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Your Antics’ll Fail, Wike Assures Enemies Of RSG …Don’t Take God’s Grace For Granted, Cleric Tells CJ
Governor Nyesom Wike has asserted that all those who engaged in one clandestine activity or the other to pull the Rivers State Government down, have experienced utter disappointment.
The governor maintained that part of the recent crises that were stirred within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was spearheaded by people who, in secret meetings, plotted to bring him down.
He said no one of such persons have survived achieving their plots.
Wike made the revelation at the Special Thanksgiving Service organised to celebrate the appointment of Hon. Justice Simeon Amadi as the chief judge of Rivers State, at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Elibrada Parish, in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, yesterday.
He stated that nobody can tamper with who God has ordained, because but for God, he would not have become the governor of the state.
“Recently, you heard there was some crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Everybody who was involved, that plotted everything for my downfall, all are out. Everyone, that slept, that went to a meeting, planning how they’re going to bring me down, not one survived.”
The governor also alluded that similar plot was contrived when the former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra was to be appointed, but they also failed no matter how hard they tried.
He wondered why somebody would render services for the interest of Rivers State, and when it was time for appointment, people would start conspiring and even plotting against his government.
“When your predecessor, (Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra) was appointed, you have said here that people came to you to say she’s not from Rivers State. Such people are enemies of the state. That is why this country cannot move forward.
“Somebody who has put his or her life serving the state all through her career, making sure that the state moves forward, and at the time of benefits, you now say the person is not from your state. But all the services rendered were for the interest of your state.
“When your predecessor was appointed, people started to conspire, people started to plot against my government. Your colleagues, some of them started conspiring. I said, well, what will be, will be. I do know that it is God that made me to become governor. Nobody will survive to plot the downfall of my government. Nobody will survive it.”
The governor explained that when Justice Iche Ndu retired as the chief judge of the state, the Judiciary was plunged into crisis, resulting in the shutting down of the courts for some years. According to him, even when the state did not have a substantive chief judge, billions of Naira were signed off steadily in the state Judiciary.
According to him, “reports of the committee that was set up by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) indicted some principal judicial staff, some of who were eventually promised to be shielded by somebody who had hoped to become a chief judge.
“And so, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has to set up a committee to investigate it because there was no chief judge, but look at the record, billions are being spent. Who is responsible of this expenditure?
“You can’t believe it; some registrars were using that opportunity to make money. You can’t believe the kind of houses people at that level could build within that period, and they were found guilty.
“Someone who believes that he or she will be the next chief judge had to interfere with that investigation and security picked it up. And simply because some of them are from the same community, and she said, when I become chief judge, I will set aside that indictment by the Judicial Service Commission, security picked it up. That was how you (Justice Amadi) became the chief judge.”
Speaking further, Wike acknowledged the role played by the former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, who appointed Justice Amadi to be a judge of the state High Court, and also ensured that Ikwerre produced governor of Rivers State.
The governor said it was not out of place for the Ikwerres to stand always with the Odilis because of his love for them and consider what affects them to affect the Ikwerres since one good turn deserves another.
Wike enjoined the chief judge to be diligent in his duties, assertive in achieving results, utilise money meant for the Judiciary judiciously, and desist from being vindictive.
Earlier in his address, the state Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi acknowledged that only God deserves all the thanks for his benevolence over his life, and his appointment as chief judge.
He noted that God uses men to accomplish His will, adding that Wike was God’s instrument to make that appointment possible.
“Today is a remarkable day in my life and that of my family. We give gratitude to God over His favour upon me and my family”.
Justice Amadi said he decided to do the thanksgiving in his home town so that people can know where he came from, saying that “irrespective of where you are coming from, God’s grace cannot be limited because of localities”.
He thanked God for using the former chief judge of the state, Justice Iche Ndu, in whose chambers he began his career in legal practice, and Dr Peter Odili, in whose administration he was sworn in as a judge, to prepare him for his present role as chief judge of the state.
He recalled that Justice Iche Ndu’s chambers has produced two chief judges in the state, and thanked God for making it possible at His own time.
In his sermon at the service, Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Niger Delta and Bishop of Diocese of Ikwerre, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah tasked the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi not to take the grace of God for granted.
He charged him to deliver his responsibilities and mandate without fear or favour so that God and mankind would be happy for his appointment, saying that he was called for ‘legal service’ for the betterment of mankind and the society at large.
