News

Wifa Inspired Dualisation Of Saakpenwa-Bori-Kono Road, Wike Reveals

Published

5 years ago

June 28, 2021

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike says the dualisation of the second phase of Saakpenwa-Bori-Kono Road was in fulfillment of the age-long dream of late former Attorney General of the state, Barinua Moses Wifa, SAN.
The governor also said that he was proud to identify with the life and times of Wifa, who was a prominent proponent of restructuring of Nigeria.
He made the assertion during the funeral service held in honour of late legal luminary at Kono, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State at the weekend.
The governor, who was represented by the Rivers State Head of Service, Barrister Rufus Godwin, noted that Wifa, who was also a one-time chairman of Port Harcourt branch of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), brought pride and glory to the state.
He explained that the on-going second phase of the dualisation of Saakpenwa-Bori-Kono Road was in honour of the former Attorney General, whom he described as one of the illustrious sons of Rivers State.
“His (Wifa) greatest wish was to have a road to Kono. It is very interesting that this wish got to the ears of Governor Nyesom Wike, a promise keeper; and he promised to extend the road to Kono, 17.2kilometres, and it will be completed with 14 months.
“This road will be the eternal monument to the memory of Nigeria’s illustrious son that Kono has the privilege and honour of producing”, he said.
He observed that many tributes have been paid to Wifa at the different events held in his honour, including a public lecture, during which several lawyers extolled his virtues at the Bar.
“Barrister Wifa lived well. He was a Godly person, he excelled in his profession, and he accomplished with unparalleled distinction, accomplishments for Ogoni, for Rivers State, and for Nigeria.”
Wike remarked that in the months ahead, Nigerians will be considering which way forward for the country amid the argument about restructuring of the country, which the late Wifa yearned for.
He stressed that at this critical juncture in the history of Nigeria, the country needs men of the class and calibre of Wifa, who will stand for truth, and render altruistic advise to government for the benefit of the people, and not one directed at provoking selfish gains.
“Wifa was very courageous man and truth was his weapon to confront everything he does not want to see, and he sowed seeds that are imperishable in the lives of men and women who came across him”, he added.
The governor used the occasion to once again convey the condolences of the government and people of Rivers State to the Wifa’s family, Kono community, Ogoni nationality, and to the legal profession that will find a deep gap in the rank and file of members of the inner Bar.
The body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) was led by former NBA President, Chief Onueze C. J. Okocha (SAN) to attend the funeral.
Eminent personalities present at the funeral include, Chairman, PDP, Rivers State, Amb Desmond Akawor; Senator Lee Maeba; Senator Magnus Abe; member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dum Dekor; and members representing Khana, Gokana, Tai constituencies in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

News

HoS Hails Fubara Over Provision of Accommodation for Permanent Secretaries

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Head of Service (HoS) of Rivers State, Dr. Mrs. Inyingi S. I. Brown, has commended Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, for approving befitting accommodation for Permanent Secretaries in the state.

This commendation was contained in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.

According to the Head of Service, Governor Fubara has continued to demonstrate uncommon commitment to the welfare of civil servants in Rivers State, stressing that such gestures underscore his people-oriented leadership style. She urged civil servants across the state to remain supportive of the governor’s administration in order to sustain good governance and effective public service delivery.

Speaking on behalf of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Brown congratulated Governor Fubara on the occasion of his 51st birthday, describing him as “a Governor who leads by serving.”

She further praised the governor’s service-driven and people-centred leadership approach, noting that it has significantly contributed to institutional stability and improved efficiency within the state’s public service. Special appreciation was expressed for the approval of a befitting accommodation complex for Permanent Secretaries, which she said reflects the governor’s commitment to staff welfare and enhanced productivity.

As part of activities to mark the governor’s birthday, the Body of Permanent Secretaries announced the sponsorship of 329 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for indigent students across the state.

A breakdown of the initiative shows that 319 forms will be distributed across the 319 political wards in Rivers State, while five forms are allocated to non-indigenes and five forms to persons living with disabilities.

Interested applicants are advised to contact the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, for further details.

The Body of Permanent Secretaries wished Governor Fubara continued good health, divine wisdom, and greater accomplishments in his service to the people of Rivers State.

By John Bibor

News

Allegation of Disrespect to President Tinubu Unfounded — Rivers Government

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to a statement credited to an acclaimed Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), purportedly authored by one Bestman Innocent Amadi, alleging that the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, removed the official portrait of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from the Government House, Port Harcourt.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Rivers State Government wishes to categorically state that there is no policy, directive, or intention on the part of the government or the Governor that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or undermines the authority of the Federal Government.

On the contrary, the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, currently enjoys a robust, cordial, and collaborative relationship with the Federal Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Renewed Hope Agenda—a partnership that is already yielding positive and tangible benefits for the people of Rivers State.

Consequently, the insinuation that the Governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” is misleading, irresponsible, inflammatory, and entirely unsupported by verifiable facts, and should therefore be disregarded by the public.

It is regrettable that a body expected to promote youth unity, peace, and responsible engagement would resort to incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated claims capable of overheating the polity at a time when Rivers State requires calm, dialogue, and mature leadership.

The Rivers State Government therefore calls on well-meaning members of the public, particularly its esteemed and hardworking youths, to disregard and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups bent on advancing divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.

Rivers State belongs to all of us. Political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, peace, and the collective pursuit of progress.

Members of the public are further urged to remain vigilant and avoid lending credence to inflammatory statements or the activities of fifth columnists pursuing dubious agendas aimed at sowing discord.

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News

Rivers Government Dismisses Allegations of Disrespect to President Tinubu

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has dismissed as unfounded and misleading allegations that Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara removed the official portrait of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the Government House in Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state government reacted to claims credited to an acclaimed Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), describing the allegation as false, irresponsible, and unsupported by any verifiable facts.

The government clarified that it has no policy, directive, or intention that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or undermines the authority of the Federal Government. It emphasized that Governor Fubara maintains a cordial, respectful, and collaborative relationship with President Tinubu and the Federal Government.

According to the statement, the relationship between Rivers State and the Federal Government has grown stronger under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with tangible benefits and positive impacts already being felt by residents of the state.

The Rivers State Government described insinuations that the governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” as deliberately provocative, noting that such claims are capable of misleading the public and unnecessarily heating up the polity.

It further expressed concern that an organization expected to promote youth unity and peace would engage in what it termed incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated accusations at a time when the state requires calm, dialogue, and responsible leadership.

The government called on well-meaning members of the public, especially the youths of Rivers State, to disregard the claims and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups spreading divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, unity, and progress, the state government stressed that political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, and the collective interest of the people.

Members of the public were also urged to remain vigilant and not give attention to inflammatory statements or individuals described as fifth columnists bent on causing division within the state.