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Join Politics To Improve Lives, Not For Personal Gains-Wike
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, says the essence of joining a political party should be to improve the well-being of the people and not for pecuniary benefits.
The governor has maintained that there is still no alternative to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which has been working conscientiously to improve the quality of life of Rivers’ people.
He stated this at the grand reception in the honour of former director general of Tonye Cole campaign organisation, Dr Chidi Lloyd, on his return back to the PDP at Elele-Alimini in Emohua Local Government Area.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Emeka Woke, Wike, said he was excited that Lloyd, whom he described as a man of character and principle, has decided to return to the PDP.
“Some of you who are here may not know when all of us agreed that we are standing for Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, Chidi was standing alone, he was the lone voice crying in the House of Assembly.
“Some of you may have forgotten in a hurry the screening of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission then, nominated by Sir Celestine Omehia, led by one Dr Ogboda, he stood by Rivers people. He stood for the law and he defended the law passed by Rivers State House of Assembly.”
Wike explained that the whole essence of joining political party or supporting a political party should not be for personal or pecuniary benefit, but to improve the wellbeing of the people.
The governor said when Lloyd initially joined the APC, he had erroneously assumed it was the right thing to do at the time, until he realised the futility of joining a party that does not care about the wellbeing of his people.
“He has turned back and we have to receive him because we know he is a man of character, we know he is a man of integrity”, he said.
Wike noted that since 2015, both the PDP and the APC have campaigned in Elele, but only the PDP has fulfilled its electioneering promises to fix all internal roads and develop human capital in Elele community.
The state PDP Chairman, Amb Desmond Akawor used the occasion to assure the people that Wike would resist any attempt to cede any part of the state to the South-East geopolitical zone in order to advance the presidential ambition of any individual.
“We didn’t know that when they said they were going to run for presidency, under the South-East, under the Igbo extraction, we didn’t know they have managed to cave some areas (of Rivers) into Igbo land. Unfortunately, Ubima didn’t work for them. I don’t know what they will do. I am sure they will come with another map to include Ubima to actualise what they are planning.
“But for Rivers State and the governor of Rivers State, he has said no inch of Rivers State will be ceded to another place. Whatever they have done, our brother Nyesom Wike will fight to the last to ensure that judicial processes are followed, to ensure Rivers lands are recovered. Their tactics will not work. They cannot enslave our people just because of their singular ambition.”
Akawor noted that before Lloyd joined APC, he had as a PDP member attracted quality projects to his people.
He said all that had ceased when Lloyd embarked on a futile hunting expedition in the APC.
But, with his return to the PDP, his people have once again begun to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
On his part, Lloyd explained his decision to return to his kith and kin in the PDP was because of Wike’s unparalleled developmental strides.
He stated that before the 2015 and 2019 general elections, the APC knew that Wike, whose capacity was not in doubt, would defeat them.
According to him, all the negative campaign against Wike were mere political machinations.
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Sergeant Awuse, said Lloyd, who represented Emohua constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly between 2003 and 2015, remains an asset to the PDP.
He urged the Ishimbam political bloc in Emohua constituency to remain steadfast ensure they maintain their political relevance as a political bloc.
The 23 For OK & P-BAT Movement, a political pressure group championing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governorship ambition of Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, has congratulated both leaders on their victories at the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.
In a statement issued by the National Coordinator, Amb. Goodluck Braide, who also doubles as the President of the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Co-Operative Limited, President Tinubu’s victory at the APC presidential primaries in Rivers State was described as a reflection of his growing popularity and acceptance among Nigerians. The group noted that since assuming office in 2023, the President has implemented bold economic reforms aimed at repositioning the country for sustainable growth, prosperity, and national development.
According to the group, the outcome of the primaries is an indication of what to expect in the 2027 general elections.
The group also congratulated Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda on his emergence as the APC governorship flag bearer in Rivers State, describing the primary election process as peaceful, transparent, free, and fair. It stated that Chinda’s emergence signals increasing political unity among Rivers people across ethnic and political divides.
According to the movement, the APC made a strategic and wise decision in presenting Chinda as its governorship candidate, citing his leadership experience, competence, charisma, and proven capacity as qualities that position the party for victory in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Amb. Goodluck Braide, National Coordinator
The statement further acknowledged the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, praising his political foresight, resilience, and commitment to maintaining unity within the political structure in Rivers State while ensuring the state remains relevant in national politics.
The group equally commended the leadership of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentanwe Yilwatda, noting that under his leadership since July 2025, the party has witnessed renewed strength, unity, and political growth ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also congratulated the people of Rivers State and Nigerians generally for their continued support and confidence in the Tinubu administration, which it said has made notable progress in promoting national cohesion, social integration, and economic development.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
