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Be Submissive To Succeed, Wike, Wife Counsel New Couple …As Stakeholders Grace Onyinyechi Aguma’s Wedding
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, and his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike have advised a new couple, Mr Ogbeide Derrick Oigiagbe and his wife, former Miss Onyinyechi Afoma Emmanuel-Aguma to be submissive and respect each other for their marriage to succeed.
Onyinyechi, who is the daughter of the Rivers State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Inime Chinwenwo-Aguma, tied the nuptial knot with her darling, Mr Ogbeide Oigiagbe at the Corpus Christi Cathedral, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
Wike had during the traditional marriage of the couple at Aguma family house at Ogbunabali, Port Harcourt, earlier on Tuesday, advised them to be wary of gossipmongers and be submissive to each other for their marriage to succeed.
The governor urged them to resist anyone that may want to meddle in their marital affairs.
He said the advise was pertinent because some persons who might be pretending to be their friends, may actually be staunch foes who are not pleased with their union.
He admonished Mr Oigiagbe to bear in mind that as the head of the family, he must not shy away from his responsibility to provide the basic needs of his wife and future children.
“You lose your being a man when you cannot, from week-to-week, month-to-month, provide money for your household. To be a man means that you have to take care of the basic needs of the family. If you cannot, the marriage will not work”, Wike said.
The governor urged Oigiagbe not to be incensed whenever he discovers his wife was catering to the needs of her mother and siblings.
“Bear in mind that she will take care of her family. As a man, your focus is your wife. But, she must take care of her parents, and you, don’t forget to take care of your parents too.”
He said that although disagreements in marriage were inevitable, the couple must cultivate the right habit of settling any conflict without external interference.
Wike enjoined mothers of the couple to allow them to bond together, and minimise unwarranted visits at any slightest opportunity.
The governor reminded the couple that the union was designed to last forever, and expressed optimism that the marriage would succeed.
“I believe and know that this marriage will be a successful one because the couple have made it so”, he said.
Dignitaries present at the wedding ceremony included former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili, and his wife and Justice of the Supreme Court,Justice Mary Odili; former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia; Senator Olaka Nwogu; former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Austin Opara; members of the Rivers State Executive Council; among others.
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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