.

 

The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.

 

Giving the project description,  Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.

 

Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.

 

Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.

 By: Taneh Beemene

 

 

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