Politics

RSG Signs Contracts For Trans – Kalabari Road

Published

5 years ago

April 5, 2021

Last week , Rivers State Government signed contracts for the construction of two major roads — the Trans- Kalabari Road project (phase one), and the Saakpenwa-Bori-Kono Road (phase two).
At the event which took place last Wednesday at Government House, Port Harcourt, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Zacchaeus Adangor, Commissioner for Works, Elloka Tasie-Amadi and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Mrs Ebere Emenike signed on behalf of the state government while the General Manager of CCECC, Zou Xiaowei and his Deputy, Gao Qiang, the General Manager of Lubrick Construction Company, Rabich Elramedi and Kennedy Odogbo, signed for their respective companies.
Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, said the signing of the two projects was a demonstration of the importance his administration places on opening up more rural communities.
Also last week, the state security outfit code named, C.4.I was re-launched to boost security in the state.
Governor Wike, who presented 29 operational vehicles to the Police at the event which took place at Government House, Port Harcourt, urged the Police to be more proactive in combating crimes by taking the battle to the criminals.
The Governor noted that his administration has sustained its support to security agencies in the state, but expressed dismay that two armoured helicopters worth over $10 million which the state government gave to the Nigerian Airforce to fight oil theft and sea piracy in the state have been diverted to fighting Boko Haram.
The Governor warned that the state government would not hesitate to withdraw the gunboats it was about to present to the Army, Navy the Police if they are deployed for use in other states.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 16 , Austin Agbonlohor commended the governor for his continued support to the Police.
Another major event in Brick House last week was the sacking of the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Igbiks Tamuno by govovernor Wike. The governor directed the sacked Commissioner to submit all government property and documents in his possession to the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.
According to the governor, the Commissioner was sacked because he engaged in acts amounting to sabotage. He was alleged to have written a letter to Julius Berger, directing the company to stop ongoing state projects without the consent of the Governor.
“ I don’t know how a Commissioner can write a company to stop work without my approval, and Julius Berger in that matter, to stop construction in the entire state. I have never heard of such thing before. I don’t know that the commissioners have so much power like that,” the governor said .
As the world celebrates this year’s Easter, the Rivers State Governor has urged Christians to emulate Jesus Christ by making sacrifices that would advance the course of development.
The Governor’s Easter message which was contained in a release signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, called on the people of the state to rededicate themselves to the service of the state as they reflect on the ideals of Good Friday and Easter celebrations.
Governor Wike also urged the privileged in the society to reach out to the less privileged as everyone works to deepen the culture of true Christianity , before, during and after the celebrations, promising that he would continue to make sacrifices for the state, defend her interest and provide good governance.
Within the week under review, the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba paid Gov Wike a courtesy visit at Government House. The minister said he was in the state for the official launch of “ Better Education Service Delivery For All Programme for Result” .
Governor Wike used the occasion to dissociate himself from those calling for the scrapping of the counterpart funding for basic education in the country. He said counterpart funding avails state governments opportunity to show commitment in the provision of good educational foundation for children in their states.
He noted that his administration places high premium for education hence nothing less than 30 per cent is being allocated to the sector in the state budget . He called on the Federal Government to increase it’s budgetary allocation on education because of the importance of the sector
Excited by the award of the Trans-Kalabari Road project, the Kalabari Traditional Rulers Council, led by the King of Abonnema, King Disreal Gbobo Bob-Manuel , paid a thank you visit to Gov Wike last Friday in Brick House.
King Bob-Manuel expressed gratitude of the entire Kalabari people to the Gov for breaking the jinx that had frustrated progress with the Trans-Kalabari Road project.
Gov Wike said the essence of the critical projects in Kalabari Communities was to secure enduring development and not politics as beilng misconstrued by some critics of his administration. He charged the people of the area to secure the project by providing internal security.
Also last week, Gov Wike presented certificate of recognition and staff of office to His Royal Majesty, Nyenwe Eli Omunakwe Nyeche Nsirim and Amangada XI of Rebisi Kingdom , His Royal Highness, Eze Anthony Worlu Akarolo.

By: Chris Oluoh

Politics

Don’t Risk Your Legacy, Citizen Begs Jonathan Against 2027 Presidential Race

Published

23 hours ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

A social commentator in Bauchi State, David Adenuga has urged former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, to ignore the growing calls for his return to the presidential race, warning that some political actors pushing the idea could tarnish his legacy.

In a letter titled, “An Open Letter to Former President Goodluck Jonathan,” the observer said Dr Jonathan should be careful not to allow himself to be drawn into partisan calculations driven by ambition rather than national interest.

“I write this letter as a concerned Nigerian who respects the role you played in Nigeria’s democracy and the peaceful example you set for the country,” he stated.

He cautioned the former president against allowing himself to be used by what he described as desperate political interests.

“I believe this is the time to protect the good name and legacy you have built over the years. You should not allow yourself to be used by desperate political elements who may be more interested in their own ambitions than in the future of Nigeria,” the letter read.

