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Kpakol Justifies Choice Of Wike To Lead Ogoni Dialogue With FG
Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Fred Kpakol, has said that the choice of Governor Nyesom Wike, to lead a multi-consultative forum to discuss with the Federal Government on the possible resumption of crude oil exploration and production in OML 11, was in the best interest of Ogoni people.
Kpakol said that Ogoni stakeholders strategically chose the governor to lead them because he was one of the most recognised voices in Nigeria that cannot be ignored.
The commissioner stated this while appearing as a guest on Nigeria Info ‘Crossfire’ monitored by The Tide in Port Harcourt.
It would be recalled that Kpakol was one of the prominent Ogoni leaders who visited the governor, last week, at Government House, Port Harcourt, to brief him on the outcome of the meeting between Ogoni stakeholders and President MuhammaduBuhari in Abuja, last month.
He said the issue of resumption of crude oil production in Ogoniwas a very sensitive one, especially because the Ogoni struggle for justice and access to the proceeds from oil and gas from their land had claimed the lives of a generation of prominent Ogoni leaders like Ken Saro-Wiwa, Edward Kobani, Albert Badey and several others.
The commissioner said it was in recognition of the above salient fact, that Ogoni stakeholders comprising of all serving national and state legislators, four past vice chancellors of universities of Ogoni extraction, all four Ogoni council chairmen, and the presidents of MOSOP and KAGOTE, decided to get the state government involved in the multi-consultative process to avoid a possible breach of peace in Ogoni.
“These are all key stakeholders that can speak on behalf of the Ogoni, but they realised that they cannot do it alone. We must have to relate with the (state) government,” he said.
The commissioner described as heartrending attempts by some disgruntled persons to politicise the choice of the state governor to lead a delegation that would negotiate with the Federal Government on the issue of resumption of oil production in Ogoni.
According to him, the governor, who has always been a proponent of community participation in oil exploration activities, is more suitable to lead the process because he understands the ordeal the Ogonis have been through.
Kpakol said the Ogoniethnic nationality would not achieve much dealing alone with the Federal Government, hence, the decision to bring in the state government.
“I want us to differentiate between Governor NyesomWike as a person and as the governor of Rivers State. The governor of this state owes to us the duty of care, and we recognise that position. Governor NyesomWike is the governor of this state and he accounts for the security and peace of this state.”
He said the people of Ogoni desperately need a selfless and compassionate leader like Wike to serve as a catalyst to bring everybody together and speak with one voice.
Kpakol urged Ogoni people to be wary and resist those who were trying to bring political colouration to the genuine effort of stakeholders who nominated the state government to lead the negotiation process.
“When you talk about oil and Ogoniland, it is a very sensitive issue. So, we don’t jump into it or talk about it with any ethnic colouration or with any political bias,” he stated.
By: John Bibor
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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.
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