Enyindah gave the advice while delivering his sermon, titled: “Thanking God for His Mercies” at a Special Church Thanksgiving Service by the state Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, to thank God for his elevation as number one Judiciary officer in the state.
The service was held at the St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Elibarada in Emohua Local Government Area of the state, over the weekend.
The clergy, who took his Bible reading from the book of 1 Chronicles 29:10 – 18, said God requires daily appreciation and thanks for all living creatures, adding that His grace and mercy endures forever.
According to him, “Everything about God is good and beneficial to mankind”, saying that “mercy and grace is an act of God’s special enablement for man to get what we do not deserve and merit.
“God blesses us more when we reciprocate and thank Him and acknowledge Him,” he stated.
The bishop, while congratulating the chief judge over his appointment, thanked the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for being the instrument which God used to actualise the appointment.
Enyindah said it is only God who can raise any person from obscurity to prominence.
He stressed that God expects those who have so enjoyed His grace and mercies in areas of good health, business successes and promotion to gladly acknowledge it by returning to thank him.
Enyindah enjoined the Justice Amadi who God has raised among other judges to become the chief judge of Rivers State, to not only thank God in the church as he has returned to do but be determined to continually discharge his duties conscientiously and give justice to the people.
The Tide reports that the occasion was attended by a litany of distinguished stakeholders across all sectors in the state.
By: Beemene Taneh & Akujobi Amadi
President Bola Tinubu yesterday signed into law four tax reform bills aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework.
The four bills include: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.
They were passed by the National Assembly after months of consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, yesterday.
The ceremony was witnessed by the leadership of the National Assembly and some legislators, governors, ministers, and aides of the President.
The presidency had earlier stated that the laws would transform tax administration in the country, increase revenue generation, improve the business environment, and give a boost to domestic and foreign investments.
“When the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments,” Special Adviser to the President on Media, Bayo Onanuga said on Wednesday.
Before the signing of the four bills, President Tinubu had earlier yesterday, said the tax reform bills will reset Nigeria’s economic trajectory and simplify its complex fiscal landscape.
Announcing the development via his official X handle, yesterday, the President declared, “In a few hours, I will sign four landmark tax reform bills into law, ushering in a bold new era of economic governance in our country.”
Tinubu made a call to investors and citizens alike, saying, “Let the world know that Nigeria is open for business, and this time, everyone has a fair shot.”
He described the bills as not just technical adjustments but a direct intervention to ease burdens on struggling Nigerians.
“These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes. They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet,” Tinubu wrote.
According to the President, “They will unify our fragmented tax system, eliminate wasteful duplications, cut red tape, restore investor confidence, and entrench transparency and coordination at every level.”
He added that the long-standing burden of Nigeria’s tax structure had unfairly weighed down the vulnerable while enabling inefficiency.
The tax reforms, first introduced in October 2024, were part of Tinubu’s post-subsidy-removal recovery plan, aimed at expanding revenue without stifling productivity.
However, the bills faced turbulence at the National Assembly and amongst some state governors who rejected its passing in 2024.
At the NASS, the bills sparked heated debate, particularly around the revenue-sharing structure, which governors from the North opposed.
They warned that a shift toward derivation-based allocations, especially with VAT, could tilt fiscal balance in favour of southern states with stronger consumption bases.
After prolonged dialogue, the VAT rate remained at 7.5 per cent, and a new exemption was introduced to shield minimum wage earners from personal income tax.
By May 2025, the National Assembly passed the harmonised versions with broad support, driven in part by pressure from economic stakeholders and international observers who welcomed the clarity and efficiency the reforms promised.
In his tweet, Tinubu stressed that this is just the beginning of Nigeria’s tax evolution.
“We are laying the foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent, and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria.
“A tax regime that rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and mobilises revenue without punishing productivity,” he stated.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, the National Assembly, and Nigeria’s subnational governments.
The President added, “We are not just signing tax bills but rewriting the social contract.
“We are not there yet, but we are firmly on the road.”
The Senate has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over its failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts probing alleged financial discrepancies amounting to over ?210 trillion in its audited reports from 2017 to 2023.
Despite being summoned, no officials or external auditors from NNPCL showed up yesterday.
However, representatives from the representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and Department of State Services were present.
