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Trans-Kalabari Road On Course, Banigo Affirms …Says DELGA, ASALGA LG Bosses, Replica Of Wike

Published

4 years ago

November 22, 2021

The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has assured that Phase 1 of the Trans-Kalabari Road project was definitely on course, and would be completed on schedule.
Banigo made this assertion during the commissioning of the Chief Amabibi Don Pedro Compound Memorial Hall in Bakana, last Saturday, as part of the celebration of the first 100 days in office of the Degema Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Michael John Williams.
According to Banigo, “The Trans-Kalabari Road is a project that is very much desired by the Kalabari people, it is a complete breakthrough for them and it is something that will elevate their standard of living”.
The deputy governor poured encomiums on the Degema Local Government Chairman, Hon. Michael John Williams; and his Asari Toru counterpart, Hon. Onengiyeofori George; for emulating the State Chief Executive, Chief Nyesom Wike in the area of project execution, adding that the projects have impacted positively on the lives of the people.
“The chairman of Degema has completed this as part of his 100 days programme, it is one of many projects across Degema, the chairman of Asari Toru, who is here, has also done a lot, and I am very proud of them because the projects are quality projects, they are following the style of Governor Nyesom Wike, Mr Quality Projects. The projects have touched the lives of the people; projects that the people desire, that is why they are rejoicing.”
She described them as true replica of Governor Nyesom Wike, and urged the people to continue to keep the peace to attract more development into the area, stressing that the PDP remains the only hope to rescue Nigeria.
Banigo, said that only council chairmen under the control of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), were performing, despite the harsh economy of the country.
“Today, only council chairmen sponsored by our party, PDP, are the ones performing, particularly the Degema Local Government chairman, even though we hear there is no money in the country.
“He is working and following the footsteps of our workaholic Governor, the Mr. Quality Projects; Chief Nyesom Wike, that is why we call him ‘Wike’s Son Number One.’
“Today, we are still celebrating his first 100 Days in office with so many projects littered across the LGA, imagine what he would do as he continues.
“We are grateful to God for giving us a chairman, who loves his people and is doing everything to unite the party and the various communities,” she added.
Banigo thanked party and community leaders in Bakana for maintaining peace in the area, stressing that only a peaceful community would attract development.
She emphasised that politics should bring about, unity, peace and development, warning that any political party that fails to promote the above ideals should not be entrusted with the people’s mandate.
Commenting on the newly built edifice, the deputy governor noted that it was first of its kind, as it was very unique and iconic.
She stated that the Wike-led administration meant well for the Kalabari people, that was why it commenced the historic Trans-Kalabari Road Project, which would be completed within next year, as well as embarking on several other projects in Kalabari land, including the soon-to-be commissioned ultra-modern secondary school in Bakana.
The first female deputy governor in Rivers State, while drumming support for the administration of the council chairman, urged the people to remain resolute in their support for the PDP, as that was the only party that would deliver without excuses.
Earlier, a Second Republic politician and Chief in Pedro’s Compound, Chief Hon. Levy Braide, disclosed that he and others recently ditched their former party; the APC for the PDP, owing to the superlative performances of the Council Chairman at the LGA and Governor Wike at the State levels, adding; “now we have what to campaign with.”
Braide, who represented Degema Constituency in the State Assembly and later became Commissioner for Works in the Chief Melford Okilo administration, expressed joy that what he had planned to do for the compound over 40 years ago, but failed to achieve, had been accomplished by Hon. Michael John Williams–a proud son of the compound, in just about three months of his administration.
He added; “the projects we are seeing everywhere across Degema today is a clear statement that Michael John Williams is the David that God ordained to give Bakana and the entire Degema LGA a facelift.”
While thanking the governor for commencing the first phase of the Trans-Kalabari Road, Braide, appealed to the governor to kindly consider Bakana and Ogurama communities in the second phase, as according to him, the people were experiencing great difficulty accessing their communities, especially as they have to spend several hours struggling with tankers along the Abonnema Wharf road at a great risk to their lives.
He added that in the alternative, a pontoon system could be established by the state government with internal roads, to address the avoidable losses of lives due to boat mishaps.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Michael John Williams, who disclosed that he would continue to execute projects that would make the governor proud and impact positively on the lives of the citizenry, described Bakana as a peaceful community.
He expressed gratitude to the deputy governor for leading him to Christ whom he said was his foundation.
Williams stated that during the campaigns, he assured the people of the LGA that the PDP administration under Governor Nyesom Wike would not put them to shame.
He disclosed that when his administration commenced the project, naysayers expressed doubts about its completion, but to the glory of God it was completed within the first 100 days of the administration
Williams eulogised the deputy governor for her motherly role in his life and political career, assuring that his administration would not let her and the people of Degema down, but would continue to do more to better the LGA.
Earlier, the PDP Chairman, Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Abbey had said he was proud of the developmental strides of the council chairman, noting that the people of the area made no mistakes in electing Hon. Michael John Williams into office.
Abbey, who is also the chairman of the Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI) in DELGA, stated that Bakana and the entire LGA were not regretting in voting for Hon. Williams, adding that the PDP leadership, both in the LGA and state levels were proud of the sterling performance of the DELGA council boss.
He said the deputy governor honoured the invitation to come and commission the project because she knew that her son had delivered, assuring that; “what you are seeing here today is just a tip of the iceberg, more is on the way.”
Highpoint of the day was presentation of a portrait to the council chairman by youths of the Amabibi Don Pedro Compound, in appreciation of his kind gesture.
There were cultural displays from Iria dance group and others to entertain guests.
The occasion was attended by dignitaries across the state, including the Special Guest of Honour; the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo; the DELGA Council Chairman, Hon. Michael John Williams; and his Vice, Mrs. Maureen Harry; Chairman of Asari-Toru LGA, Hon. Onengiyeofori George; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Roland Obed-Whyte.
Others include; PDP Chairman in DELGA, Hon. Peter Abbey, his predecessors; Hon. Elias Davies; and Hon. Tonye Tyger; former caretaker committee chairman of DELGA, Mrs. Okorite Adiele; and former Commissioner for Special Duties in Rivers State, Dr. Emily Solomon.
The rest include Leader of the Degema Legislative Assembly, Hon. Johnson Eugene; councillors across the 17 wards of the LGA, chiefs, top functionaries and other appointees of the council, PDP chairmen across the 17 wards of the LGA, party chieftains, amongst others.

