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Wike Reconciles Major Actors …Says Politics Of Bitterness Hampers Progress …As Chidi Lloyd Dumps APC

Published

5 years ago

August 26, 2020

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has reconciled major actors in the July 9, 2013 Rivers State House of Assembly crisis.
They have all agreed to work together as members of one big family under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
They include, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, Hon Michael Chindah, Hon Evans Bipi and Hon Kelechi Nworgu.
The reconciliation, which was brokered by Governor Wike took place at Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wike said the event was a confirmation that the key actors in the crisis have formally reconciled.
“They are the people directly involved in the state House of Assembly crisis and this ceremony is to tell the world that they have reconciled.
“They are still members of the same family and they are happy with the reconciliation,” the governor noted.
In his speech, Dr. Chidi Lloyd said the reconciliation was ordained by God, and restated his earlier apology to Hon. Michael Chindah and his other colleagues over his role in the crisis at the state House of Assembly.
He described his action in 2013 as a mistake of the head and not of the heart, and thanked the governor for his benevolence which led to total reconciliation.
Responding, Hon. Michael Chindah thanked God for keeping them alive to witness the reconciliation, and also lauded Governor Wike for his role in ensuring that he remained alive after the incident.
Chindah, who observed that Lloyd misunderstood him on the day of the crisis, said he had already forgiven him since December, 2013.
He urged parliamentary leaders not to promote issues that would lead to crisis in their service to humanity.
Also speaking, Hon. Evans Bipi described Lloyd as a man with a large heart, and thanked him for coming back to his roots.
On his part, Hon. Kelechi Nworgu said the reconciliation was his greatest achievement in the present administration.
He stated that he never regretted his action on the day of the incident as he stood for the freedom of the state.
Nworgu lauded the governor for championing the reconciliation, which he noted, was for the good of the state.
The state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb Desmond Akawor, described the reconciliation as a practical manifestation of forgiveness.
He lauded Wike for always treading the path of a righteous ruler, and thanked the various parties to the reconciliation for taking the bold step to forgive one another.
Also speaking, Chief Sergeant Awuse commended the governor for creating the enabling environment to end the crisis which would have consumed the entire state.
Earlier, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, had said that politicians who bear bitterness in their minds against others hardly make progress.
He has, therefore, declared that his success in politics and governance was because he carries no grudges against anybody.
Wike was speaking when the people of Akpabu and Itu communities, led by their traditional and political leaders, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The governor said that during his second term inauguration, he asked for forgiveness from those he offended, and also promised to forgive those that hurt him.
Today, he said, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, has publicly expressed regret for his role in the 2013 crisis at the state House of Assembly, and apologised.
Wike stated that he has forgiven Lloyd because he was a Christian, and those who became victims of that act have also consented.
“Forgiveness is key for every Christian. God has forgiven me, why can’t I forgive? We have also met with Hon. Michael Chindah and others; we got their approval for reconciliation.
“I love to attract people to our party because I am not a greedy politician. I believe that the more, the merrier. I will do what is in the best interest of the people and the party.
“Politics of progress does not undermine the importance of friendship. I believe that we must forget yesterday, put ourselves together for a better tomorrow,” he said.
The governor also assured that he would complete the Akpabu-Itu Road and the electrification of the communities.
“When we went to Akpabu during electioneering campaigns, you cannot move from there to Omudioga community even though they are in the same ward due to bad road network. I have promised to reconstruct the road and restore electricity.
“We will complete those projects within the life span of this tenure. Politics is about dividends of democracy,” he stated.
Wike also upgraded the traditional stool of the traditional ruler of Akpabu, Eze Godwin Chukwuemeka Ordu from third class to second class.
In his remarks, the former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Chidi Lloyd, expressed regret for his role in the crisis at the state House of Assembly on July 9, 2013, and apologised to the people of the state and Hon Michael Chindah.
Lloyd said he has learnt how to be benevolent in politics, among other things, from Governor Wike.
He declared that henceforth, he and members of his community would work for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Also speaking, the Rivers State Chairman of PDP, Amb Desmond Akawor, who received Dr. Chidi Lloyd into the party, noted that he was an asset.
He thanked Governor Wike for being an excellent statesman who has made it easy for the party to retain its foothold in Akpabu and Itu communities.
The paramount ruler of Akpabu and Itu communities, Eze Godwin Chukwuemeka Ordu, thanked Governor Wike for the projects, and pledged that with Lloyd, they would ensure the success of PDP in the communities.
Elder Paul Wonodi noted with pleasure the benevolence, and forgiving nature of the governor which has been demonstrated in reconciling with Lloyd.
He said the party would benefit from the versatility of Lloyd, and assured that they would work to secure more success for the party.
Chief Sergent Awuse noted that Governor Wike was making unimpeded progress in politics because he mends fences easily.
According to him, because the governor is a man who loves peace, he has continued to achieve greater heights.

Featured

PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

7 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.

Featured

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

Featured

Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

4 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