The Social Commentator further warned Dr Jonathan to be wary of those advocating for his comeback, claiming many of them were previously opposed to his administration.

“Many of those calling for your return today were your antagonists, those who frustrated your government back then. You should be careful not to become a pawn in a game designed by others or else they will stain your white with their ‘roforofo’,” he said.

He maintained that Dr Jonathan’s legacy remains defined by his decision to concede defeat in 2015, which he described as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.

“Your legacy was built through years of public service and your decision to put the country’s peace above personal ambition at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history. That legacy should not be put at risk because of the desperation of a few politicians,” he added.

Mr Adenuga also alleged that some of the promoters of Dr Jonathan’s return have lost credibility in the public space.

“The truth is that some of the people pushing you to contest have already damaged their own reputations. They should not be allowed to stain your legacy with their soiled hands. What they could not achieve on their own should not be pursued through your name and goodwill,” he stressed.

He concluded by urging the former president to remain above political manoeuvring and protect his place in history.

“History has been kind to you. Preserve that honour and remain above the political games of those who want to use your name for their own purposes,” he wrote.

Recall that former President Goodluck Jonathan recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the Kabiru Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a special convention held in Abuja, where delegates ratified his nomination ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Politics

I DIDN’T PROMISE YOU TICKETS, AKPABIO TELLS APC SENATORS WHO FAILED PRIMARIES

Published

23 hours ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

The President of the Nigeria’s Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has clarified that he never promised to secure senatorial return tickets for senators who lost tickets at the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections.

He clarified that he only empathized with senators who were affected negatively by the outcome of their respective primary elections.

Senator Akpabio’s clarification was made public over the weekend in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh.

The clarification was said to have been occasioned by reports in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.

The statement read in part: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.

“We must categorically assert that this report does not reflect the position of the President of the Senate. For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorized to be made such promise.

“What the President of the Senate actually said, in the course of interacting with his colleagues, was to empathize with senators who were affected negatively by the outcome of their primary elections.

“He assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes.

“He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership.

“The office also notes another report quoting a distinguished Senator on the need for the Senate to probe the military over recent security incidents.

“While legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces.

“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to National Security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine their morale and operational focus.

“The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time.

“Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria and its people”.

Senator Akpabio then urged the media and the public to disregard sensational and inaccurate misrepresentation of his remarks and to always seek clarification from his office before publication.

Politics

POST PRIMARIES: IKWERRE MONARCHS ADVOCATE ISSUES-BASED POLITICS IN RIVERS

Published

23 hours ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

The Supreme Council of Ikwerre Government-Recognized Traditional Rulers, Rivers State, has congratulated all candidates who emerged victorious in the various political party primary elections held across the state, describing their emergence as a reflection of the confidence reposed in them by their parties and supporters.

The council, however, urged Rivers people to embrace issue-based politics and support candidates based on their competence, character, vision, and commitment to public service rather than ethnicity, sectional interests, or sentiments.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Council, the Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Prof. Leslie Eke and the Secretary, Nye Nwe Ala Omerelu, King Ben Ugo, after its monthly general meeting at Rumuigbo, in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area and made available to the press at the weekend.

The statement noted that while the council remains proud of the political achievements of Ikwerre sons and daughters, it believes that the overall progress, stability, and development of Rivers State should remain the overriding consideration in the political process.

According to the traditional rulers, the emergence of candidates from different political parties and ethnic backgrounds demonstrates the vibrancy of democracy and the growing participation of Rivers people in governance and leadership.

The monarchs maintained that democratic contests should be driven by ideas, programmes, and solutions to the challenges facing the state rather than ethnic considerations or divisive narratives.

They urged voters to carefully assess the track records, leadership qualities, and developmental agendas of all candidates seeking elective offices and make informed decisions that would advance the collective interests of Rivers State.

The council stressed that politics should serve as a vehicle for development, unity, economic growth, security, and improved welfare for the people, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.

The royal fathers further called on political actors and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the electoral process, avoiding actions or utterances capable of overheating the polity.

They emphasized the need for mutual respect, tolerance, and healthy political competition among candidates and political parties, noting that Rivers State stands to benefit more from unity than division.

The statement further urged all stakeholders to place the interest of the state above personal ambitions and sectional considerations, adding that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, cooperation, and inclusiveness.

The council observed that the ongoing political process presents an opportunity for the emergence of leaders who possess the capacity and commitment to address the developmental aspirations of the people.

The traditional rulers also encouraged young people across the state to participate actively in democratic institutions and leadership processes, stressing that governance should be inclusive and representative.

They reaffirmed the commitment of traditional institutions in Ikwerreland to the promotion of peace, stability, justice, and harmonious coexistence among all ethnic nationalities in Rivers State.

The statement prayed for wisdom, strength, and success for all candidates who emerged from the various political parties and expressed hope that the electoral process would produce leaders dedicated to the unity, progress, and prosperity of Rivers State.

By: King Onunwor