Featured

PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

5 days ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed the lifting of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members, yesterday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the State, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added.

Featured

RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Eteh Ibas (Rtd), has approved the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex to enhance efficiency and productivity in the civil service.

Ibas made the announcement at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday,.

He disclosed that “initiative is designed to transform the secretariat into a modern, efficient and conducive work environment, directly supporting the civil servants who form the backbone of the state’s governance.”

The Administrator also approved the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants in the State.

Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration.

He stated that the awards ceremony was a symbol of deep appreciation for decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment.

“These interventions are designed to not only recognize your service, but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” the Administrator stated.

“We must build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he added.

The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.

He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and continuous training to build a civil service equipped for the future.

The Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, in her welcome address, described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed profound gratitude to the Administrator for his unwavering support and commitment to its modernization.“

“A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation,” Dr. Brown remarked, lauding the retirees as torchbearers of discipline and loyalty.

She pledged to build on their legacy through reforms and innovation, projecting that the Rivers State Civil Service would become a model of efficiency and transparency by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor,

expressed heartfelt appreciation for the historic recognition.

“For once, since the creation of the State, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, adding, “Our morale has been lifted.”

He pledged the association’s continuous support for government programmes, describing the body of experienced retirees as a resource available to contribute to state development.

The rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and the new housing scheme represent a major investment in the infrastructure and dignity of public service in Rivers State, signaling a new era of support for the civil servants who drive the government’s policies and programmes.

The Tide reports that the Administrator also conferred awards of meritorious service on retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State

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Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

3 weeks ago

September 1, 2025

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government election in the State, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched three local governments.

According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.

APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.

The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.

Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.

Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.

Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.

The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.

Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas

Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.

National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.

John Bibor & King Onunwor