Angered by the NNPCL’s absence, the committee, yesterday, issued a 10-day ultimatum, demanding the company’s top executives to appear before the panel by July 10 or face constitutional sanctions.
A letter from NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Dapo Segun, dated June 25, was read at the session.
It cited an ongoing management retreat and requested a two-month extension to prepare necessary documents and responses.
The letter partly read, “Having carefully reviewed your request, we hereby request your kind consideration to reschedule the engagement for a period of two months from now to enable us to collate the requested information and documentation.
“Furthermore, members of the Board and the senior management team of NNPC Limited are currently out of the office for a retreat, which makes it difficult to attend the rescheduled session on Thursday, 26th June, 2025.
“While appreciating the opportunity provided and the importance of this engagement, we reassure you of our commitment to the success of this exercise. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”
But lawmakers rejected the request.
The Committee Chairman, Senator Aliyu Wadada, said NNPCL was not expected to submit documents, but rather provide verbal responses to 11 key questions previously sent.
“For an institution like NNPCL to ask for two months to respond to questions from its own audited records is unacceptable,” Wadada stated.
“If they fail to show up by July 10, we will invoke our constitutional powers. The Nigerian people deserve answers,” he warned.
Other lawmakers echoed similar frustrations.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) insisted that NNPCL’s Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, must personally lead the delegation at the next hearing.
The Tide reports that Ojulari took over from Mele Kyari on April 2, 2025.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) said the two-month request suggested the company had no answers, but the committee would still grant a fair hearing by reconvening on July 10.
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) warned the NNPCL against undermining the Senate, saying, “If they fail to appear again, Nigerians will know the Senate is not a toothless bulldog.”
Last week, the Senate panel grilled Segun and other top executives over what they described as “mind-boggling” irregularities in NNPCL’s financial statements.
The Senate flagged ?103 trillion in accrued expenses, including ?600 billion in retention fees, legal, and auditing costs—without supporting documentation.
Also questioned was another ?103 trillion listed under receivables. Just before the hearing, NNPCL submitted a revised report contradicting the previously published figures, raising more concerns.
The committee has demanded detailed answers to 11 specific queries and warned that failure to comply could trigger legislative consequences.
The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) said over 17 million Nigerians travelled out between 2023 and 2024.
This is as the association announced that it would be organising a maiden edition of Eastern Travel Market 2025 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital from 27th to 30th August, 2025.
Vice Chairman of NANTA, Eastern Zone, Hope Ehiogie, disclosed this during a news briefing in Port Harcourt.
Ehiogie explained that the event aims to bring together over 1,000 travel professionals to discuss the future of the industry in the nation and give visibility to airlines, hospitality firms, hospitals and institutions in the South-South and South-East, tagged Eastern Zone.
He stated that the 17 million number marks a significant increase in overseas travel and tours.
According to him, “Nigerian travel industry has seen significant growth, with 17 million people traveling out of the country in 2023”.
Ehiogie further said the potential of tourism and travel would bring in over $12 million into the nation’s economy by 2026, saying it would be a major spike in the sector, as 2024 recorded about $4 million.
“The potential of tourism and travel is that it can generate about $12 million for the nation’s economy by 2026. Last year it was $4 million.
“In the area of travels, over 17 million Nigerians traveled out of the country two years ago for different purposes. This included, health, religious purposes, visit, education and others,” Ehiogie said.
While highlighting the potential of Nigeria’s tourism, he said the hospitality industry in Nigeria has come of age, saying it is now second to none.
The Vice Chairman of NANTA, Eastern Zone further said, “We are not creating an enabling environment for business to thrive. We need to support the industry and provide the necessary infrastructure for growth.”
He said the country has a lot of tourism potential, especially as the government is now showing interest in and supporting the sector.
Ehiogie emphasized that NANTA has been working to support the industry with initiatives such as training schools and platforms for airlines and hotels to sell their products.
He added, “We now have about four to five training schools in the region, and within two years, the first set of students will graduate. We are helping airlines sell tickets and hotels sell their rooms.”
Also speaking, former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NANTA, Stephen Isokariari of Dial Travels, called for more support from the industry.
Isokariari stated, “We need to work together to grow the industry and contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
“With the right support and infrastructure, the Nigerian travel industry has the potential to make a significant contribution to the nation’s economy.”